What happens to the efficiency of a pump when cavitation occurs?

When cavitation occurs in a pump, the efficiency of the pump decreases. Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles within the fluid being pumped, which typically happens when the pressure in the pump falls below the vapor pressure of the liquid. As these vapor bubbles form and then collapse, they can cause a number of detrimental effects, including vibration, noise, and damage to the pump components.

The presence of vapor bubbles disrupts the normal flow of liquid through the pump, leading to a reduction in hydraulic performance. This disruption results in decreased flow rates and head capabilities, which collectively contribute to lower overall efficiency. Essentially, the pump is unable to move liquid as effectively as it should, leading to energy losses and reduced performance.

An important aspect of this process is that the creation and collapse of vapor bubbles not only impair the pump’s ability to function properly but can also result in physical damage to impellers and other components over time. Given these impacts, it is clear that cavitation is detrimental to the efficiency of a pump.