What causes pump cavitation?

Pump cavitation occurs when the pressure of the liquid being pumped falls below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles within the pump. These bubbles can collapse violently when they move into regions of higher pressure, causing shock waves that can damage the pump components.

The correct answer highlights a key factor in this phenomenon: the presence of air in the suction line. When air enters the suction line, it can lead to a decrease in the overall pressure of the liquid being fed into the pump. This reduced pressure can bring the liquid close to its vapor pressure, which is a critical condition for cavitation to occur. Essentially, the air creates a situation where the pump is not able to adequately draw in liquid, leading to the formation of vapor pockets.

Other causes listed have their relevance in pump operations, but they do not directly lead to cavitation in the same way. A very high flow rate can potentially increase turbulence and lead to hydraulic issues, but it doesn’t directly relate to vapor formation in the same manner as air ingress does. An inadequate power supply can cause the pump to operate inefficiently, but it does not inherently induce the conditions for cavitation. Similarly, a clogged discharge line can create back pressure that has its own operational challenges, but