What is a significant disadvantage of a one pipe steam system?

A one pipe steam system primarily conveys steam through a single pipe that serves both the supply of steam and the return of condensate to the boiler. A significant disadvantage of this system is that it can indeed cause corrosion due to the accumulation of air in the line.

In a one pipe system, air can become trapped, especially when there is inadequate removal through air vents. This trapped air reduces system efficiency and can lead to the formation of corrosive conditions, as air contains oxygen and moisture, both of which contribute to corrosion of metal components. When air collects in the system, it can also cause uneven heating and reduced efficiency, and in severe cases, it can lead to failure of components due to the corrosion process over time.

This disadvantage is particularly important for engineers and maintenance personnel to consider when designing or maintaining steam heating systems, as it impacts both safety and long-term performance of the system.