Lesson 10 - Control of Fluid Flow 2
This lesson will conclude our study of pumps. It will focus on two topics that deal with the unwanted generation of gas or vapour from the liquid being pumped – cavitation. It will then discuss the means by how we can ensure that cavitation does not occur when operating pumps.
Point of Reflection – Reconvene
Welcome back. So, what were your thoughts?
Most, if not all, changes in physical properties of brewery related liquids will adversely affect quality. In the case of gases or vapours being formed, that would not be a good thing, e.g. one of the brewery liquids which we mentioned previously, – carbonated beer. We probably went to great lengths to ensure that the beer was carbonated within a particular range of gas concentration to achieve desired taste and visual characteristics, e.g. mouthfeel, beading, lacing, foam formation, and stability. To change the gas concentration unintentionally, will adversely affect these characteristics.
The most common reason for gases and vapours to come out of solution during transport is due to a process called cavitation. We will now look at this in more detail.