Alternate Blade Cavitation on Inducer

Abstract

Analysis of the suction performance, cavitation development, and internal flow fields of the impeller of a flat-helical inducer with two blades were performed. As the suction pressure is reduced, the balanced cavity development on both blades is destroyed. Alternate blade cavitation, in which cavity development evolves on one blade while it weakens on the other, can occur. When it does, the theoretical and actual pump heads can decrease quickly. Investigations were conducted to determine how this phenomenon develops.