Record the symptom and the operating state
Note when the symptom begins: low source level, a colder batch, a changed recipe, a speed adjustment or a downstream valve change. Record available inlet / outlet measurements and flow without bypassing protection or opening running equipment.
Stop and isolate the equipment according to the plant and manufacturer procedure before physical inspection. If there is abnormal vibration, leakage or suspected damage, obtain the responsible maintenance review before continuing the run.
Review the inlet circuit first
Compare source level, supply pressure condition, suction-line length and restrictions with the design. Inspect the status of strainers, valves and connections using the safe maintenance procedure. Check whether air can enter the inlet circuit or be drawn from the source vessel.
Manufacturer pump guidance relates cavitation risk to inadequate inlet pressure and the available versus required suction condition. Ask the pump supplier to review the actual operating point rather than treating a noise description as proof of one cause.
| Observation | Check to document |
|---|---|
| Only at low tank level | Source level and inlet geometry |
| After colder / thicker pulp | Actual product condition versus selection basis |
| After speed increase | Operating point and inlet supply capability |
| With visible air or foaming | Source entrainment and suction connection integrity |
| After line changes | Valve positions, restrictions and receiver demand |
Avoid a blind speed increase
Higher speed may demand more inlet supply while the circuit is already restricted. Review the actual pump type, permitted range and manufacturer instructions before changing operation. A remedy suitable for one pump family may be unsuitable for another.
Do not prescribe a universal valve adjustment, product-temperature change or pipe size from this page. The product process and the selected equipment constrain corrective action. Retain the original observations so the supplier can distinguish the causes.
Close the cause and recheck the duty
After an approved corrective action, verify the required flow under the relevant source level, product condition and receiver state. Record what changed and whether noise, pressure and transfer behaviour stabilized. Inspect for damage where the equipment procedure requires it.
If the circuit no longer matches the original product or layout, request a revised duty review. Send the pump model, curve or documentation, line sketch and operating record. This provides a useful basis for correction instead of selecting another pump from nameplate flow alone.
Questions from equipment buyers
Does rattling always mean cavitation?
No. It is a reason for investigation, not a complete diagnosis. Record the operating state and use the selected pump documentation.
Should I increase speed when flow falls?
Review inlet supply, restrictions, air and product condition first. Increasing speed can worsen an inlet-limited duty.
What should I send the supplier?
Provide the model, product condition, source and receiver data, line layout, settings and the point in the run when the symptom appears.
Technical references
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