the ENGINEERING page
Information about: Viscosity Correction Factors
according to the graphs published by the Hydraulic Institute Standards
The performance data provided by pump manufacturers are valid for water. If another fluid is pumped this has an influence on the performance of the pump. The viscosity has an effect on the pump head, the power absorbed and the capacity (flowrate). It is no surprise that, for a higher viscosity, all effects are in an unfavourable direction: The power increases, the flowrate decreases and the head also decreases. These effect are all mainly a result of the increased 'disk friction' that the impeller experiences.
The Hydraulic Institute published two charts with correction factors that cater for this: one for a flowrate up to 100 Gallons per minute and one for the range from 100 to 10 000 gallons per minute. Reading them is not too difficult, takes a bit of time and requires that you carry the charts with you. This routine returns them, which is faster, more accurate and more convenient.
Note that the values returned are related to the best efficiency point (BEP) of the pump curve. For this point, multiply the capacity Q, the differential head H and the efficiency eta with the correction factors. With these values the curves can be re-drawn for the higher viscosity.