What can the sudden drop in pressure in a boiler lead to?

A sudden drop in pressure within a boiler can lead to an explosion due to rapid pressure changes that can cause structural failure. When the pressure drops unexpectedly, the water in the boiler may flash into steam rapidly, which can create a significant volume of steam that expands quickly. If the boiler's structural integrity is compromised due to this rapid change, it can result in an explosive situation.

Additionally, the low pressure can lead to various safety mechanisms being triggered, which might not adequately contain the thermal and pressure fluctuations, ultimately resulting in catastrophic failure if not managed properly. It's critical for boiler operators to monitor pressure levels diligently and ensure that systems in place are functioning correctly to prevent this type of incident.