Heating Steam Pipe

Published:2025-07-17 | Last Updated: 2025-07-17    Views: 2

I. What is a heating steam pipeline?

Heating steam pipes are a type of pipeline system used to transport high-temperature, high-pressure steam. They are primarily used in industrial, commercial, or district heating systems to transport steam generated by heat sources such as thermal power plants and boiler rooms to end users (e.g., factories, hospitals, schools, residential areas, etc.) to meet heating, production process, or domestic hot water requirements.

II. Composition of heating steam pipes

III. Heating Steam Pipeline Specification and Dimension Table

Notes:  

The above are common specifications for prefabricated insulated steam pipes The specific wall thickness is selected based on design pressure, temperature, and standards (GB/T 8163, GB/T 3087, ASTM A106, ASME B36.10M, etc.).

The operating temperature typically ranges from 150°C to 350°C, with design pressures generally between 0.6 and 2.5 MPa. Specific requirements must be determined based on project specifications.  

Common pipe materials include carbon steel seamless pipes such as Q235B, 20#, and ASTM A106 Grade B, or alloy steel pipes (e.g., 12Cr1MoVG) for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

IV. Heating Steam Pipeline Standards and Material Table

V. The Working Principle of Heating Steam Pipelines

The working principle of heating steam pipelines primarily involves using pressure differentials to drive steam flow. High-temperature, high-pressure steam generated in boiler rooms or heat source plants is transported to various end-users requiring heating (such as heat exchanger stations, terminal radiators, process heating equipment, etc.), while maintaining the steam's temperature and pressure throughout the transportation process to ensure efficient heat exchange.

The specific principles are as follows:  

(1) Steam Generation  

The boiler heats water to produce steam, which is then pressurized and transported through a pipeline system.  

(2) Transportation and Flow  

The steam flows through the pipelines, relying on pressure differences to be transported from high-pressure to low-pressure ends. During this process, it gradually releases heat for heating or industrial heating purposes.

(3) Steam Pipe Insulation

Insulation layers are installed on the exterior of the pipelines to minimize heat loss during transportation, maintain temperature, and ensure a stable supply of thermal energy at the user end.  

(4) Condensation and Drainage  

Some steam condenses into water during transportation and heat exchange. The pipeline system is equipped with drain pipes and steam traps to promptly remove condensate, preventing water accumulation from affecting transportation efficiency.

(5) Compensation for Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Due to significant temperature fluctuations Steel jacketed steam pipes use compensators (such as bellows compensators or sleeve compensators) to absorb thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring safe pipeline operation.

(6) Circulation (for Condensate Recovery Systems)

Condensate can be returned to the boiler room via insulated steel pipes reheated to generate steam again, achieving thermal energy recycling and improving system efficiency.

VI. Classification of heating steam pipes

Heating steam pipes can be classified into the following categories based on their structural form, installation method, insulation method, etc.:

(1) Classification by installation method

（2）Classified by thermal insulation structure

（3）Classified by functional use