Increased boiler pressures were used to enhance efficiency, but this often led to:

Increased boiler pressures can significantly enhance the efficiency of a boiler system because higher pressures allow for greater heat transfer, which can improve the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the system. However, this increase in pressure also brings with it a higher risk of serious accidents.

When the pressure inside a boiler rises beyond safe limits, it can lead to catastrophic failures, such as boiler explosions or ruptures. These incidents can result from several factors, including material fatigue, improper maintenance, or incorrect operational practices. The higher the pressure, the greater the energy stored in the system, and consequently, any failure can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.

While it is true that higher pressures can yield economic gains and improved efficiency, the overriding concern in a power engineering context is always the safety of operations. Thus, the focus is often on managing pressure levels to prevent accidents, making the link between increased boiler pressures and the risk of serious accidents a crucial aspect of boiler safety management practices in power engineering.