Ingersoll Rand

ARO Fluid Products

209 North Main Street
Bryan, Ohio 43506 USA

ingersollrandproducts.com

February 10, 2012

Diaphragm Pump Viscosity Correction Factor for Viscous Fluids

Example: 30 GPM flow rate required @ 7500 cps. Calculate pump performance requirement of
30GPM times 2.1 factor = 63 GPM. Use this value to select pump size and performance
capability.
__________________________________________________
Guidelines for Maximum Viscosity Capability:

As a general “Rule of Thumb” larger pump sizes can handle higher viscosity fluids. The following can
be used for evaluating pump capability to handle higher viscosity fluids.

Pump Size Viscosity Limits (Flooded Suction/Ball Check Pumps)

¼”- 3/8” 500 cps
1/2” –3/4” 15,000 cps
1”- 1 ½” 40,000 cps
2”-3” 50,000 cps

The above values may vary from application to application and fluid types.
• Fluid reology may significantly affect these values.
• Suction lift application will significantly reduce capability due to frictional losses.
 COMPARISON CHART of TYPICAL FLUID VISCOSITIES

Fluid Viscosity cps

Fluid
(centipoise)
Water @ 70°F 1-5
Blood or Kerosene 10
Anti-Freeze or Ethylene Glycol 15
Motor Oil SAE 10 or Com Oil 50-100
Motor Oil SAE 30 or Maple Syrup 150-200
Motor Oil SAE 40 or Castor Oil 250-500
Motor Oil SAE 60 or Glycerin 1,000-2,000
Corn Syrup or Honey 2,000-3,000
Molasses 5,000-10,000
Chocolate Syrup 10,000-25,000
Ketchup or Mustard 50,000-70,000
Tomato Paste or Peanut Butter 150,000-250,000
Shortening or Lard 1,000,000-2,000,000
Caulking Compound 5,000,000-10,000,000
Window Putty 100,000,000
Note: The data provide should only be used for comparative purposes. Ingersoll Rand /ARO does
not imply the equipment (pumps) will meet parameters provided above due to but not limited to
factors including fluid properties, temperature and/or system design.

Nick Kozumplik
Product Manager
ARO Fluid Products
Industrial Technology Sector
Ingersoll Rand