Cavitation occurs when fluid pressure drops below vapor pressure, forming bubbles that violently collapse on downstream surfaces, causing noise, vibration, and severe erosion. Prevention strategies: (1) Use cage-guided or anti-cavitation trim that stages pressure reduction through multiple restrictions, (2) Ensure valve pressure drop stays below the incipient cavitation index (Kc) calculated from process conditions, (3) Install valve with flow under the seat so pressure assists closure, (4) Specify hardened trim materials (Stellite 6, 17-4PH) for cavitation resistance. For African mining slurry applications or Egyptian water distribution with high differential pressures, low-noise trim designs reduce cavitation damage and extend service life from months to years.