Detecting cavitation in globe valves by two methods: Characteristic diagrams and acoustic analysis

Cavitation is a dynamic phenomenon that occurs in fluid flows when the local pressure is lower than the saturated vapor pressure at ambient temperature. The formation and collapse of cavitation bubbles leads to corrosion and pitting of metal surfaces. Considering the fact that damage to moving parts caused by cavitation has serious consequences it is important to be able to detect it. In this research an attempt is made to study the development of cavitation in globe valves using two different methods: characteristic diagrams and acoustic measurement. The results of the two methods are found to be in general agreement within acceptable levels of accuracy. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.