What is the potential result of not maintaining water quality in a boiler?

Maintaining proper water quality in a boiler is crucial because not doing so can lead to significant issues, primarily corrosion and scale formation. When impurities such as minerals and contaminants are present in the boiler water, they can precipitate out and form deposits (scale) on the heating surfaces. Scale acts as an insulating layer, which reduces heat transfer efficiency and can cause overheating and eventual failure of the metal components.

Furthermore, the presence of oxygen and other corrosive agents in untreated water can lead to corrosion, which weakens the structural integrity of the boiler and can result in leaks and failures. Corrosion can also lead to the production of harmful acids, which can exacerbate the degradation of metal surfaces.

Together, these effects compromise the operational efficiency and safety of the boiler, leading to potential downtime and costly repairs. Thus, ensuring water quality is essential to prevent these detrimental outcomes.