Does steam flow from top to bottom or bottom to top

[jim1174]

does steam flow from top to bottom or bottom to top in a heat exchanger

 

[Danger]

That would depend upon where it's injected.

 

[russ_watters]

Which depends on the type of heat exchanger and steam service. If there is a separate condensate return pipe, you probably want the steam injected high and the condensate returning low so the condensate doesn't pool-up anywhere. If it is a one-pipe system, the steam is injected low and the condensate just runs back down the same pipe, past the up-flowing steam.