What happens when a heat exchanger fails in a boiler?

When a heat exchanger in a boiler fails, one of the primary issues that can arise is leaking. This occurs because the heat exchanger is designed to transfer heat from the combustion gases to the water in the boiler while keeping the two fluids separated. A failure in the heat exchanger can compromise this barrier, leading to a breach that allows water or steam to leak into the combustion chamber or vice versa.

This leaking not only reduces the efficiency of the heating system but can also create safety hazards, such as the potential for steam burns or even water damage in other parts of the building. Additionally, leaking can lead to a loss of pressure in the heating system, requiring repair or replacement of the heat exchanger to restore proper function. Understanding this specific failure mode helps in diagnosing issues related to heating efficiency and safety within boiler systems.