What is a Boiler Header?

A boiler header, also known as a manifold or drum header, is a crucial accessory in power plant and industrial boilers. It serves as a collecting and distributing vessel that channels high-pressure steam or hot water between boiler tubes and external piping systems.

By ensuring proper flow distribution, boiler headers maintain uniform temperature and pressure inside the boiler, which improves overall safety and efficiency.

Functions of Boiler Headers

1. Steam/Water Distribution – Collects fluid from multiple boiler tubes and directs it to the steam drum or outlet system.

2. Pressure Equalization – Balances pressure among boiler circuits to prevent thermal stress.

3. Safety Enhancement – Reduces risk of localized overheating and tube damage.

4. Maintenance Access – Provides inspection and cleaning points for boiler operation.

Types of Boiler Headers

Boiler headers can be categorized according to their function:

• Inlet Header – Distributes feedwater to boiler tubes.

• Outlet Header – Collects steam or heated water after circulation.

• Crossover Header – Balances flow between different sections of the boiler.

Design and Materials

• Design Standards: ASME Section I / Section VIII, EN 12952, GB/T 16507.

• Materials Commonly Used:

  • Carbon steel (e.g., SA-106 Gr.B, SA-516 Gr.70)

  • Alloy steel (e.g., 12Cr1MoV, T11, T22)

  • Stainless steel for corrosive applications (e.g., 304, 316)

• Key Design Factors:

  • Operating pressure and temperature

  • Wall thickness (to resist creep and fatigue)

  • Welding quality (butt welds, NDT requirements like UT/PT/RT)

Applications of Boiler Headers

Boiler headers are widely used in:

• Thermal power plants (steam distribution in economizers, superheaters, reheaters).

• Petrochemical boilers (high-pressure steam supply).

• Industrial boilers for steel, chemical, paper, and coking industries.

Why Choose BOOYO Boiler Headers?

Shandong Boyu Heavy Industry Technology Group Co., Ltd. (BOOYO) specializes in ASME-certified boiler accessories, including headers, economizers, and superheater coils.

• ASME S & U Stamps – Ensuring international compliance.

• Advanced Welding & Heat Treatment – Guaranteeing mechanical strength and long service life.

• Rich Experience – Over 70% of Chinese coking plants and many power industries use BOOYO boiler equipment.

• Customized Solutions – Tailored design for pressure, temperature, and working medium requirements.

Conclusion

Boiler headers are indispensable components of modern boiler systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. With BOOYO’s expertise in manufacturing high-pressure boiler accessories, customers can rely on durable and high-performance solutions for power, chemical, and metallurgical industries.