DROP HEADERS

Mike_NYH

What are the reasons for piping a header in such a way vs. the way headers are usually piped today?.... they never seem to give me any problems.

Nick_C

Dry steam

Drop headers help the steam shed excess water before heading into the mains.  Old boilers used to perform the drying process internally, but the limited inside space on new boilers forces some of this process to the header.

Gordo

Drop Headers

not only dry out the steam better, they are easier to install because they give the installer more "swing" when joining two or more risers off the boiler.



Try it, you'll see.



It's win-win for you and your customer:  For the cost of a few extra fittings and nipples, you save on labor and aggravation and your customer gets a  better install all around.



The pride in putting together a header that will out-last you is priceless.



If you adhere strictly to the manufacturer's instructions, which are the minimum necessary for 98% dry steam as tested, you should be ok.  That 98% dry steam also assumes the boiler has been cleaned and flushed to manufacturer's instructions and that insulation has been installed on the near boiler piping.