When fluid travels through a tube or hose, or is drawn into a fluid pump inlet by a vacuum, a void is created in the fluid if the negative pressure (vacuum) exerted by the pump exceeds the vapor pressure of the fluid. The fluid then “boils” in the tube, hose, or pump and the effectiveness of the pump in moving the fluid is seriously reduced.

Cavitation is typically produced when a pump is cycling too fast or the tube or hose diameter is too small.

See also PEI/RP700.