What condition occurs when a baffle breaks in a fire tube boiler?

When a baffle breaks in a fire tube boiler, it can lead to an increase in stack temperature. Baffles are designed to direct the combustion gases through the boiler, promoting efficient heat exchange and ensuring that the gases flow evenly across the heating surfaces. When a baffle is compromised, it disrupts the intended path of the gases, potentially causing them to bypass some of the heating surfaces. This inefficiency results in less heat being absorbed by the water in the boiler, causing the combustion gases to exit at a higher temperature than normal.

In this scenario, the increase in stack temperature indicates that the boiler isn't operating efficiently, which can lead to further issues such as reduced steam production and higher fuel consumption. The system may still produce steam, but the efficiency will be significantly impacted, resulting in operational concerns that need to be addressed to maintain the reliability and safety of the boiler.