Engineering · Auxiliary — Pumps
Cavitation in a centrifugal pump occurs when:
- ADischarge pressure is too high
- BSuction pressure falls below the liquid's vapor pressure, forming and collapsing vapor bubbles✓ Correct
- CThe pump is overfilled with liquid
- DThe motor runs too slowly
Explanation
If local pressure at the impeller drops below vapor pressure (insufficient NPSH), vapor bubbles form and then collapse violently, causing noise, vibration, loss of head, and impeller erosion.
Authority: Auxiliary Machinery (USCG engineering topic)
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