Detection of incipient cavitation and the best efficiency point of a 2.2MW centrifugal pump using Acoustic Emission

Abstract

Pumps play a significant role in industrial plants and need continuous monitoring to minimize loss of production. This paper investigates the application of acoustic emission (AE) for detecting incipient cavitation. This paper also presents results from an on-going program to ascertain the applicability of the AE technique for determining the best efficiency point (BEP) of an operating system. A large-scale pump rig (2.2MW) formed the basis of this investigation on which a series of NPSH and performance tests were undertaken. Results obtained demonstrate the successful use of the AE technique for detecting incipient cavitation. Furthermore, it is shown that the AE technique can clearly identify the BEP for a system employing pumps. 1.