There are two main pipes. Outbound steam from the boiler. This is called the "Header". Inbound return water back to the boiler. This is called the "Return". On each appliance you plumb steam in and steam out. On each appliance steam out has a steam trap. The steam pressure will push that back to the return tank. If you have more than one appliance working off the same boiler after the last appliance you need to add a steam trap to the header which now changes from header to return. This now runs back by the other appliances to pick up the returns from the appliances and goes to the return tank. In the return tank you need a simple float valve to be sure your water level stays right because you lose a little water is the steam making process.
Consult a chemical supply for boiler treatment. I always had good luck with Caled. Just add a few ounces after blow down when you're re-filling the boiler with water.