3. Experimental determination of cavitation curves

To this day, pump cavitation curves can only be obtained experimentally, in accordance with the recommendations and requirements of the standards in force (see For further information ).

The test facilities are designed so that the (NPSH) _disp at the pump inlet can be varied, while keeping the flow rate constant, from high values that guarantee cavitation-free operation to the minimum values necessary to cause the pump to cavitate and reach the (NPSH) _G which corresponds to a very significant drop in pump performance, possibly exceeding 10% or even 30% of the total head.

The installations on which this type of test is carried out can be divided schematically into two categories: closed-circuit and open-circuit loops.