Which of the following can result from low water levels in a boiler?

Low water levels in a boiler can lead to system overheating, which is a significant risk because water serves as a cooling and lubricating medium for the boiler's components. When the water level drops below the safe operating level, there is less water to absorb the heat generated during the combustion process. This can cause the boiler's metal surfaces to overheat, leading to potential damage such as warping, melting, or even catastrophic failures like explosions.

Maintaining appropriate water levels is crucial to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the boiler. When low water conditions occur, safety mechanisms are often activated to shut down the boiler or alert operators, preventing further overheating damage. Understanding this concept is vital for boiler operators to ensure proper maintenance and operational safety.