What does an increase of intake velocity cause in a pump system?

An increase in intake velocity within a pump system can lead to cavitation, which is the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid. When the intake velocity of the fluid increases, it can lower the pressure at the pump's inlet below the vapor pressure of the liquid. This results in vapor bubbles forming, which can then collapse violently as they move into regions of higher pressure within the pump. This cavitation phenomenon can cause significant damage to the pump's impeller and other components, leading to decreased performance and increased maintenance costs.

Understanding this concept is essential for millwrights and those working with pump systems, as managing the flow conditions and ensuring that the inlet pressure remains above the vapor pressure is crucial to operating a pump efficiently and avoiding cavitation-related issues.