Cavitation detection in centrifugal pumps driven by frequency inverter fed motors

This paper evaluates the ability of the Load Torque Signature Analysis (LTSA), which is a mechanical fault detection method, to detect cavitation phenomenon in centrifugal pumps driven by induction motors supplied by frequency inverters. The LTSA method is described and some modifications are proposed in order to improve its performance in noise polluted applications such as frequency inverter induction motor drives. These improvements are checked by means of simulations. Finally, LTSA is applied to a laboratory hydraulic plant in order to validate the method. Experimental results are plotted and compared to previous results obtained from the same system, but with motor supplied directly from the mains.