try reading a testbook , such as "steam" by Babcock and Wilcox.
The steam drum's primary purpose is to separate steam from water, since a 2 phase mixture is discharged from the heated risers. This purpose nearly always governs its size. The steam and water are separated by a combination of cyclone separators and demisters. Each of these 2 components has a capacity based on operating pressure and required steam purity leaving the drum. If the boiler is a "natural circulation" boiler, then one also must limit the allowable pressure drop thru the separator to not more than 2 ft liquid. The drum is sized to be big enough to fit all the required separators and demisters.
A secondary purpose is to distribute feedwater to all downcomers evenly, and to avoid steam carryunder tot he downcomers.
Another excellent book is by S. Kakac " boilers, evaporators, and condensers"