Which of the following is NOT a method to improve steam system efficiency?

Improving steam system efficiency is essential for optimizing energy use and reducing operating costs. One method that may seem beneficial but does not contribute to efficiency is increasing the number of valves. While valves are necessary for controlling the flow of steam, adding more valves can lead to increased potential for energy losses and inefficiencies. More valves can also introduce additional pressure drops within the system, which require more energy to overcome and can disrupt the flow characteristics of steam, ultimately making the system less efficient.

In contrast, replacing old pipes can help reduce energy losses due to corrosion or leaks, while maintaining good insulation ensures that heat is not wasted as steam travels through the system. Eliminating leaks is vital for preventing energy losses and improving overall system efficiency as well. All these methods focus on enhancing the performance and effectiveness of the steam system, while simply increasing valve quantities tends to complicate the system rather than improve its efficiency.