Multidimensional diagnosis of cavitation: An example

A multidimensional technique for vibro-acoustic diagnostics and monitoring of turbine cavitation is presented, which has been applied on a prototype and three models of a Kaplan turbine. It can also be used for Francis, bulb, reversible pump turbines, and pumps. Two distinct cavitation mechanisms responsible for the two erosion patches found in an overhaul are vibro-acoustically identified and quantified. The involvement of various turbine parts in the cavitation processes is revealed, and the cavitation quality of the models is compared.