What is caused by steaming the boiler with a dry tube?

The situation described involves steaming the boiler with a dry tube, which can lead to fireside burning. Fireside burning occurs when the boiler tubes become too hot due to insufficient water to carry away heat, resulting in the overheating of the metal. When steam is passed through dry tubes, the absence of water increases the temperature of the tube surfaces, ultimately damaging the tubes due to the excessive heat.

In this context, fireside burning is associated with the degradation of the boiler components, leading to serious safety risks. The dry tube condition limits the cooling effect of water, enhancing the chances of localized hot spots and potential failure of the structural integrity of the boiler tubes. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining adequate water levels in the boiler system to ensure safe and efficient operation.