Cavitation in pumps most directly leads to which symptom?

Cavitation in pumps most directly leads to which symptom?

• A. Increased noise and vibrations
• B. Reduced motor current
• C. Higher chemical concentration
• D. Improved efficiency

Answer: (A)

Cavitation in pumps directly causes increased noise and vibrations. When the local pressure in the pump drops below the liquid’s vapor pressure, vapor bubbles form. As the pump continues, those bubbles collapse violently, sending shock waves through the fluid and the pump structure. This mechanical action manifests as audible noise and noticeable vibrations in the pump and piping. So the most direct symptom is increased noise and vibrations. The other options aren’t the direct telltale signs. Reduced motor current isn’t typical for cavitation; the unstable flow and added load from cavitation usually can drive motor current up rather than down. A higher chemical concentration isn’t a direct consequence of cavitation. And improved efficiency would be the opposite of what cavitation does—cavitation lowers efficiency due to energy losses from bubble formation and collapse.

Cavitation in pumps directly causes increased noise and vibrations. When the local pressure in the pump drops below the liquid’s vapor pressure, vapor bubbles form. As the pump continues, those bubbles collapse violently, sending shock waves through the fluid and the pump structure. This mechanical action manifests as audible noise and noticeable vibrations in the pump and piping. So the most direct symptom is increased noise and vibrations.

The other options aren’t the direct telltale signs. Reduced motor current isn’t typical for cavitation; the unstable flow and added load from cavitation usually can drive motor current up rather than down. A higher chemical concentration isn’t a direct consequence of cavitation. And improved efficiency would be the opposite of what cavitation does—cavitation lowers efficiency due to energy losses from bubble formation and collapse.