Topic:
Cavitation:
Cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs due to a sudden pressure drop. The static pressure of the fluid falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid, leading to the formation of small vapor bubbles in the fluid which implode upon pressure increase. The implosion causes pressure peaks of several hundred bar and temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. The consequences are disastrous for the pump: within a short time, a cavitating pump can become irreparably damaged. The damage can lead to metal particles breaking off and damaging other components in the hydraulic circuit.
Possible causes of cavitation:
- presence of air or water in the oil;
- high oil temperature (high vapor pressure);
- after oil acceleration behind a constriction;
- clogged suction hose;
- too narrow suction line;
- contaminated suction filter;
- oil that is too thick;
- insufficient ventilation of the reservoir.
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