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Cavitation:
Cavitation is a phenomenon that arises from a sudden pressure drop. The static pressure of the fluid falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid, which leads to the formation of small vapor bubbles in the fluid that implode when the pressure increases. The implosion causes pressure peaks of several hundred bar and temperatures of well over 1000 °C. The consequences for the pump are disastrous: within a short time a cavitating pump can become irreparably damaged. Due to the damage, metal particles can chip off and damage other components in the hydraulic circuit.
Possible causes of cavitation:
- presence of air or water in the oil;
- high oil temperature (high vapor pressure);
- after acceleration of oil behind a restriction;
- collapsed suction hose;
- suction line too narrow;
- contaminated suction filter;
- oil too thick;
- insufficient ventilation of the reservoir.
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