Cavitation is a major cause of malfunctions in hydraulic pumps, but what is cavitation in pumps? CJ Plant has been specialising in hydraulic pump repairs for more than 20 years, and we see the symptoms of cavitation all the time. We’ve put together this complete guide, covering what cavitation is, how it happens, the effects and how it can be prevented.
If you’re concerned about cavitation in your hydraulic pumps, book a free inspection today by calling 01527 870 793.
What is Cavitation in Hydraulic Pumps?
So, before we discuss symptoms, prevention or anything else, let’s answer the simplest question: what is cavitation in pumps? Cavitation inside hydraulic pumps is a form of internal erosion caused by areas of low pressure. It can damage the interior of the pump housing as well as the impeller, leading to unusually loud operation as well as performance issues.
It’s a problem we often see, but there are some fairly obvious symptoms to help you spot it early, as well as some prevention techniques to avoid it developing in the first place.
How Does Pump Cavitation Happen?
In hydraulic pumps, cavitation occurs when the fluid inside the pump hits a pocket of low pressure and begins to boil. Low pressure is common inside pumps around the eye of the impeller.
As the hydraulic fluid boils, it forms tiny bubbles which then implode as they return to higher pressure areas, sending shockwaves in all directions. When this happens repeatedly, as inside a fast-rotating pump, it erodes the inside of the pump, damaging the housing and impeller.
There are two overarching causes for pump cavitation:
- Too much pressure – if the pump or its components aren’t designed to properly handle the required pressure, or if the pump cannot discharge fluid fast enough, turbulence can build up, damaging internal components.
- Too little pressure – systems that don’t have enough pressure can also experience cavitation. A lack of pressure or an excess of vacuum can lead to fluid starvation and a buildup of bubbles.
What Are The Effects of Cavitation in Hydraulic Pumps?
Now we’ve answered the question ‘what is cavitation in pumps?’ and examined how it happens, how do you spot it in your pumps?
There are a number of indicators that your hydraulic pump might be suffering from cavitation:
- Unusual noises – the most obvious and easily identifiable symptom of cavitation in pumps is unusual noises. These noises can sound like popping or gravel inside your system.
- Power variations – your system might be demanding more energy without any increase in output.
- Poor pressure – damage to the inside of your system can cause a noticeable reduction in output pressure.
- Debris in fluid – you might notice particulates in your hydraulic fluid, which may be tiny pieces of pump housing or impeller.
- Vibration – your pump may vibrate unusually while in operation as a result of pressure issues or internal wear.
What To Do If Cavitation Happens in Your Hydraulic Pump
If you spot any signs of cavitation in your hydraulic pump, the safest course of action is to stop using it immediately. Continued use could exacerbate the issue and lead to the need for more extensive and costly repairs. Because the issues are internal, your pump will need to be disassembled and inspected to properly identify the extent and likely cause of the cavitation. If you have the in-house expertise, you may be able to do this yourself. Otherwise, it’s best to send your pump to an expert repair provider for thorough inspection.
Can Pump Cavitation be Prevented?
There are a number of ways that pump cavitation can be prevented:
- Select the right pump – the first step to preventing cavitation is to choose the right pump for your needs. This means, in terms of size and performance capabilities, ensuring internal pressure is maintained at the right level.
- Design your system properly – as well as selecting the right pump, it’s important to make sure the rest of your system is up to scratch, and that all the components can handle the required pressures.
- Monitor performance curves – keep an eye on your pump’s operation and monitor the performance curves, ensuring they stay within the recommended parameters.
Hydraulic Pump Repairs With CJ Plant
Hopefully we’ve helped answer the question ‘what is cavitation in pumps?’ and provided a little background on how it happens and how you can prevent it.
If you ever notice signs of cavitation in your hydraulic pumps, don’t ignore it and risk further damage, send it to us for a free inspection. We diagnose any faults and provide a full repair quote free of charge before cleaning, fully restoring and returning your pump. We can even provide expert advice to help you avoid future issues.
To book your free inspection, just call us now on 01527 870 793, email us at tracey.jones@cjplant.com or fill out our contact form.