What is the function of a dry pipe in a steam system?

The primary function of a dry pipe in a steam system is to direct steam to the steam drum. This part of the system plays a crucial role in ensuring that only dry steam, which is steam free of water droplets that can cause water hammer and inefficiencies, reaches the steam drum for distribution or use.

In steam systems, maintaining the quality of the steam is vital for operational efficiency as wet steam can lead to damage and reduce the effectiveness of thermal energy transfer. Therefore, the dry pipe helps in separating moisture from steam, allowing only the superheated steam to be sent to the steam drum, which is essential for processes that require high-quality steam.

The other options, while relevant to steam system components, do not accurately describe the specific function of a dry pipe within the system. For example, collecting moisture is more typically addressed by equipment designed specifically for that purpose, such as separators, rather than the dry pipe itself.