Most furnace explosions are attributed to which failure?

The most common cause of furnace explosions is indeed related to the failure to purge the furnace at startup. Proper purging is a critical safety procedure that removes any unburned fuel and combustible gases from the combustion chamber prior to ignition. If this step is not performed correctly, flammable gases can accumulate, creating an explosive mixture. When the ignition source is introduced, it can lead to a violent explosion, resulting in serious damage and potential hazards.

Ensuring that the furnace is adequately purged helps to mitigate this risk by clearing out any potentially dangerous accumulations of gas. This procedure is typically included in standard operating protocols for furnace operation, making it an essential part of safe practice in stationary steam engineering. Understanding the importance of this step is key to preventing incidents related to furnace operation.