What happens if a hollow stay bolt fails?

When a hollow stay bolt fails, it leads to the development of a leak. This leaking can often be detected quickly, as the pressure differential between the inside of the boiler and the outside environment allows steam or water to escape. This situation is crucial to monitor because while a leak might seem manageable at first, it can lead to more significant issues like reduced boiler efficiency or additional stress on other components.

In the context of boiler systems, a stay bolt is integral in maintaining structural integrity, especially in large boilers where the internal pressure is significant. The failure of a stay bolt typically does not cause an explosive hazard immediately but does indicate that maintenance and inspection are required to avoid escalating problems.

Understanding the implications of a hollow stay bolt failure involves recognizing not only the immediate effect of leaking but also how it could compromise the overall functioning of the boiler if not addressed promptly.