What piping arrangement collects the steam from the nozzles (boiler outlets)?

The steam header is the correct choice, as this piping arrangement serves the essential function of collecting steam that exits from the boiler’s nozzles or outlets. In steam systems, the header acts as a central point where the collected steam is gathered and can be distributed to various parts of the system for heating, power generation, or other applications.

Steam headers are designed to manage and maintain pressure and ensure an even distribution of steam to connected lines. They also help in reducing pressure drops and ensuring that the steam reaches its destination without significant loss of energy. This is crucial for the efficiency of the steam system.

In contrast, a condensate header is intended for collecting condensate – the water formed when steam loses its heat and condenses. The return line typically refers to the path through which the condensate is sent back to the boiler, while the supply line generally conveys steam away from the source to the end-user points. Hence, they do not perform the specific function of collecting steam from the boiler outlets but rather serve different roles in the steam system.