What is a common risk if a circulator does not have sufficient suction piping?

Cavitation is a common risk that can occur if a circulator does not have sufficient suction piping. Cavitation happens when the pressure in the fluid drops below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. When these bubbles travel through the pump and reach areas of higher pressure, they collapse violently, potentially causing significant damage to the pump components, such as impellers and housings.

Insufficient suction piping can result in inadequate flow into the pump, leading to a drop in pressure that creates conditions conducive to cavitation. This is critical for steamfitters to understand, as it directly affects the reliability and longevity of pumping systems. Managing the design and layout of piping to ensure there is adequate suction prevents this phenomenon and maintains optimal performance in fluid handling systems.