CAVITATION IS AN UNDESIRABLE condition that reduces pump efficiency and leads to excessive wear and damage to pump components. Factors that can contribute to cavitation, such as fluid velocity and pressure, can sometimes be attributed to an inadequate mud system design and/or the diminishing performance of the mud pumps feed system. Other factors that contribute to cavitation include: ? Improper sizing of charge pump; ? Improper maintenance of charge pump impellers - worn impellers cause a reduction of fluid pressure; ? Dirty or clogged charge pump feed and discharge lines; ? Improper size of plumbing from charge pump to mud pump; ? Elevation changes and excessive elbows in plumbing from mud tank to mud pump; and ? Lack of or inadequate suction and discharge dampening.
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