What factor primarily prevents cavitation in pumps?

Proper suction design is crucial in preventing cavitation in pumps because it ensures that the fluid is fed into the pump at an appropriate velocity and pressure. When the suction design is optimized, it minimizes the risk of pressure dropping too low, which can lead to the formation of vapor bubbles in the liquid.

When these bubbles travel with the flow into areas of higher pressure within the pump, they collapse violently, causing cavitation. This can result in damage to the pump components, including impellers and casings, and reduce overall efficiency.

A well-designed suction system accounts for factors such as the proper sizing of pipes, the angle of bends, and the arrangement of valves. This ensures adequate net positive suction head (NPSH) which is essential to maintain a pressure that is above the vapor pressure of the fluid being pumped, thereby preventing cavitation from occurring.

Other factors, such as fluid temperature and flow rate, may influence pump performance but fundamentally, it is the design of the suction system that plays a critical role in preventing cavitation.