Recommended Velocities in Steam Systems

The steam velocity in a steam distribution system should be within certain limits to avoid excessive wear and tear
The steam velocities or speeds below are commonly recommended as acceptable for steam distribution systems: Steam System Saturated Steam - high pressure Saturated Steam - medium and low pressure Saturated Steam at peak load Steam and Water mix Superheated Steam

Velocity (m/s) 25 - 40 30-40 < 50 < 25 35 - 100

(ft/s) 82 - 131 99 - 131 < 164 < 82 100 - 300

Saturated steam - low pressure - is common for heating services and secondary process pipes. Saturated steam - high pressure - is common in powerhouse, boiler and main process lines. Superheated steam is common in power generation and turbine plants.

Source: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/flow-velocity-steam-pipes-d_386.html