What can modern naval boilers tolerate before suffering tube ruptures due to scale?

Modern naval boilers are highly engineered systems designed to withstand specific conditions and maintain efficiency. The correct answer indicates that a few thousandths of an inch of scale buildup is the threshold before serious issues, such as tube ruptures, may occur.

When scale, which is primarily composed of mineral deposits, accumulates within the boiler tubes, it can act as an insulator, preventing efficient heat transfer. This insulation effect can lead to localized overheating of the metal tubes, increasing the risk of failure due to thermal stress. The tolerance of a few thousandths of an inch reflects the precision required in boiler operations to maintain safety and efficiency. Beyond this threshold, the integrity of the boiler tubes can be compromised, leading to costly repairs and operational risks.

In practice, maintaining scale within this tight tolerance is essential for the safe operation of modern naval vessels, as excessive buildup would not only risk tube failure but also negatively impact overall boiler performance.