What are some adverse effects of pump cavitation?

Pump cavitation occurs when the pressure of a liquid falls below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles within the pump. While these bubbles can collapse violently when they enter areas of higher pressure within the pump, this phenomenon can have several adverse effects.

The correct choice highlights that cavitation reduces pump capacity and can cause significant mechanical damage. Specifically, this reduction in capacity occurs because as cavitation develops, the hydraulic performance of the pump declines. The vapor bubbles take up space that would normally be occupied by liquid, thus decreasing the pump's ability to move fluid effectively. As for mechanical damage, the implosion of these vapor bubbles can generate shock waves that wear away at components such as impellers and casing. Over time, this damage can not only affect the pump’s efficiency but can also lead to complete failure if not addressed, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

In contrast, the other choices describe effects that are contrary to the reality of cavitation, which negatively impacts the pump's operation. Increased capacity and efficiency, improved power consumption stability, and enhanced operational reliability are all outcomes that one would expect from a well-functioning pump, not one experiencing cavitation. These concepts are essential for understanding how to design and maintain pumps effectively in plumbing applications