Evaluation and Analysis of Cavitation Phenomenon in Rosieres Power Plant, Sudan, 2011-2012

Abstract

Cavitation is one of the serious problems in hydraulic turbines negatively affects their efficiency and may cause damages. Cavitation is a phenomenon which occurs as a pitting of metallic surfaces of turbine parts because of the formation of cavities. In this paper, cavitation in Kaplan turbine unit 2 in Rosieres power plant was studied and analyzed during flood, water restriction and blackout periods. The general features of cavitation were described and cavitation variables were determined in the plant. Cavitation indexes and critical cavitation factors were calculated and compared during these three periods. The results showed that: the turbines were operated within cavitation limit during these periods. Cavitation index was found to be higher in water restriction, while minimum power and drop of pressure, which also increase the possibility of cavities were found in flood and blackout.