Analysis of the calculation methods of cavitation reserve of plunger pumps

Abstract

One of the factors influencing the operation of hydraulic system components (such as pumps, pipelines, and control valves) under the intense movement of single- and multiphase liquid media is cavitation. Detailed research on cavitation is crucial as this phenomenon can have serious consequences for hydraulic system components, including increased wear, reduced operational lifespan, and decreased efficiency. Various methodologies are employed to determine the acceptable cavitation margin. However, a separate methodology is utilized for determining the cavitation margin in systems with plunger pumps, which is outlined in this article along with an analysis of its components affecting the cavitation margin. Each component is examined in detail, along with modern methods for determining or calculating each of them. An analysis of factors influencing the cavitation margin size is conducted. Conclusions are drawn regarding possible ways to increase the cavitation margin in systems with plunger pumps, including increasing the pressure on the liquid surface in the reservoir, raising the geodetic height between the liquid surface and the pump's axial line, reducing pressure losses due to friction in the suction pipeline, lowering the temperature of the pumped fluid, reducing the impact of flow acceleration pressure for plunger pumps by shortening the suction line length, increasing its diameter to reduce flow velocity, decreasing the pump shaft speed, utilizing flow stabilizers on the suction line, and installing booster pumps using PI control and nonlinear control. Comprehensive research into cavitation processes in pumps and pump system parts, parti- cularly when employing plunger pumps, will serve as the foundation for future research. Understanding the origins and consequences of cavitation, as well as developing techniques to eliminate it, will be essential.