DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

FLUID MACHINERY
MODULE 5

BY:

ENGR. EDARDO L. ALASCO

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

V. MODULE 5 – CAVITATION / NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD

5.1 GOSPEL READING

5.2 INTRODUCTION

5.3 TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

5.4 CAVITATION

5.4.1 CAUSES OF CAVITATION IN CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

5.4.2 BAD EFFECTS OF CAVITATION IN CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

5.4.3 FACTOR AFFECTING CAVITATION

5.5 NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD

5.5.1 NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD AVAILABLE (NPSHA)

5.5.2 NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD REQUIRED (NPSHR)

5.5.3 THINGS TO CONSIDER IN DETERMINING THE VALUE OF

(NPSHR)

5.6 SOLUTION FOR CAVITATION PROBLEM

5.7 CAVITATION PARAMETER

 5.1 GOSPEL READING

Let us put ourselves in the presence of God..

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit..

Proverbs 2:6 and 10, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come

knowledge and understanding. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge

will be pleasant to your soul”

St. John Baptist de la Salle..pray for us.. Live Jesus in our hearts..Forever

5.2 INTRODUCTION

Cavitation is formation of vapor bubbles within a liquid at low-pressure regions that

occur in places where the liquid has been accelerated to high velocities, as in the

operation of centrifugal pumps, water turbines, and marine propellers. Cavitation is

undesirable because it produces extensive erosion of the rotating blades, additional

noise from the resultant knocking and vibrations, and a significant reduction

of efficiency because it distorts the flow pattern. The cavities form when the pressure of

the liquid has been reduced to its vapour pressure; they expand as the pressure is

further reduced along with the flow and suddenly collapse when they reach regions of

higher pressure. The sudden growth and collapse of these vapour cavities cause the

extreme pressures that pit the metal surfaces exposed to the cavitating liquid.

Pumps are designed to work with a full flowing water supply, but in some cases a

flooded inlet is not enough to maintain pressure required to prevent cavitation. The inlet,
or suction side of a pump is the point of lowest pressure in a given

pump. For centrifugal pumps, lowest pressure is near the eye of the impeller.

Cavitation is possible in all pump types and since its principles are essentially the

same, we will focus on centrifugal pumps. The eye is where fluid is drawn into the

impeller and where the rotation of the impeller begins to act on the fluid. When pressure

acting on the liquid (Net Positive Suction Head Available) is too low, bubbles form, and

as the liquid accelerates because of impeller rotation, pressure increases and the

bubbles collapse.

Under normal atmospheric pressure conditions, fluids have predictable vapor pressure.

As the pressure inside the pump falls below the liquid's vapor pressure, bubbles form.

The bubbles collapse when they reach areas of the liquid where the pressure is above

the vapor pressure. In the case of cavitation, this formation and collapse is both rapid

and violent. Disrupted or poorly executed processing lines can cause suction or

discharge pressure to fall, which leads to cavitation.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/science/cavitation

https://www.csidesigns.com/blog/articles/what-is-pump-cavitation-and-how-to-

prevent-it
 5.3 COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, students are expected to:

TLO1. Understand the concept of cavitation in the pump.

TLO2. Analyze the effect of cavitation on any pump set up.

TLO3.Solve problems related to the effect of cavitation in the performance of

pump.

5.4 Cavitation – is a phenomenon which occurs in a centrifugal pump when the

pressure at any point inside the pump drops below the vapor pressure corresponding to

the temperature of the liquid. This result to the formation of bubbles.

- formation of cavities of water vapor in the suction side of the pump

due to low suction pressure.

5.4.1 Causes of cavitation in centrifugal pump:

a. low suction pressure

b. low atmospheric pressure

c. high liquid temperature

d. high velocity

e. rough surfaces and edges

f. sharp bends
 5.4.2 Bad effects of cavitation in centrifugal pump.

a. noise accompanying the collapse of vapor bubbles

b. vibration of the unit

c. decrease in the capacity

d. pitting due to chemical reaction

e. corrosion

5.4.3 Factors affecting cavitation:

To prevent cavitation, the suction pressure must be maintained above

the critical pressure from which it starts. The following point should be considered:

a. the barometric pressure at the point of installation has a definite

influence on the suction lift that can be permitted. It must be considered for any

installation at high altitudes.

b. the liquid temperature should be as low as possible. As the vapor

pressure increases with the temperature, the available suction lift increases.

c. the velocities in the suction line should be kept low and sharp bends

should be avoided to keep friction and turbulence losses at a minimum.

d. the relative inlet velocity should be kept low.

e. careful rounding of inlet edges to an airfol shape, combined with a small

inlet vane thickness, will likewise reduce cavitation.

f. there should be a sufficient number of vanes to guide the water and to

keep the fluid pressure on the vane low.

5.5. Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

- is a term used to describe pump cavitation characteristics.

- it is a pressure head in excess of the saturation pressure of the liquid

being pumped.

- it is the difference between the absolute dynamic pressure of the liquid

measured at the center line of the pump and the saturation pressure

corresponding to the temperature of the liquid at the same point.

5.5.1 Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA)

- net positive suction head that is available or existing at the pump

installation.

NPSHA = 𝐻𝑃 + 𝐻𝑧 - 𝐻𝑉𝑃 - 𝐻𝐿

where: 𝐻𝑃 = head corresponding to the absolute pressure on the

surface of the liquid from which the pump draws

𝐻𝑧 = height of the fluid surface above or below the

impeller centerline

(+) if above the pump center line

(-) if below the pump centerline

𝐻𝑉𝑃 = head corresponding to the vapor pressure of the

liquid at the existing temperature

𝐻𝐿 = head loss because of friction and turbulence between

the surface of the liquid and the pump suction flange.

 5.5.2 Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR)

- is a performance characteristic of a pump and is established

through close loop or valve suppression test conducted by a pump manufacturer.

𝑃𝑔 𝑉2
NPSHR = ( + z) - 𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 + 2𝑔
ɤ

𝑃𝑔
where: ( + z) = corrected pressure to the centerline of pump
ɤ

= gauge pressure at the suction flange

𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 = vapor pressure gauge corresponding to the saturation

pressure of water at a given temperature

𝑉2
= velocity head at suction flange
2𝑔

5.5.3 Things to consider in determining the value of NPSHR

1. The pump’s manufacturer should be consulted to determine the basis of

the stated values of NPSHR.

2. The pumping system designer should provide some margin above the

stated NPSHR when designing to pump suction conditions.

 5.6 Solution for cavitation problem:

- it is a must that the absolute pressure of the liquid is always above the

vapor pressure corresponding to the temperature of the liquid at the suction line of the

pump. To avoid cavitation, the following should be satisfied:

a. NPSH must be always positive.

b. NPSHA must be always be greater or equal to NPSHR

5.7 Cavitation parameter, e

Cavitation parameter or Thomas-Moody coefficient ,e, is a dimensionless

parameter used to predict the occurrence of cavitation.

𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯𝑹
e= 𝑯

where: H = total dynamic head.

Critical value of e:

e = 0.05 at 𝑁𝑠 = 1,000 rpm

e = 0.10 at 𝑁𝑠 = 2,000 rpm

e = 0.30 at 𝑁𝑠 = 4,000 rpm

For different pump operating speed:

e =0.175 → the beginning of cavitation and the minimum safe

operating value of e.
Example 1. Assume a horizontal shaft-pump handling water at 65oC. The suction

nozzle is 4.72 cm below the pump centerline. The pressure at this point being 221 KPag
𝑚
and the velocity is 2.74 . Will there be cavitation?
𝑠

Solution:

𝑃𝑔 𝑉2
NPSHR = ( + z) - 𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 + 2𝑔
ɤ

𝑃𝑔
( + z) → corrected pressure to the center line of pump or
ɤ

gage pressure at the suction flange

solving for ɤ,

ɤ=ρg

𝑚3
𝑣𝑓 ] 𝑇=65𝐶 = 1.0199 x 10-3 𝑘𝑔

1 1 𝑘𝑔
ρ= = 𝑚3
= 980.5
𝑣𝑓 1.0199 x 10−3 𝑚3
𝑘𝑔

𝑘𝑔 𝑚 𝑁 𝐾𝑁
ɤ = 980.5 (9.81 ) = 9,618.205 = 9.618
𝑚3 𝑠2 𝑚3 𝑚3
 𝐾𝑁
𝑃𝑔 221
𝑚2
hence, ( + z) = ( 𝐾𝑁 + 0.0472 ) = 23.025 m
ɤ 9.618 3
𝑚

𝑃𝑠𝑎𝑡 − 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
and 𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 =
ɤ

𝑃𝑠𝑎𝑡 ] 𝑇=65𝐶 = 25.03 KPa

𝐾𝑁
(25.03− 101.325)
𝑚2
𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 = 𝐾𝑁 = -7.93 m
9.618
𝑚3

𝑚2
𝑉2 (2.74)2
𝑠2
= 𝑚 = 0.383 m
2𝑔 2(9.81 2 )
𝑠

hence, NPSHR = 23.025 m – ( -7.93 m ) + 0.383 m = 31.338 m

NPSHA = 𝐻𝑃 + 𝐻𝑧 - 𝐻𝑉𝑃 - 𝐻𝐿

𝐾𝑁
𝐻𝑃 = 221 + 101.325 = 322.325 𝑚2

𝐾𝑁
322.325
𝑚2
𝐻𝑃 = 𝐾𝑁 = 33.513 m
9.618 3
𝑚

𝐻𝑧 = - 0.0472 m (below the pump center line)

𝐾𝑁
𝑃 ] 25.03 2
𝐻𝑉𝑃 = 𝑠𝑎𝑡 𝑇=65𝐶 = 𝑚
𝐾𝑁 = 2.6 m
ɤ]𝑇=65𝐶 9.618 3
𝑚

𝐻𝐿 = 0

hence, NPSHA = 33.513 m – 0.0472 m – 2.6 m = 30.866 m

Since NPSHA (30.866 m) < NPSHR (31.338 m), therefore there will be

cavitation. Ans
Example 2. Gasoline at 38oC is being drawn from a closed tank having a pressure of

70 KPag. The level of the gasoline in the tank is 2.5 m above the pump centerline. The

suction line friction and turbulence head losses is not significant. The vapor pressure of

the gasoline is 48 KPa and the relative density is 0.72.

A. Will there be cavitation?

B. If the Thomas -Moody coefficient is 0.10 and the discharge is 100 lps, what is the

size of the driven motor required? Pump efficiency is 55%.

Solution:

𝑃𝑔 𝑉2
A. NPSHR = ( + z) - 𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 + 2𝑔
ɤ

𝐾𝑁 𝐾𝑁
ɤ = sp.gr ( ɤ𝐻2𝑂 𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑑. ) = 0.72 (9.81 ) = 7.0632 𝑚3
𝑚3

sp.gr. = 0.72 (relative density)

𝐾𝑁
𝑃𝑔 70
𝑚2
( + z) = 𝐾𝑁 + 2.5 m = 12.41 m
ɤ 7.0632 3
𝑚
 𝐾𝑁
𝑃𝑠𝑎𝑡 − 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 (48− 101.325)
𝑚2
𝐻𝑉𝑃𝑔 = = 𝐾𝑁 = -7.55 m
ɤ 7.0632
𝑚3

NPSHR = 12.41m – ( -7.55 m) = 19.96 m

NPSHA = 𝐻𝑃 + 𝐻𝑧 - 𝐻𝑉𝑃 - 𝐻𝐿
𝐾𝑁
(70+101.325)
𝑚2
𝐻𝑃 = 𝐾𝑁 = 24.256 m
7.0632
𝑚3

𝐻𝑧 = 2.5 m
𝐾𝑁
48
𝑚2
𝐻𝑉𝑃 = 𝐾𝑁 = 6.8 m
7.0632 3
𝑚

𝐻𝐿 = 0

NPSHA = 24.256 m + 2.5 m - 6.8 m = 19.96 m

since NPSHA (19.96 m) = NPSHR (19.96 m), there will be no cavitation. Ans.

B. P=QɤH

𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅
e=
𝐻

𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅 19.96 𝑚
H= = = 199.6 m
𝑒 0.10

𝑚3 𝐾𝑁 𝐾𝑁 𝑚 𝐾𝐽
P = (0.10 )(7.0632 )( 199.6 m ) = 140.98 = 140.98 = 140.98 KW
𝑠 𝑚3 𝑠 𝑠

𝑃
𝑛𝑃 = x 100%
𝑃𝑖𝑛

140.98
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = = 256.33 KW Ans.
0.55
REFERENCES

Online References
Call Reference Material
number or
e-provider
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfk-6fgx-vM
Channel
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okl1GDAuWgs
Channel
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGnGBo-FrlA
Channel
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clVwKynHpB0
Channel

On-Site References
Call Reference Material
number or
e-provider
Call # TA
357.F673 Fluid Mechanics And Hydraulic Machines, Authored and edited by 3G E-learning LLC, USA,
2017 [Place of publication not indicated] : 3G E-learning LLC, c2017.

Call # TA Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Machines,

357.So51 S. K. Som, Gautam Biswas, Suman Chakraborty, Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi, India 2012
2012

Call # Fluid Power Dynamics,R. Keith Mobley.Boston : Newnes, ©2000

620.1/06

Call # Fluid mechanics and machineries, Samuel R. Limonera, Archie B. Maglaya. De La Salle
TA 357 L629 University Press, c1985
1985

Call # Pumps: Principles and Practice, Jaico Pub. House, 2004.

TJ 900.P969
2003

Call # Schaum's Outline of Theory and Problems of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics. Ranald V. Giles
TA 357.
G393 1994 New York: McGraw-Hill, c1994.