Steam pipe sizing off of 3" header

[michaelha]

Hello Everyone,

I have been given a project to design a steam system for 2 mixers, using a current system as a template. The 2 systems will share components such as a sub-header off of the main header to feed these mixers, components on this sub-header, condensate pump and flash tank.

What I am trying to figure out is what size the sub-header should be. The main header is 3" @ 230psi, and the lines which branch off to each mixer are 1" with a 190psi regulator. So, 3" > ?" > two 1" lines.

I've heard of a common rule is the main header area should = sum of sub headers. Is this the correct way of going about sizing these, or is the more to it such as capacity required by mixers (which I do not know considering most of the heat generated is mechanical)?

Thank you all!

Mike

 

[BigInch]

Next time it would be better to post these types of questions in Piping and Fluid Mechanics.

Similar areas works well as velocities generally remain constant and there is no tendency for pressure to build up or drop with change of velocity, although that's a pretty general rule.