Steam Pipes - Installation of Drip Legs
Properly draining steam pipes for condensate.
The 3D model above is made with sketchup.engineeringtoolbox.com
Condensate is generated in the steam pipes due to heat loss and due to energy required during system heat up. For the steam system to work properly it is important that the condensate is removed.
Steam traps for draining should be located
- on horizontal pipes - every 30 - 50 m (100 - 150 ft)
- in front of pressure reducing valves to avoid damaging the equipment
- in front of control valves to avoid damaging the equipment
- in front of normally closed valves to avoid building up condensate that may damage the system when accelerated
- at the bottom of vertical lines
- at the end of the steam line
Recommended Drip Leg Dimensions
| Main Diameter | Pocket Diameter | Pocket Depth | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (mm) | (in) | (mm) | (in) | (mm) | (in) |
| 50 | 2 | 50 | 2 | 700 | 28 |
| 80 | 3 | 80 | 3 | 700 | 28 |
| 100 | 4 | 100 | 4 | 700 | 28 |
| 250 | 10 | 150 | 6 | 700 | 28 |
| 500 | 20 | 250 | 10 | 700 | 28 |
Example - Drip Leg Dimensions
The recommended drip leg dimension for a 80 mm (3 in) steam pipe is 80 mm (3 in). The pocket depth should be 700 mm (28 in).
