Which term describes a condition in centrifugal pumps when internal pressure is too low due to high flow?

Which term describes a condition in centrifugal pumps when internal pressure is too low due to high flow?

• A. Water hammer
• B. Priming
• C. Cavitation
• D. Air lock

Answer: (C)

Cavitation occurs when the pressure inside a centrifugal pump drops below the liquid’s vapor pressure, typically when flow is high or suction conditions are poor. That pressure drop causes tiny vapor bubbles to form in the liquid near the impeller eye; as these bubbles move to higher-pressure areas, they collapse violently, creating shock waves that can erode surfaces and reduce pump performance. This is distinct from water hammer (pressure surge from valve closures), priming (filling the pump with liquid to start), and air lock (trapped air preventing flow). If the suction head isn’t enough to keep the liquid from vaporizing, cavitation is more likely to occur, especially at high flow rates.

Cavitation occurs when the pressure inside a centrifugal pump drops below the liquid’s vapor pressure, typically when flow is high or suction conditions are poor. That pressure drop causes tiny vapor bubbles to form in the liquid near the impeller eye; as these bubbles move to higher-pressure areas, they collapse violently, creating shock waves that can erode surfaces and reduce pump performance. This is distinct from water hammer (pressure surge from valve closures), priming (filling the pump with liquid to start), and air lock (trapped air preventing flow). If the suction head isn’t enough to keep the liquid from vaporizing, cavitation is more likely to occur, especially at high flow rates.