Boilers are pressure vessels used to heat various fluids. The fluids heated inside of a boiler are then used in various applications and heating processes throughout buildings. However, boiler explosions can result in significant property damage and injuries. Here, we want to discuss various steps that individuals can take to prevent boiler explosions from occurring in the first place.

How Does a Boiler Actually Work?

The primary purpose of a boiler is to transfer heat to water. Boilers work by heating water or producing steam that is then used to provide heat to various areas of a home or business. Though there are different types of boilers, the basic process of a boiler includes the following:

• Setting a home or business thermostat to the desired level.
• The thermostat senses a drop in temperature and calls for the boiler to turn on.
• Boiler powering on and using either gas, electricity, or oil to create heat.
• The heat from the fuel source will heat up the water inside the boiler.
• The heated water or steam is sent throughout the home or business via radiators or radiant floor systems to give off heat to warm the air.
• As the water cools and steam condenses, it will travel back to the boiler, where it will be reheated and sent throughout the home or business again.
• This process continues until the home or business reaches the desired temperature, and the thermostat tells the boiler to turn off.

A boiler will typically increase in pressure significantly, and this is where the danger lies. If the boiler becomes over-pressurized, it could explode. Explosions can also occur as a result of faulty equipment attached to the boiler, including pressure release valves.

Preventing a Boiler Explosion

The number one way to prevent a boiler explosion is to ensure that the boiler is regularly inspected and maintained by trained individuals. We strongly recommend that any home or business receive a regular annual service conducted by safety engineers. These individuals will ensure that the boiler and all boiler parts are in good working conditions and that the settings are correct.

A boiler should never operate above the design pressure. The entire tank is only designed to handle the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, safety valves cannot handle pressure over the recommended amount.

It is crucial to ensure that the boiler vents are not restricted by any kind of obstruction, including cloth or debris. Individuals who have boilers should always check for leaks of steam, water, air, or flue gases on a regular basis. They should not rely only on the annual inspection of a boiler. Boiler operators should constantly check on a boiler to make sure everything seems to be in proper order.

Any part of a boiler that becomes hot should be properly insulated with recommended material. Any movable mechanical parts of a boiler should be cleaned and greased as required by manufacturers’ recommendations.

Boiler explosions can be devastating. Not only can they cause immense property damage and destabilize structural integrity, but any person in the direct vicinity of an explosion can sustain severe injuries. It is not uncommon for individuals harmed by a boiler explosion to sustain broken or dislocated bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, internal organ damage, severe lacerations or puncture wounds, and more.

Contact the boiler explosion lawyers in Houston at The Doan Law Firm for your free consultation.