The Corrosion Effects of Centrifugal Pumps and Their Installations
Centrifugal pumps have been widely used in various industrial applications as they are a cost-effective and efficient way to move water and other fluids. However, as is the case with any mechanical device, centrifugal pumps are susceptible to corrosion caused by cavitation and erosion. Cavitation refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a liquid when the pressure drops below its vapor pressure, and these bubbles then collapse when the pressure returns to normal. Erosion is caused by the high-velocity impingement of particles or pieces of an abrasive fluid onto the surface of the pump impeller. In this article, we will discuss the effects of these factors on centrifugal pumps and their installation.
When cavitation occurs, the vapor bubbles created can cause damages to the impeller and other interior components of the pump due to their implosive shockwave. In extreme cases, the pressure created by the shockwave can actually damage the casing. When erosion occurs, it can cause increased wear and tear on the pump’s impeller as well as other components. The particles in the fluid can also lead to blockages which can result in increased operating temperatures.
In order to ensure that centrifugal pumps operate effectively, they must be installed properly. This means that the pump must be installed at the right height above the liquid line in order to avoid cavitation issues. If the pump is installed too close to the liquid line, then cavitation is likely to occur due to the pressure from the fluid being lower than the vapor pressure. If the pump is installed too high, then the reduced pressure can lead to inefficient pumping due to reduced velocity.
Similarly, when installing a centrifugal pump, it is important that the pipes and valves used in the piping arrangement are sufficiently large in order to reduce the risk of erosion and blockages. If pipes and valves that are too small are used, then the velocity of the fluid will increase and put more pressure on the pump. This can lead to an increase in the wear and tear of the impeller, leading to more frequent maintenance and more money spent on repairs.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the effects of cavitation and erosion when installing centrifugal pumps. The right height above the liquid line, along with the right size of piping and valves, is necessary in order to ensure that the pump operates correctly and efficiently and that the life of the pump is extended. While these are important factors to consider when installing centrifugal pumps, it is also equally important to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of the pump in order to maintain its effectiveness. Without regular inspection and maintenance, the life of the pump can be greatly decreased and the risk of corrosion, cavitation and erosion can increase.
