Hydronic Pump Cavitation | HVAC Water Problems

Hydronic Pump Cavitation - Pump cavitation can cause severe problems to a pump if not addressed and corrected. To understand the cause of cavitation you need to understand the pressure-temperature relationship of the liquid in the loop. Whether it is water or water/glycol mix. As the water passes through the pump it changes the pressure from the suction side to the discharge side of the pump.

If the water’s static pressure drops too much vapor is created causing tiny bubbles in the water or fluid in the loop passing through the pump. These bubbles are unstable and collapse causing severe turbulence inside the bearing assembly and can damage the impeller. (more…)