A vortex is a “Turbulent Flow” that must be controlled to prevent damage to rotating parts. A vortex is a region formed in a fluid when the fluid’s flow rotates around an axis line and the fluid flows in a swirling motion at a high velocity towards pump intake.
Bristol Anti-vortex Plate’s aid to diminishing the speed of a fast-moving turbulent flow and smoothen it into a laminar flow, thus reducing wear and tear. Bristol Anti-vortex Plates also aid to prevent cavitation (small liquid-free zones such as bubbles or voids) in the fluid. Cavitation can create dents, shock waves and imbalance in the moving parts. Once cavitation affects a surface it tends to erode at an accelerating rate. This makes the surface prone to stress corrosion.
To avoid these issues Bristol Anti-Vortex Plates are recommended to installed in the suction line of fire pumps to control the turbulence in flowing water. They are simple in design and very effectively controlling the velocity of the fluid thus preventing cavitation and damage to the impellers. Also, it supports off duty conditions when static pressure reduces at the suction along with elevation of the water side level in the tank.
