The side channel pump, derived from regenerative pumps, can operate at low flow rates and specific speed compared to centrifugal pumps. It is suitable for transporting liquids with high vapor content, such as LPG, as it can handle up to 50% gas content due to its positive displacement action. However, the shape of the side channel pump and its associated flow characteristics can make it susceptible to cavitation. In the present work, the cavitation performance of the side channel pump when using LPG was studied and compared to the results with clear water. Commercial CFD software, ANSYS CFX 2019R2 was used with the SST-SAS turbulence model and the Zwart cavitation model. Flow within the side channel pump circulates through the impeller and side channel, resulting in energy transfer and an increase in pressure. The internal pressure of the pump varies periodically at intervals of 15° rotation, corresponding to the interaction between the impeller blades and the side channel interrupter. Cavitation performance was analyzed for clean water and LPG, with clean water having an NPSHr value of 13.8m and LPG having a value of 12.65m. Unlike clean water, cavitation vapor in LPG rapidly diffused at the point of NPSHa = 11.85m. This was confirmed to be due to a strong low-pressure area at the side channel near the suction inlet, causing the pressure to drop below the saturation vapor pressure
