What device removes moisture from steam before it enters the header?

The correct choice is the device known as a separator, which is specifically designed to remove moisture from steam before it enters the header. A separator operates by allowing steam and water to pass through it, using gravity or centrifugal force to separate the moisture from the steam. This is crucial because the presence of water in steam can lead to issues such as water hammer, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to equipment in the steam system.

Separators effectively ensure that only dry steam is delivered to the header, which is essential for the proper functioning of steam distribution systems. This ensures that downstream equipment, such as turbines or heat exchangers, operates efficiently and safely without the risk of damage from excess moisture.

While steam traps and heat exchangers serve important roles in steam systems—managing condensate and adjusting the temperature, respectively—they do not primarily function to remove moisture from steam before it enters the header. A dry pipe is not a commonly recognized term used in the context of steam systems for moisture removal. Therefore, the separator is the appropriate choice for this function.