Steam Manifold
Smaller diameter piping connects the steam header to a steam manifold. The manifold serves as the branch point for supplying the individual heating circuits. Steam manifolds commonly have 4-16 branches, and each branch contains an isolation valve. A steam trap is located at the bottom of the manifold for removing any condensate from the manifold.
Heating Circuits
The heating circuit is comprised of a group of heating elements (jacketed pipe, bolt-on jacketing, or tube tracing) which are connected in series. Typically, pre-insulated tubing is used to transport steam from the steam manifold to the first heating element in the circuit. Flexible metal hoses are commonly used to allow the steam to flow from one heating element to the next element in the circuit. Pre-insulated tubing is also used to transport steam and condensate from the last element in the circuit to the condensate manifold. The length and configuration of each heating circuit must be carefully designed and analyzed to ensure fresh steam is supplied to the jacketing system before the steam has lost too much pressure.
CSI’s Total Heating Solution