Cavitation primarily occurs in a centrifugal pump at which location?

Cavitation primarily occurs in a centrifugal pump at the suction line and impeller due to the drop in pressure that can occur as fluid enters the pump. When the pressure at the suction line falls below the vapor pressure of the liquid being handled, vapor bubbles can form. These bubbles can enter the impeller. As they pass through areas of higher pressure within the impeller, they collapse or implode, which can cause significant damage to the pump components.

This phenomenon is typically influenced by factors such as high temperatures, low fluid levels, or high pump speeds, all of which can lead to inadequate pressure at the pump's inlet. The nature of centrifugal pumps, which rely on converting kinetic energy into pressure energy, makes the design and operation particularly sensitive to changes in suction conditions, underscoring the importance of maintaining proper suction pressure to avoid cavitation.

In contrast, cavitation does not occur in the pressure line, discharge line, or expansion valve, as these components do not generally experience conditions conducive to dropping below the vapor pressure of the fluid. Instead, they primarily experience higher pressure or controlled flow conditions that do not lead to bubble formation.