A steam manifold is a pressure-rated header that receives steam from one main line and distributes it to multiple users, tracer lines, or vessel jackets through individually valved branches. JBM manifolds cover header, forged block, and integral-valve designs from 50 to 200 NB with 4 to 16 branches, in CS A106 Gr.B for plant steam and SS316L orbital-welded construction for clean steam, designed to ASME B31.1 / B31.3 with IBR compliance where applicable.
Steam enters the header at low velocity (15–25 m/s), letting entrained water and dirt drop to a full-bore drain pocket at the low end, where a strainer and steam trap remove condensate. Branches take off from the top of the header so only dry steam reaches users. Each branch carries an isolation valve, and the header carries a pressure gauge, safety valve connection, and vent. Pre-assembled skids arrive tested, insulated, and ready for connection.
Challenges
Wet Steam Carry-Over
Condensate in the header reaches users and causes water hammer and poor heat transfer.
Water Hammer
Undrained low points and fast valve opening create damaging pressure surges.
Uneven Distribution
Undersized headers starve end branches during peak demand.
Heat Loss and Safety
Bare headers waste energy and pose burn risk to operators.
Site Fabrication Time
Field-welded manifolds delay commissioning and vary in quality.
Solutions
- Top Take-Off Branches + Separator: Dry steam drawn from the header crown; separator option upstream.
- Full-Bore Drain Pocket + Trap: Drip leg sized to header up to 100 NB with float or TD trap.
- Low-Velocity Header Sizing: Header sized at 15–25 m/s so all branches see equal pressure.
- Factory Insulation + Cladding: Mineral wool with aluminium cladding keeps surface below 55°C.
- Pre-Assembled, Tested Skids: Shop fabricated, hydro tested, and delivered ready to connect.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Reactor jackets, autoclaves, and clean steam SIP headers.
- Food & Beverage: Cookers, kettles, pasteurizers, and CIP heaters.
- Chemical: Tracer lines, reboilers, and heated storage tanks.
- Textile & Paper: Dryers, calenders, and process heating users.
Types & Configurations
| Type | Code | Design & Operation | Size / Branches | Rating | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Construction | |||||
| Header-Type Manifold | HD | Pipe header with welded branch stubs and end caps | 50–200 NB; 4–16 | 150# / 300# | General plant steam |
| Forged / Block Manifold | FB | Machined forged body with integral ports | 15–25 NB ports; 4–12 | Up to 40 bar | Compact tracer supply |
| Tubular with Integral Valves | IV | Header with factory-fitted piston or globe valves | 50–100 NB; 4–12 | 150# / 300# | Quick installation |
| By Function | |||||
| Steam Distribution Manifold | SD | Main header feeding multiple process users | 50–200 NB; 4–16 | 150# / 300# | Plant steam distribution |
| Steam Tracing Supply Manifold | TR | Low-flow header feeding tracer lines | 50–80 NB; 8–16 | 150# | Line and tank tracing |
| Clean / Pure Steam Manifold | CS | SS316L tube, orbital welded, drainable, Ra ≤0.6 µm | 1”–4” OD; 4–10 | Up to 6 bar | SIP, humidification |
| Jacket Supply Manifold | JS | Header with control valve connections to jackets | 50–150 NB; 4–10 | 150# | Vessels and reactors |
| By Configuration | |||||
| Horizontal Manifold | -H | Header horizontal with drain pocket at low end | All sizes | As header | Rack or floor mounting |
| Vertical Manifold | -V | Header vertical with bottom drain | 50–150 NB | As header | Wall or column mounting |
| Single / Double-Sided Branches | -S / -D | Branches on one side or both sides of the header | All sizes | As header | Space and access layout |
| Pre-Assembled Manifold Skid | -SK | Manifold with trap, strainer, gauges, insulation on frame | All sizes | As header | Fast site installation |
Models & Sizes: 50 to 200 NB Header
| Model | Header NB | Branches [nos] | Branch NB | Length [mm] | Rating | Steam Capacity [kg/h] | Drain Pocket NB | Weight [kg] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM-050-04 | 50 | 4 | 15–25 | 900 | 150# / 300# | 1,100 | 50 | 25 |
| SM-050-06 | 50 | 6 | 15–25 | 1,200 | 150# / 300# | 1,100 | 50 | 30 |
| SM-080-06 | 80 | 6 | 15–40 | 1,350 | 150# / 300# | 2,400 | 80 | 40 |
| SM-080-08 | 80 | 8 | 15–40 | 1,700 | 150# / 300# | 2,400 | 80 | 45 |
| SM-100-08 | 100 | 8 | 25–50 | 1,900 | 150# / 300# | 4,200 | 100 | 60 |
| SM-100-10 | 100 | 10 | 25–50 | 2,300 | 150# / 300# | 4,200 | 100 | 65 |
| SM-150-10 | 150 | 10 | 25–50 | 2,800 | 150# / 300# | 9,500 | 100 | 110 |
| SM-150-12 | 150 | 12 | 25–50 | 3,300 | 150# / 300# | 9,500 | 100 | 130 |
| SM-200-12 | 200 | 12 | 25–50 | 3,900 | 150# / 300# | 16,400 | 150 | 200 |
| SM-200-16 | 200 | 16 | 25–50 | 5,100 | 150# / 300# | 16,400 | 150 | 260 |