drop headers

Steve_210

i have read the section on drop headers in systems FAQ and i wondered where i could find more info or better yet pictures. they make perfect sense and i would like to start using them but do'nt want to make any silly mistakes. thanks for any help.   

Steamhead

Click Resources above

then Library, then Steam Piping. You'll find a whole slew of drop header pics.



"It pays to wander off the wall"

                                                                - Dan Holohan's quote

Steve_210

thank you

thank you so much steamhead this is exactly what i was looking for, just did not know where to look.

Marcellino

regarding drop headers

What are the benefits of  drop headers,never used this piping method.could you tell me the important rules of thumb...24" above wl,is amount of drop important?

Unknown

Benefits of a Dropheader

There are quite a few benefits to using a dropheader. The ones that come immediately to mind are:

1. The riser connections, with the double elbows to the header, make a fully swing universal swing joint. These universals allow the boiler and header to thermally expand independently without putting pressure on each other. 



2. These universals make it much easier to connect the header to the boiler. They also  adjust for slightly short or over length piping.



3. Using a dropheader allows you to use longer (higher) boiler exit risers which results in drier steam.



4. From my observation most of the pros still use the "24 inch above the waterline to the bottom of the header rule" with the dropheader. However, since this measurement really pertains to the height of the exit risers above the waterline, you could set the header lower if it helps with the lead on the steam riser(s) from the header to the main(s).



Here are some more opinions on dropheaders:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/21/Systems-FAQ/38/Pipefitting-Drop-Header