How can pump cavitation be avoided?

To avoid pump cavitation, it is crucial to ensure that the Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa) is greater than the Net Positive Suction Head required (NPSHr) by the pump. NPSHa represents the energy available to the pump in the form of fluid pressure, while NPSHr is the minimum pressure needed at the pump inlet to maintain the necessary hydraulic conditions for it to operate without cavitating.

When NPSHa is greater than NPSHr, there is sufficient pressure to prevent the formation of vapor bubbles in the fluid being pumped. If the pressure falls below NPSHr, cavitation can occur, leading to potential damage to the pump due to the collapse of vapor bubbles, which causes shock waves and can erode pump components.

Other methods, such as increasing the pump's power supply or adding more liquid to the pump, may not directly address the fundamental aspects of cavitation prevention. They may offer temporary relief but do not guarantee that NPSHa exceeds NPSHr. Similarly, decreasing the speed of the pump might alter the performance, but if NPSHa and NPSHr conditions are not properly managed, cavitation can still take place. Thus, the correct approach to preventing pump cav