Method and apparatus for controlling phase splitting at pipe junctions

A method to assure equal steam quality in both outlet arms of a pipe junction, comprising the steps of:

• providing a separator for separating the vapor and liquid phases upstream of a pipe junction with a vapor outlet of said separator connected to an inlet of the pipe junction and at least one conduit connecting a liquid outlet of said separator to each respective outlet arm of said pipe junction;
• providing flow constriction means in each outlet arm of said pipe junction;
• flowing wet steam into said separator wherein the vapor phase will travel substantially through to the pipe junction and the liquid phase will separate and fall under gravity into the bottom of said separator where it will flow through the liquid outlet and said at least one conduit to a point on each outlet arm of said pipe junction downstream of the flow constrictions due to the differential pressure created by the vapor phase as it flows past the flow constrictions such that the liquid flow rate in each outlet arm of said pipe junction resulting in nearly equal steam quality in each junction outlet.