Which steps help mitigate cavitation in a pump?

Which steps help mitigate cavitation in a pump?

• A. Run at maximum throttle.
• B. Ensure adequate suction pressure and prime; avoid running with insufficient water; avoid sudden throttle increases; check for air leaks.
• C. Close the suction line.
• D. Ignore cavitation signs.

Answer: (B)

Cavitation happens when suction pressure falls below the liquid’s vapor pressure, causing vapor bubbles to form and then collapse as they move into higher pressure areas, which erodes the pump and reduces performance. To mitigate it, keep the intake filled and pressurized so the pump has adequate suction pressure and is properly primed; avoid operating with insufficient water; avoid abrupt throttle changes that can spike flow and drop suction pressure; and inspect for air leaks in the suction line, as leaks draw air and reduce effective suction. These steps help maintain the required Net Positive Suction Head and prevent air pockets that lead to cavitation. Running at full throttle can worsen suction conditions, closing the suction line starves the pump, and ignoring cavitation signs allows damage to continue, so they’re not appropriate approaches.