What is a significant issue caused by using saturated steam in processes?

Using saturated steam in processes can lead to a reduction of heating efficiency due to water entrainment. When saturated steam is introduced into a system, it can carry with it small droplets of water. This water entrainment occurs because the steam is at its maximum moisture content. The presence of water droplets in a steam system reduces the effective heat transfer because the steam may not fully vaporize or transfer its heat efficiently to the substance being heated.

As a result, the intended heating process can become less efficient, requiring more energy to achieve the desired temperature. This inefficiency can impact overall process performance, potentially leading to increased operational costs and suboptimal product quality.

The other options do not address the primary issue associated with the use of saturated steam in terms of heating efficiency. While high energy costs and excessive pressure build-up are valid concerns in steam systems, they are not directly related to the issue of heating efficiency caused by water entrainment. Limited transportation distance applies to steam systems but is not a direct impact on the heating efficiency. Thus, the focus on the reduction of heating efficiency highlights a critical operational challenge when utilizing saturated steam in industrial processes.