CAVITATION CONTROL THROUGH DIESEL-ENGINE WATER TREATMENT

IT has been found that by means of magnetostrictive cavitation testing, it is possible to duplicate the conditions that lead to deterioration of the water side of diesel-engine cylinder liners.

In order to obtain accurate results it is necessary that conditions of temperature and pressure present in the water system be duplicated on the laboratory facility. It has been shown that increasing water pressure will definitely inhibit the erosive action of cavitation. Changes in operating temperatures will have less predictable results.

The use of a chromate-type corrosion inhibitor is effective in decreasing cavitation within concentration limits of 1000 to 2000 ppm.

Soluble-oil water treatments are also effective in concentrations between ½ and 2%. Boron-nitrate type of corrosion inhibitors are ineffective in combating cavitation.