What is a common cause of boiler explosions?

A common cause of boiler explosions is indeed low water levels leading to overheating. When the water level in the boiler drops below a certain threshold, the boiler's heating elements can continue to operate, causing the remaining water to become superheated. This overheating can lead to a condition known as steam bubble formation—where steam bubbles form within the water. As these bubbles collapse, they can create significant pressure fluctuations within the boiler, leading to a potential failure of the boiler structure itself.

If there is insufficient water to absorb the heat generated by the combustion process, the metal components of the boiler can become excessively hot, weakening the material and, under extreme conditions, resulting in a catastrophic rupture or explosion. Proper water level management is crucial in preventing such incidents, which is why monitoring systems and proper operational procedures are essential in maintaining safe boiler operation.

In contrast, overpressure in the system, while a serious concern, often relates to design and safety control failures rather than the direct outcome of low water levels. Similarly, using incorrect fuel types or improper ventilation does contribute to operational risks, but the specific mechanism leading to explosions is more directly linked to the overheating caused by low water levels.