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It is used to accommodate wide variations in demand and frequent start-stop applications and is ideally suited as a central heating system for multiple use points such as hose wash-down stations or plant sanitation. Standard systems can handle 12:1 water flow turndown or designed with dual control valves for up to 100:1 water flow turndown.
The Variable Flow system is ideal for replacing inefficient heat exchanges, storage tanks, steam spargers, and problematic individual steam/water mixing stations.
Learn about our Constant Demand Direct Steam Injection Water Heater
Application Data Forms & Brochure Downloads
Need a quote for a Pick Steam Injection Heater? Save time by submitting an application data sheet. Just looking for additional information on our products? Download our product specific brochures.
Need a Replacement Part or Manual?
Request Replacement Parts
Contact us to order the parts you need to keep your Pick Heater up and running.
Request a Manual
Contact us to request a copy of the Service and Installation Manual for your Pick Heater.
Read a Related Blog Post or Article
Plant Sanitation-The Safe Way to Get Into Hot Water
Getting Into Hot Water–Indirectly
Typical Applications Include:
Have a Question or Need More Information?
We’re committed to providing the best customer support before and after the sale with a team of factory sales engineers that are recognized experts in the industry. They’re ready to put that expertise to work for you.
We're the Only One
Pick is the only Direct Steam Injection company to offer a true Instantaneous Variable Flow central system for multiple hose use points and on/off applications
Precise Temperature Control
Accurate temperature control +/- 3°F (1.6°C)
Energy Efficient
100% heat transfer - cuts fuel costs as much as 28% compared with indirect heat exchangers
Wide Operating Range
Widest operating range of any steam injection heater; up to 100:1 turndown with optional dual control valves
Say “Yes” to Pick Heaters
Pick Heaters |
Mixing Tees |
|
| Automatic Temperature Control | Yes | No |
| No Steam with Loss of Water | Yes | Yes |
| Responds Automatically to Varying Pressure | Yes | No |
| 100% Heat Transfer Efficient | Yes | Yes |
| Can Be Used On Water Pressure Less than 50 PSI | Yes | Varies By Manufacturer |
| Eliminates Need for Operator Adjustments | Yes | No |


The Pick Heater is an engineered product and heater selection is primarily based on Steam Demand.
For preliminary heater selection use the following Sizing Formula. Next match the liquid flow rate to the appropriate pipe size. The selection should be verified by your local Pick Heater Rep or a Factory Sales Engineer.
Please contact us with questions.
Sizing Formula:
Steam Demand
(lb/hr)= 0.43 x flow(GPM) x ∆ T (ºF)
or
(kg/hr) = 0.092 x flow(LPM) x ∆ T (ºC)
Example:
200 GPM x 50ºF temperature rise x 0.43 = 4,300 lb/hr of steam. You would require a 6X50-3 which has a maximum rated steam capacity of 5,000 lb/hr, and a maximum water flow rate of 230 GPM with threaded connections (500 GPM with welded flanged connections).
Variable Flow Heaters are normally used on water service and are offered with cast iron housings as standard. Piping, fittings, and valves are iron, bronze, and steel. Alternate alloys/materials are available upon request. Water piping 3" dia. and smaller is threaded. 4" dia. and larger provided with 125# FF companion flanges and fittings.

Drawing of 6X7 Variable Flow Direct Steam Injection Heater

Drawing of 6X10 thru 6X350 Variable Flow Direct Steam Injection Heater
Variable Flow Heater Technical Specifications
| Model No. | 6X7 | 6X10 | 6X25 | 6X50 | 6X75 | 6X100 | 6X150 | 6X200 | 6X350 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Shipping Weight (lbs) | 320 | 375 | 440 | 650 | 900 | 1,100 | 2,200 | 2,500 | 3,000 |
Water Pipe Selection Chart
Choose best pipe size based on water flow rate in GPM
| Max. GPM | 8 | 15 | 30 | 45 | 90 | 140 | 230 | 500 | 1,000 | 1,800 | 3,000 |
| Pipe Size (inches) | 0.75 | 1 | 1.25 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Heaters are manufactured in Cast Iron, Carbon Steel, or 316SS. Other alloys/materials available upon request. Liquid and steam piping is available in NPT Threaded or ANSI/DN Flanged construction.
Custom Systems
Pick Pre-Packaged Hot Water sets are custom designed to meet process industry needs effectively and efficiently.

