Scale buildup on the water side of a steam boiler is caused by what?

Scale buildup on the water side of a steam boiler primarily occurs due to improper boiler water treatment. When the water used in the boiler is not treated adequately, impurities and minerals can concentrate and precipitate out of the water as it is heated. This precipitation leads to the formation of scale, which is primarily composed of calcium and magnesium salts.

Effective water treatment typically includes the addition of chemicals to control pH, prevent corrosion, and inhibit scale formation. If the water treatment program is insufficient or not properly managed, scale can accumulate and negatively impact boiler efficiency and safety.

While factors like low operating pressure, frequent maintenance, and high water levels can influence boiler performance and operation, they do not directly cause scale buildup in the same manner that improper water treatment does. Each of these factors might affect the boiler in other ways, but they do not inherently lead to the accumulation of scale like neglecting appropriate water chemistry does.