Describe pump terms flow rate, cavitation, NPSH, pressure and state the watchkeeping checks required on a running centrifugal pump?

flowchart TD
    A[Start watchkeeping] --> B[Check pressure & temperature gauges]
    B --> C[Check vibration, noise, leakage]
    C --> D[Check lubrication & current draw]
    D --> E[Verify flow rate & stuffing box]
    E --> F[Log observations, report abnormalities]

• Flow Rate: volume of liquid per unit time (m³/h, L/s)
• Cavitation: vapor bubble formation and collapse causing pitting and efficiency loss
• NPSH: NPSHa must exceed NPSHr to prevent cavitation
• Pressure: force per unit area (bar, kPa)
• Checks: pressure gauges, temperature, vibration & noise, leakage, lubrication, current draw, flow rate, stuffing box
• As EOOW: log abnormalities in engine room logbook, report to Chief Engineer