Cavitation – Definition and Pronunciation
What is Cavitation?
Cavitation is a process occurring within the impeller of a centrifugal pump when pressure at the inlet to the impeller falls below that of the vapour pressure of the liquid being pumped. Bubbles of vapour which are formed collapse with considerable impulse force in the higher-pressure regions at the impeller. Significant damage can occur to the impeller surfaces.
Examples of Cavitation
Propeller cavitation may be found on the propellers of faster boats, usually indicated by areas of polished or pitted blades. Severe pitting calls for a replacement propeller but, again, it’s worth calling in the expert before you take action.
From “Stern Gear – Technical Recommendations for Inspection and Maintenance”.
Few people stop to realize it but the bigger a motor is – the propellers on these V-6 babies average a whopping nineteen inches in diameter! — the more important tilt adjustment is. One reason is that the cavitation plate just above the propeller is quite large, and if not running parallel to the line of water flow it can develop considerable up- or down-thrust.
From “Boat Outboard Motors”.
When operating booster pumps in series with primary pumps, the primary pump discharge will not usually be throttled as this is likely to cause cavitation in the booster pump which in turn will damage it.
From “Features of cargo delivery LNG/LPG carriers”.
Pronunciation of Cavitation
