What is one of the main causes of boiler failure?

One of the primary causes of boiler failure is overheating due to low water conditions. In a boiler, water serves as the heat transfer medium, and when the water level drops below the safe operating level, it can lead to severe consequences. If there is insufficient water, the boiler components can be exposed to high temperatures that they are not designed to withstand. This overheating can cause the metal of the boiler to weaken, deform, or even fail, leading to catastrophic results such as explosions or leaks.

Regular monitoring of water levels is critical in the operation and maintenance of a boiler to prevent such failures. Additionally, safety devices and control systems are typically in place to alert operators to low water conditions, allowing for timely interventions to avoid overheating. Understanding these operational parameters is fundamental for power engineers to ensure safe and efficient boiler operation.