When does a gear pump experience cavitation?

A gear pump experiences cavitation when the inlet pressure is too low. This condition occurs when the pressure at the pump inlet falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid being handled. When this happens, vapor bubbles form within the fluid, which can lead to a range of issues including loss of prime, reduced performance, and potential damage to the pump components.

Cavitation significantly impacts the functionality of gear pumps because they rely on the continuous movement and sealing of the fluid between the gears and the pump casing. If the inlet pressure is not adequate to keep the fluid in a liquid state, the formation of vapor bubbles disrupts this sealing action and can cause the gears to run inefficiently or even allow for premature wear.

While other factors such as discharge pressure and fluid temperature can affect pump performance and longevity, they do not directly result in cavitation in the way that insufficient inlet pressure does. An oversized pump may lead to operational issues like excessive flow or pressure fluctuations, but these are not the same as cavitation events. Understanding the relationship between inlet pressure and cavitation is crucial for preventing damage and ensuring optimal operation of gear pumps.