The Hydraulic Institute (HI) Engineering Data Book, Second Edition, is a comprehensive 208-page reference for pump and system engineers, covering fluid characteristics, friction loss calculations, and piping materials. In 2020, this content was updated into the web-based Engineering Data Library (EDL), offering interactive tools for pipe, tank, and NPSH calculations. For more details, visit Pumps.org . Engineering Data Book - 2nd Edition - Pumps.org
While these are available online, the HI Data Book provides pump-specific conversions. For example, converting between specific speed (Ns) in US Customary units, Metric units, and UK units is notoriously tricky. The Data Book provides a verified matrix for these conversions.
Detailed and relative roughness factors for new clean pipes. Piping and Infrastructure :
Many municipal, industrial, and government contracts explicitly require system designs to conform to Hydraulic Institute standards.
Detailed information on fluid viscosity (definitions and measurement methods), vapor pressure for a wide range of compounds (including cryogenic liquids like hydrogen and helium), and analytical approaches for slurries and paper stock. hydraulic institute engineering data book
Information on standard steel pipes, PVC, and other materials to determine friction factors.
Ask any veteran user, and they’ll whisper about the . It’s not glamorous, but improper piping support is a top-5 cause of premature bearing and seal failure. The Data Book contains alignment tolerances and force limits that — if followed — would save industry millions per year in unscheduled downtime. Yet most young engineers skip it. The wise ones don’t.
For over a century, the Hydraulic Institute has stood as the authoritative voice of the North American pump industry. Among its vast library of standards and educational resources, one publication holds a special place of reverence among pump and system engineers: the .
Critical values for accurately calculating system head and motor horsepower requirements. The Hydraulic Institute (HI) Engineering Data Book, Second
The Hydraulic Institute Engineering Data Book serves as the definitive reference for the pump industry in North America and globally. Published by the Hydraulic Institute (HI), this compendium provides the empirical data, mathematical formulas, and standard practices necessary for the design, selection, and application of rotodynamic pumps. This paper explores the scope of the Data Book, analyzing its critical sections including pump selection theory, affinity laws, viscosity corrections, and system head curves. Furthermore, it discusses the transition from purely empirical nomographs to modern digital integration, highlighting the text’s enduring relevance in ensuring hydraulic efficiency and reliability.
It’s not just a reference. It’s a .
(Required) by the pump, thus avoiding cavitation. This includes formulas for calculating pressure losses in suction piping, considering pressure differences between suction tanks (P₁) and the static head of the liquid. 3. Applications in Industry
Engineers use the manual to select optimal pipe diameters. Correct sizing balances upfront material costs against long-term energy consumption from friction losses. Pump Selection and NPSH Metrics Engineering Data Book - 2nd Edition - Pumps
: Includes tools for pipe frictional head loss, tank volumes, and atmospheric pressure changes based on elevation.
The manual consolidates essential engineering data to streamline hydraulic calculations. It eliminates the need to cross-reference multiple generic physics textbooks by focusing strictly on practical piping and pumping applications. Fluid Properties and Mechanics
Unlike a textbook that focuses on theory, the Data Book is built for . It bridges the gap between academic fluid mechanics and the "on-the-ground" reality of friction loss, viscosity effects, and material compatibility. Key Sections Every Engineer Should Know 1. Fluid Properties and Viscosity