What is the most likely cause of cavitation in a chilled water pump?

Cavitation in a chilled water pump typically occurs due to conditions that lead to a drop in pressure, allowing vapor bubbles to form in the liquid being pumped. When these vapor bubbles collapse, they can cause a range of issues, including noise, vibration, and damage to the pump itself.

The most likely cause of cavitation, in this case, stems from water leaks through the mechanical seals. When there are leaks in the mechanical seals, it can lead to a decrease in the system pressure. This drop in pressure can make it easier for vapor bubbles to form in the liquid, leading to cavitation. Effective sealing is crucial to maintain the appropriate pressure within the system, and any failure here can directly contribute to the development of cavitation.

In contrast, insufficient pump speed can exacerbate cavitation but is typically more of a symptom rather than a primary cause. High ambient temperature does not correlate directly with the mechanical integrity of seals, and low refrigerant charge relates to cooling systems, not directly to the issues pertaining to the chilled water pump itself. Thus, water leaks through mechanical seals directly impact the pressure dynamics within the system, making it the most direct cause of cavitation.