The function of a boiler is simple. It boils water to produce steam, which in turn provides energy. While this is a straightforward process, there are complexities within it that could affect the boiler’s integrity. The primary concern is the quality of the water.
It might not seem like it, but even high-quality water contains impurities, which has the potential to create problems for the boiler’s functionality. Over time, chemical impurities in the water could damage a boiler’s internals, leaving solid deposits, such as corrosion, rust, or scale as the steam evaporates. These accumulated deposits could eventually thermally insulate the boiler’s heat exchanger surfaces, reducing the boiler’s rate of steam generation and may eventually cause the equipment’s metals to fail. Without proper treatment, corrosion, rust, and scale may eventually lead to thermal failure, reduced boiler efficiency, and a potential boiler failure.