The following guidelines should be applied to
overcome the problem:-
Cavitation is a common occurrence but is the least
avoid unnecessary valves and bends in the
understood of all pumping problems. suction pipe
Your pump is cavitating if knocking noises and
use eccentric reducers, not concentric
vibrations can be heard when it is operating. The
noise and vibration are caused by vapour 'bubbles'

ensure the straight side of the eccentric reducer
is to the top
collapsing when the liquid 'boils'. Other signs of

avoid long suction lines

keep the suction pipe at least as large in
cavitation are erratic power consumption and
fluctuation or reduction in output.
diameter as the pump inlet connection
If you continue to operate your pump when it is
cavitating, it will be damaged. Impeller surfaces and
use long radius bends
pump bowls will pit and wear, eventually leading to
increase the size of valves and pipework
mechanical destruction.
avoid air intake into the suction line





ensure adequate submergence over the foot
valve. The submergence should be at least 5.3
When water enters a pump, its velocity increases times the suction diameter.
causing a reduction in pressure within the pumping
unit. If this pressure falls too low, the water will  
 

vaporise, forming bubbles entrained in the liquid.

One solution may be to reduce the required net
These bubbles collapse violently as they move to
positive suction head. This can done by lowering the
areas of higher pressure. This is cavitation.
pump speed. However, this will also result in
The pressure required to operate a pump satisfactorily reduced output from the pump which may not suit
and avoid cavitation is called net positive suction head your system.
(NPSH). You must ensure that the head available at
If pump suction conditions cannot be improved, you
the pump inlet exceeds the NPSH required. The
should seek expert assistance. It may be that your
NPSH required is specified by the pump
pumping system needs to be redesigned.
manufacturer, and is a function of the pump design.




  
Your local office of the Department of Natural
As this problem relates only to the suction side of the
Resources may be able to assist you further with
pump all prevention measures should be directed at
this topic or water supply, irrigation or drainage
this area.
generally. Call them for details of other Water
Avoid suction lifts that are too high. As a general rule Facts, available services and associated charges. ■
centrifugal pumps located less than 4 metres above
the water level should not experience cavitation.

 August 1994 Produced by: Rural Water Advisory Services DNRQ96010

©The State of Queensland Author: G Swann, South East Region ISSN 1327-5364