Pump Cavitation – Physics, Prediction, Control, Troubleshooting
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Date
2018
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Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Abstract
This short course gives insight into roto-dynamic pump cavitation and provides
deeper understanding of particulars like cavitation inception, three-percent head
drop, 40,000 hours life criterion, cavitation damage potential, NPSHR scaling laws, the
effect dissolved gas, and thermodynamic effect for hot water and hydrocarbons.
Furthermore, empirical correlations for predicting various types of NPSHR and the
use of CFD will be discussed. Moreover, suction specific speed and suction energy will
be critically reviewed along with criteria for NPSHA margin. Also the effect of fluid
transients and viscosity will be addressed. The cavitation damage potential will be
fully explained by the “Cavitation Modes Map”, which reflects fundamental insight
gained since the 1940’s; here in particular the striking departure in shape from the
NPSH3 curve for part flows is highlighted, being a key reason of many cavitation
pump problems. Attention is further devoted to Impeller Life Expectancy and
Cavitation Control with modern designs tools. In conclusion, four field case studies
will demonstrate the use of cavitation failure analysis and solution strategy.
Description
Short Courses