Which boiler type generally has a higher operational risk due to pressure?

The type of boiler that generally has a higher operational risk due to pressure is the high pressure boiler. High pressure boilers are designed to operate at significantly elevated pressures, which can exceed 15 psi for steam delivery. The elevated pressure means that any failure or malfunction can lead to catastrophic consequences, including explosive failures or severe injuries.

As the pressure increases, the stress on the boiler's components also escalates, making it critical to maintain strict safety standards and monitoring. High pressure systems often require specific materials, design considerations, and operational procedures to mitigate the risks associated with high-stress levels. This can involve more intensive inspection and maintenance practices to ensure reliability and safety.

In contrast, low pressure boilers operate at much lower pressures, which reduces the inherent risks associated with operation. Steam boilers can operate at various pressures, but if categorically classified as high pressure, they align with the increased risk profile. Hot water boilers typically operate at pressures within a safe range and usually don't pose the same level of risk as high pressure systems. Thus, while steam and hot water boilers can also have risks, high pressure boilers are generally regarded as having the highest operational risk due to the pressure they manage.