Effect of Viscosity on Pump Performance | Campbell Tip of the Month http://www.jmcampbell.com/tip-of-the-month/2006/08/effect-of-viscos...

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Effect of Viscosity on Pump Performance

Many years ago a generalized procedure was developed by the Hydraulic Institute (HI) for correcting
0 centrifugal pump performance when handling viscous fluids. Their procedure was universally accepted by
pump manufactures and industry users. HI has recently issued a revised procedure for predicting pump
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Tweet performance based on new research and field test data [1]. The revised procedure also corrects the
shortcomings in the earlier method and has added mathematical formulas for use with computers. This
month we will discuss how viscous fluids affect centrifugal pump performance and the changes recently
4 made by the HI.

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It is widely accepted that viscous fluids affect the performance of centrifugal pumps. Since the performance English TOTM Home
of most centrifugal pumps is determined from water, a procedure is needed to correct the performance
curves when pumping viscous fluids. Figure 1 illustrates a typical pump performance curve based on water Spanish TOTM Home
and how it is affected when pumping viscous fluids. In many applications the difference in water and viscous
performance are significant.
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The previous HI procedure was based on a graphical representation that provided correction factors at four operating
points: 60, 80, 100 and 120 percent of the best efficiency point (BEP). Using these correction factors at the four operating December 2014
points, the user was able to prepare a corrected pump performance chart of flow versus total head (Q–H) and flow versus
efficiency (Q-?), when handling viscous fluids. The procedure had limitations but proved to be accurate under a wide range
November 2014
of conditions. October 2014
The recently published HI procedure has many of the same features as the older method. However, many improvements September 2014
were made to improve the accuracy and correct problems in the earlier procedure. Some of the noteworthy changes made
in the latest version are presented below: August 2014
1. HI previously had two separate graphs for determining pump viscous effects, one for pump flow rates less then 100 July 2014
gpm and another for flow rates over 100 gpm. The two graphs gave conflicting results if the pump operated at 100
gpm. The new procedure has only one procedure regardless of the flowrate. June 2014
2. HI now uses a new basis for determining the correction factors CH, CQ, and C??. The new method is based on a May 2014
performance factor, called Parameter B, and includes terms for viscosity, speed, flow rate and total head.
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3. The latest HI procedure allows the user to determine viscous performance from graphs or equations. With the July 2013
previous method only graphical methods were used to calculate correction factors. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the
revised graphical method and gives the flow rate correction factor (CQ ), head correction factor (CH) and efficiency June 2013
correction factor (C?), based on the performance Parameter B given above. May 2013
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4. The following equations are used with the correction factors to determine the corrected pump performance for
September 2011
viscous fluids. August 2011
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Effect of Viscosity on Pump Performance | Campbell Tip of the Month http://www.jmcampbell.com/tip-of-the-month/2006/08/effect-of-viscos...

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5. The previous method required the user to find the pump BEP before calculating corrections factors at 60, 80, 100 November 2010
and 120 percent of BEP. The revised procedure uses a similar approach of finding the pump BEP but corrections
factors can be determined, with caution, at any flow rate, not necessarily at 60, 80, 100 and 120 percent of BEP. October 2010
6. The revised HI procedure provides a method of estimating the Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR) when
pumping viscous fluids. This procedure is based on pump performance measured with water and corrected for September 2010
viscous fluids. August 2010
One final comment on HI’s procedure for correcting centrifugal pump performance: The question frequently asked is, July 2010
“When should a pump performance curve be corrected for fluid viscosity.” The pump manufacturer is the best source to
answer this question. They can provide performance curves for any pumping condition including viscous fluids. However, June 2010
with available computer software, the user should always check how fluid viscosity will affect the pump flow rate, total
head and most importantly power. May 2010
The following are some factors derived from the latest addition of the HI procedure for correcting pump performance. They April 2010
may be helpful when considering when to correct pump water-performance curves for viscous fluids.
March 2010
The performance factor, Parameter B, is a good indicator of how viscosity influences pump performance. February 2010
Parameter B takes into consideration fluid viscosity, speed, total head and flow rate at BEP.
Whenever the performance Parameter B is one or less the fluid has no affect on the head curve, Q-H. Figure 2 January 2010
shows that the head and flow correction factors are less then three percent when Parameter B equals three and
about ten percent when Parameter B equals seven. December 2009
Viscous fluids have a more dramatic effect on pump power. Figure 3 shows that the efficiency decreases by almost
12 percent when Parameter B equals three and over 30 percent when Parameter B equals seven.
November 2009
October 2009
For more information about pumps refer to Chapter 14, Volume 2,”Gas Conditioning and Processing”. We also suggest
attending the JMC courses such as G4, ME62. September 2009
Joe Honeywell August 2009
Instructor/Consultant
July 2009
References:
June 2009
1. ANSI HI 9.6.7-2004, “Effects of Liquid Viscosity on Rotodynamic (Centrifugal and Vertical) Pump Performance”
May 2009
April 2009
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Posted on August 1, 2006 at 8:02 pm November 2008
One comment October 2008
Categories: Gas Processing, Mechanical September 2008

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Written by Joe Honeywell June 2008
May 2008
Mr. Joe Honeywell is a graduate of University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a
Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Honeywell began his career with an engineering consulting company April 2008
named Crest Engineering. He worked in the mechanical department for thirteen years, specializing in rotating equipment,
pressure vessels and piping systems. Mr. Honeywell advanced to project engineer and later project manager, where he March 2008
was involved in many offshore and onshore projects for oil and gas producers, both domestic and international. Mr. February 2008
Honeywell joined another consulting company, Crown Tech, Inc. where he worked for 19 years and became a principle in
the company. At CTI, Mr. Honeywell provided engineering services to many oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, January 2008
power producers and equipment manufacturers. His responsibilities included project management, design, manufacturer,
construction management, start-up and operation of power plants, pipelines and production facilities. Mr. Honeywell’s December 2007
background includes extensive experience with mechanical systems and rotating machinery. Mr. Honeywell is a
Registered Professional Engineer; and a member of ASME and holds a U.S.A. patent.
November 2007
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View all posts by: Joe Honeywell
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One response to “Effect of Viscosity on Pump Performance” June 2007
1. ebi says: May 2007
September 10, 2014 at 12:16 pm
April 2007
Hi.That was great.But my question is what happened if a pump designed with H&Q for pumping water but working
with a fluid by lower viscosity than water?Does it have any effect on cavitation? March 2007

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