What are the possible reasons for gear pump cavitation?
” Cavitation can have several root causes. Some relate to system and component design issues and others are more service related. Cavitation occurs when either air or vapor bubbles form in the suction line fluid and are subsequently emploded in the pump by the pressured oil. This leads to microjets of oil pounding and eroding adjacent surfaces. Below is a list of possible contributing causes of cavitation: 1. Tank design issues. Turbulence in the tank churns the air into the oil or simply doesn’t allow air to be released from the oil. This can be caused by plunging oil returns, low oil level, a tank that is too small, lack of proper baffling, etc. 2. Suction-line leaks. Leaks between the tank and the pump can introduce air. Often this is associated with the shaft seal at the pump that allows air to leak in.3. Suction-line restriction. Sometimes suction lines are too long, too narrow or they are simply plugged (e.g., a plugged suction strainer). 4. Insufficient head. Depending on oil vi
