Detection of cavitation in situ operation of kinetic pumps: Effect of cavitation on the characteristic discrete frequency component

Cavitation within a pump causes structural vibration with noise, among other by-products. Experiments have shown that there is a discrete frequency or broadband peak within the audible noise spectra, which is in strong correlation with the development of the cavitation process in the pump. Furthermore, the peak of the discrete frequency, or broadband peak, coincides with the net positive suction head (NPSH) critical value, which corresponds to a 3% drop in the total delivery head. Therefore, the discrete frequency tone can be used to detect the incipience of cavitation and its development as well as to determine the NPSH required or critical value with in situ operation of a pump. In this study, we wanted to clarify the mechanism of noise generation, which is responsible for the discrete frequency component and on which cavitation has an important effect. For this purpose, three different measurement methods were used: the first is based on measurement of the sound pressure level (SPL) in the surrounding air, the second is based on measurement of the underwater acoustics and the third is based on measurement of the structural vibration. Experiments have shown that the characteristic discrete frequency tone, which is in close correlation with the cavitation process, is a result of structural vibrations (modes) or resonances caused by implosion of bubbles and bombardment of the inner surfaces of the pump.