PENGARUH TEKANAN DIFERENSIAL PADA SUCTION STRAINER TERHADAP POTENSI KAVITASI WATER INJECTION TRANSFER PUMP DI LAPANGAN GAS JTB PT PERTAMINA EP CEPU

Abstract

Cavitation in centrifugal pumps is one of the main causes of performance degradation and component damage. This study aims to analyze the effect of differential pressure (ΔP) on the suction strainer toward the Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHa) and cavitation potential in the Water Injection Transfer Pump at Jambaran Tiung Biru Field PT Pertamina EP Cepu. The research method includes literature review, field data collection, testing with various differential pressures (0–10 psi), NPSHa calculation, and comparison with the pump’s Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHr). Results show that increasing ΔP causes a significant decrease in suction pressure and NPSHa, from 46.91 ft at ΔP = 0 psi to 3.96 ft at ΔP = 10 psi. The safe operating condition occurs at ΔP ≤ 8 psi (NPSHa > NPSHr = 4.9 ft), while ΔP ≥ 9 psi indicates cavitation potential. These findings align with Elsey’s (2022) concept that suction-side pressure losses reduce NPSHa and increase cavitation risk. Therefore, continuous monitoring of differential pressure and regular cleaning of suction strainers are essential preventive measures to maintain pump reliability and avoid cavitation damage.