🔍 Key Concepts

• Cavitation in centrifugal pumps – what it is and why it happens • Effect of two pumps drawing from the same suction source (single tank) • How suction and discharge valves affect pressure and flow in a pump

💭 Think About

• Think about what cavitation tells you about the pressure and flow conditions at the suction side of the pump. • If both pumps on the same tank start cavitating, what does that say about the available NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) from the tank? • For each choice, ask: does this action make it easier or harder for liquid to reach the pump impeller without forming vapor bubbles?

✅ Before You Answer

• Which action will reduce suction lift or increase suction pressure at the pump inlet? • Which options would actually worsen cavitation by increasing restriction on the suction side or overloading the pumps? • Remember that cavitation is primarily a suction-side problem, not usually solved by restricting discharge flow in this type of ballast service.