Steam line tappings to process equipment must always be taken from the top of steam pipes to ensure supply of dry steam and avoid entry of condensate. This ensures optimum process efficiency and reduced fuel bills.

Branch line connections taken from the top of the steam pipes carry the dry steam.

Steam line tappings are taken from the side or the bottom, moisture and pipeline scaling from the steam main can get carried through the pipes with the steam. The result is wet and contaminated steam being supplied to the equipment, reducing operating efficiency and increase in steam consumption, and hence higher fuel energy.

Steam line tapping on top of steam pipes

Seen in the figures above are the recommended and incorrect methods of steam line tapping from the steam main.