Analisis Hubungan Debit Aliran Terhadap NPSH Available (NPSHa),NPSH Required (NPSHr) Dan Head Total Pada Pompa Sentrifugal Untuk Evaluasi Potensi Kavitasi

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in fluid transfer systems. One common problem is cavitation, which occurs when the fluid pressure on the suction side drops below the saturated vapor pressure. This condition can reduce flow rate, head, and pump efficiency, as well as cause damage to the impeller and casing. The occurrence of cavitation is influenced by the relationship between Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHa), Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHr), and total head, which varies with changes in flow rate. This study aims to analyze the relationship between flow rate and NPSHa, NPSHr, and total head, as well as to evaluate the potential for cavitation in the Calpeda B-CM 20E centrifugal pump. A quantitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach was used, involving direct testing with varying flow rates at a constant pump speed. The data analyzed included flow rate, suction and discharge pressures, static head, head loss, and pump specifications to calculate the values of NPSHa, NPSHr, and total head. The results showed that an increase in flow rate caused NPSHa to decrease, NPSHr to increase, and the pump’s total head to decrease. An evaluation of cavitation potential indicates that the pump operates safely when the NPSHa value is greater than the NPSHr value (NPSHa > NPSHr). The relationship between flow rate, NPSHa, NPSHr, and total head can serve as a reference for determining safe pump operating conditions and minimizing the risk of cavitation.