REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF EXISTING METHODS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CAVITATION OF PUMPING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The article examines cavitation processes in vane pumps when pumping hydrocarbon mixtures of petroleum origin in conditions of main pipeline systems. It is shown that cavitation in such media is nonequilibrium in nature and is accompanied by a thermal effect leading to a decrease in the critical pressure in the cavitation zone. It was found that the critical pressure can be lower than the saturated vapor pressure, determined by the temperature in the suction line. Based on experimental and analytical studies, an expression has been obtained for calculating the critical cavitation pressure, taking into account the thermodynamic correction. It is shown that the permissible cavitation reserve of pumps when operating on hydrocarbon mixtures can be 40-60% lower than the values obtained during tests on water. The results obtained can be used in the design and operation of pumping stations of main pipelines to increase their reliability and energy efficiency.