What can cause a "boiler explosion"?

A boiler explosion can be a catastrophic event, often caused by conditions that result in a buildup of pressure or failures in the boiler system. Insufficient water is a significant factor because a boiler relies on water to absorb heat and generate steam. If there is a low water level in the boiler, the tubes can overheat, become weak, and eventually fail. This overheating can lead to a rapid and uncontrolled release of steam and hot gases, resulting in what is known as a steam explosion.

The other conditions mentioned, such as excessive steam production or low pressure levels, might seem concerning but are not the primary causes of explosions in a boiler. Overloading the boiler capacity is also critical; however, it typically results in operational inefficiencies rather than an outright explosion, as the boiler may simply fail to operate correctly rather than fail catastrophically. Thus, insufficient water is fundamentally the root cause of potential boiler explosions due to the direct impact it has on the integrity of the boiler components under extreme heat conditions.