Cavitation in Pumps: The Silent Enemy of Your Industrial System

**Summary:** Explore in detail the cavitation phenomenon in industrial pump systems, which leads to performance degradation, high energy consumption, and serious equipment damage. Discover how cavitation occurs, its underlying causes (especially **NPSH**), the tangible damage it causes to pumps, and how this destructive situation can be prevented with ORFA Industrial's engineering solutions.

What is cavitation in pumps and how does it occur?

Pumps, indispensable elements of fluid transfer in industrial facilities, face a dangerous phenomenon called **cavitation** if they are not operated correctly or if system conditions are not suitable. Cavitation is a condition that reduces pump performance, increases energy consumption, and most importantly, can cause serious damage to pump components.

Definition and Mechanism of Cavitation

Cavitation is the phenomenon in which vapor bubbles form within a liquid when its pressure falls below its vaporization pressure.

1. Bubble Formation: This usually occurs on the **suction side** (inlet) of the pump, at points where large pressure drops are experienced due to the rotation of the impeller.
2. Bubble Bursting: As the vapor bubbles form and move towards the discharge side of the pump, they reach areas where the pressure is rapidly increasing. Here, the bubbles burst suddenly and with great force (implode).

These explosions create microscopic but high-energy shock waves in the pump impeller, casing, and other internal surfaces, leading to cavities and material loss. Over time, these small damages grow, severely reducing the pump's performance and causing permanent failures.

Key Causes of Cavitation (NPSH Focused)

All the causes that trigger cavitation basically focus on the system's **Net Positive Suction Head (NPSHa)** being lower than the **(NPSHr)** value required by the pump:

• Low Suction Pressure (NPSHa < NPSHr): Insufficient absolute pressure on the suction side of the system causes the liquid to evaporate.
• High Liquid Temperature: As temperature increases, vapor pressure rises, significantly increasing the risk of cavitation.
• Excessive Losses in the Suction Line: Long, narrow lines, numerous elbows, and partially closed valves increase friction losses, reducing suction pressure.
• High Pump Speed: If the pump impeller rotates faster than necessary, it can create a larger vacuum on the suction side.
• Incorrect Pump Selection: Choosing a pump that does not meet the system's requirements (especially the NPSHr value) is one of the most common causes of cavitation.

Damage and Symptoms Caused by Cavitation in Pumps

Cavitation not only reduces efficiency but also compromises the physical integrity of the pump:

Ways to Prevent Cavitation with ORFA Industrial Pumps

A. Precautions to be Taken in System Design

1. Ensuring NPSHa > NPSHr: Ensure the system's suction pressure is above the value required by the pump.
2. Suction Line Optimization: Short, wide suction lines with a minimum number of elbows should be preferred.
3. Lowering the Liquid Temperature: If possible, lowering the liquid temperature reduces the vapor pressure, thereby reducing the risk.

B. Choosing the Right Equipment with ORFA

ORFA Industrial offers solutions designed to minimize the risk of cavitation:

• Optimized Hydraulic Design: ORFA pumps feature hydraulic vane and impeller geometries with optimized suction performance (NPSHr).
• Durable Material Selection: Stainless steels (e.g., 316L ) or special alloys resistant to the effects of cavitation are preferred.
• Expert Consulting: ORFA Industrial experts are always at your service to help you select the most suitable pump for your system, with a low **NPSHr** value.

Result: Efficient Operation While Protecting Against Cavitation

Cavitation in pumps is a serious problem that should not be ignored, threatening pump lifespan and system efficiency. Early detection of cavitation signs, taking the right precautions, and using quality equipment are key to reducing operating costs and preventing unplanned downtime.

With ORFA Industrial 's reliable pump solutions and expert support, you too can minimize the risk of cavitation in your systems and ensure long-lasting, efficient pump operation.