What method is primarily used to prevent cavitation in pumps?

Maintaining adequate supply pressure is the primary method used to prevent cavitation in pumps because it ensures that the pressure at the pump inlet is above the vapor pressure of the liquid being pumped. Cavitation occurs when the pressure in the pump drops below the vapor pressure, causing the liquid to vaporize and form bubbles. These bubbles can collapse violently as they move into areas of higher pressure, leading to erosion and damage to the pump components.

By ensuring that there is sufficient supply pressure, operators can effectively keep the pressure above the vapor pressure, thus preventing cavitation and ensuring smooth operation of the pump. This practice is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of pumping systems.

Other methods like increasing pump speed or reducing outlet pressure may affect pump dynamics but do not directly address the root issue of maintaining sufficient inlet pressure to avoid vapor formation. Decreasing liquid temperature can change the properties of the liquid but does not directly control supply pressure in the context of cavitation prevention.