In the world of fluid handling, precision is not merely a goal—it is a requirement for safety, efficiency, and economic viability. For over a century, the Hydraulic Institute (HI) has served as the authoritative voice for pump manufacturers and users in North America and beyond. Central to its mission of education and standardization is the Hydraulic Institute Engineering Data Book.

Often referred to simply as "the HI Data Book," this publication is far more than a collection of tables. It is a comprehensive, meticulously curated engineering reference that bridges the gap between theoretical fluid mechanics and practical pump system design, operation, and troubleshooting. For engineers, system designers, facility managers, and students, the Data Book remains an indispensable tool—a desktop companion that has saved countless hours of calculation and prevented numerous field failures.

The Hydraulic Institute Engineering Data Book is a reference text published by the Hydraulic Institute, the largest association of pump manufacturers and suppliers in North America. While the HI is famous for its American National Standards (ANSI/HI standards) covering pump testing, nomenclature, and installation, the Engineering Data Book serves as the companion volume of physical properties, empirical formulas, and application methodologies.

The Problem: A mining operation wants to reduce energy costs on a long-distance slurry pipeline. The Solution: Using the Slurry transport section of the HI Data Book, you cross-reference the particle size distribution versus the critical settling velocity. You realize the current velocity is 20% higher than necessary. By reducing the flow rate (and friction loss) using the pipe friction charts, you save 150,000 kWh annually.

Standard HI correction factors (from ANSI/HI 9.6.7) assume turbulent flow. The Engineering Data Book adds a laminar flow correction matrix for small gear and progressive cavity pumps: