Hydraulic Institute publishes landmark viscosity correction standard

By Control Engineering Staff January 27, 2006

Parsippany, NJ —The Hydraulic Institute (HI) has published its new “American National Standard for Effects of Liquid Viscosity on Rotodynamic (centrifugal and vertical) Pump Performance (ANSI/HI 9.6.7).” Replacing HI’s over-40-year-old viscosity-correction nomographs, the standard is designed to predict the performance change of rotodynamic pumps operated on viscous liquids exhibiting Newtonian behavior relative to their performance on water, which is the basis for most published curves.

“By eliminating the need for interpolating graphic solutions, this standard has major technical significance and practical application,” explained Gregg Romanyshyn, technical director for HI. “This landmark will provide valuable guidance to pump manufacturers, users, and others who have an interest in the performance of rotodynamic pumps.” HI members—comprising an array of prominent industry experts—developed the new standard collaborating with representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Switzerland.

A variety of conventionally designed rotodynamic pumps are covered, such as open- or closed-impellers and single- or double-suction pumps. Additionally, included are information on methodology, definitions of symbols and terms, flowcharts which outline the procedure, theoretical explanations behind the methodology, and a method for estimating net positive-suction head required (NPSHR).

Designated by HI product code A131, it is available in hard copy or secure-PDF format from HI for $195.00. ANSI/HI Pump Standards, on CD-ROM Version 2.0, is a newly released product that includes the full text of all ANSI/HI Standards and is available for $750.00.

The 89-year old Hydraulic Institute is North America’s largest pump-producer association, serving member companies and pump users worldwide.

For more information visit: https://www.pumps.org

— Richard Phelps , senior editor, Control Engineering