Which factors affect a boiler’s service life most significantly?

Operating conditions and maintenance practices significantly affect a boiler's service life because they directly influence how well the boiler performs and how often it encounters wear and tear. Proper maintenance helps identify and rectify issues before they lead to major failures, ensuring the boiler operates efficiently over time. Regular inspections, cleaning, and timely repairs are crucial in prolonging the life of the boiler, as they help prevent corrosion, scaling, and other detrimental effects caused by prolonged usage without adequate care.

In addition, the operating conditions—such as load, temperature fluctuations, and pressure levels—affect the physical stress on the boiler components. A boiler that operates within its designed parameters will generally last longer than one subjected to extreme or inconsistent conditions. Therefore, diligent adherence to maintenance schedules and monitoring of operating conditions play a critical role in maximizing a boiler's service life.