What happens when the boiler water is untreated and contains excessive dissolved minerals?

When boiler water is untreated and contains excessive dissolved minerals, it forms scale. Scale is a hard, mineral deposit that builds up on the internal surfaces of the boiler. This occurs because when water is heated, it causes the minerals to precipitate out of solution, especially when the water is under high temperature and pressure conditions typical in boilers. The accumulation of scale can significantly impair the efficiency of heat transfer within the boiler, leading to overheating of boiler tubes, increased energy consumption, and potential mechanical failures due to restricted water flow and heat surfaces.

In systems where water treatment is not managed properly, the risks associated with scale buildup can lead to severe operational issues, increased maintenance costs, and reduced lifespan of the boiler. Proper water treatment helps to manage and reduce the levels of these dissolved minerals, thereby maintaining efficient operation and safety of the boiler.