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Calcimator

Steam Pipe Sizing Calculator

Size steam distribution piping and condensate handling based on boiler capacity and operating pressure.

Inputs

Results

Pipe Diameter

4 in

Trap Capacity Needed

313 lbs/hr

Steam Flow1,039 lbs/hr
Condensate Load125 lbs/hr
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Boiler Capacity (BTU/hr), Steam Pressure (PSI), and Pipe Run Length (ft).
  2. Review Pipe Diameter (in) and Trap Capacity Needed (lbs/hr).
  3. Use Steam Flow (lbs/hr) and Condensate Load (lbs/hr) to inform your decision.
  4. Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.

What each input means

Boiler Capacity (BTU/hr)
Boiler output capacity in BTU per hour
Steam Pressure (PSI)
Operating steam pressure — low pressure (<15 PSI) or high pressure (>15 PSI)
Pipe Run Length (ft)
Total length of steam distribution piping from boiler to end use

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Boiler Capacity (BTU/hr) = 1000000, Steam Pressure (PSI) = 15, Pipe Run Length (ft) = 200 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Pipe Diameter
    Pipe Diameter
    4 = 4
  3. Calculate Trap Capacity Needed
    Trap Capacity Needed
    313 = 313
  4. Calculate Condensate Load
    Condensate Load
    125 = 125

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