Estimating uncertainty of measurements for cavitation detection in a centrifugal pump

Measurement of noise and vibration signal in audible frequency range to detect cavitation in centrifugal pumps is rather unknown technique. There were already some studies performed on this technique and they showed quite good results. Due to many factors that influence the quality of the measurement, an uncertainty analysis should be performed. This paper deals with estimation of a measurement uncertainty for different kinds of measurement ways to detect the cavitation in a centrifugal pump with noise and vibration signal in audible frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Especially the measurement uncertainties for cavitation detection in broad frequency range and at a discrete frequency were analyzed. Results showed that this technique is reliable despite many possible influences on uncertainty.

Research highlights
► Uncertainty of measurements for cavitation detection in a pump is estimated.
► Noise and vibration signal in audible frequency range is used.
► The highest measurement uncertainty is low enough for reliable measurements.
► A discrete frequency or a broad frequency range can be used to detect cavitation.