Which of the following is a consequence of scaling in boilers?

Scaling in boilers is primarily caused by the accumulation of minerals that precipitate out of water during heating. When these minerals build up on heat exchange surfaces, they create a layer of insulating material that inhibits the efficient transfer of heat from the combustion gases to the water or steam in the boiler.

As a result of this mineral buildup, the heat transfer efficiency decreases, meaning the boiler has to work harder to achieve the same output. This can lead to higher fuel consumption and can affect the overall performance and safety of the boiler system. Additionally, scaling can cause localized overheating and potentially damage the boiler tubes due to increased temperatures beyond design limits.

In contrast, increased heat transfer efficiency would be a positive outcome, which scaling does not contribute to. Enhanced water clarity is typically related to proper water treatment but is not directly a consequence of scaling. Similarly, lower energy consumption is unachievable when scaling is present, as it forces the boiler to expend more energy to maintain operational efficiency.