The principle of operation of the steam bath with a frame. Which steam generator for a bath is better to buy? DIY step-by-step instructions for making a device

Steam generators are special technical devices that allow you to get hot steam from water by heating it up. Devices with the effect of artificial vaporization can be used in a variety of areas, including installing them in your bath instead of a stove. At the same time, the design of the bathhouse structure is greatly simplified, since any auxiliary room (shower room, for example) can be used for the steam room. The obvious advantages of modern steam generators include their compactness, mobility, and ease of execution, which allows anyone, without the involvement of specialists, to assemble a steam generator for a bath with their own hands.

In addition, these devices will cost you less than a stove-heater, which requires not only a special foundation and a full-fledged chimney, but also mandatory compliance with safety requirements. Unlike stoves, the steam generator only needs to be fixed in the chosen place and connected to the power supply line.

Design

First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the device of the steam generator, the design of which includes the following modules:

water supply channel;
water boiling unit with electric heaters;
evaporation module with steam nozzle.

Of course, you can purchase such a steam generator ready-made, but we immediately warn you that it will not be cheap. That is why we propose to consider the option of a do-it-yourself device.

For its manufacture, it will be possible to use a number of used household appliances, which are probably available in any household and, with the right approach, can become the basis of a home-made steam generator.

Selecting the right container

A used pressure cooker, in which the effect of steam formation is provided for by its very design, can be used as a body or working container of a future steam generator. (If you don't have your old appliance, you can purchase a new pressure cooker from the hardware store.)

This steam appliance fully meets all the requirements necessary for the implementation of our project:

it is equipped with a hermetically sealed lid;
the body of the pressure cooker is strong enough to withstand the pressure required for operation;
the presence of a special valve provides the possibility of "bleeding" excess steam.

After choosing a suitable working container, you will need to decide on the method of heating the water in the device used to generate steam.

Heating element selection

The most convenient and safest way to heat water inside the pressure cooker is to use a special heating device called a heating element.

Note! An electric heater (ET) is essentially a large boiler used to heat large amounts of water, which you can purchase at any hardware store. But before buying it, you should decide on the size and power of the electric heater, which can vary widely.

In the event that you decide to save on a heater, you can disassemble an old-style household electric kettle or electric samovar and use the heating element built into it.

Note! The use of a heating element from a modern electric kettle will require the invention of more complex fasteners. Also, the contacts of such heating elements are not intended for fixing wires on them.

Before assembling the steam generator, it is necessary to accurately calculate the number of devices that provide the conversion of a given amount of water into steam (two or even three heaters may be required to heat large volumes).

Assembly order

When choosing the location of the heating elements inside the vessel, one should proceed from the fact that their fastening and the tubes themselves do not have contact with the bottom and walls of the vessel being used. To do this, you will need to drill holes in the walls of the pressure cooker according to the fitting size of the heaters, into which the heating elements themselves can then be mounted (their location height should be such that there is a gap between the working coils of the heater and the bottom of the pressure cooker within 0.5–1 cm).

When installing heating elements, special insulating washers are used, installed on the outside and inside of the tank, as well as a set of bolt fasteners, which is included in the electric heater kit. Heat-resistant silicone gaskets, which can be bought in a store or made independently, are used together with washers to seal the places where heating elements are attached to the wall of the pressure cooker.

How to make a silicone gasket?

For self-production of silicone gaskets, you must:

take a sheet of plain paper and put it on a glass or metal surface;
after that, a sealant is applied to the surface of the paper, which is then carefully leveled;
another sheet of paper is laid on top of the sealant, which is then pressed against the glass;
after the resulting formation has dried, a gasket of the required shape is cut out of it.

Note! After installing the heaters in place, be sure to check the tightness of the connections obtained by pouring a sufficient amount of liquid into the pressure cooker.

Next, you should organize a channel for water to enter the steam generator, for which a hole is made in the bottom of the pressure cooker for a copper tube through which liquid will constantly flow into the container. The supply pipe must be located below the level of the heating elements, which is a prerequisite for effective steam generation.

Another condition for the productive operation of the steam generator is the constancy of the flow of new portions of water into it, which guarantees its efficient operation and protects the device from breakdown (from burnout of heating elements, in particular).

Note! To organize a continuous supply of water to the converter, you can use an additional container of equal height with it, equipped with a float regulator. When the water level drops to a critical level, the float mechanism will open the channel for its entry, and after filling the tank, it will close it.

After that, it will be possible to connect the steam generator with an additional container using any suitable hose.

Video

This video shows how to make a steam generator for a phytobarrel or microbath:

A photo

To ensure the creation of an appropriate atmosphere in the bath, hand-made stoves are traditionally used. Everything is very simple - the stone laying is heated to high temperatures, water or special herbal infusions are splashed onto it (or inside it, depending on the regime), obtaining the required quantity and quality of steam.

However, even the simplest stove-heater requires fulfillment of many important conditions forher installation, and not always they become feasible. In addition, it is almost completely excluded in the conditions of a city apartment, and many residents of high-rise buildings also want to have at least a miniature bath. Some lovers of bathing procedures and simply for other reasons are actively switching to modern technologies, abandoning stoves and completely switching to electric heating. In any of these cases, a device that artificially creates the necessary concentration of water vapor in the steam room can help. We are talking about steam generators or, as they are called in another way, steam generators. These units are usually a small device that generates and supplies steam to a bath room.

Steam generators can have a different design, respectively, and different components. And thinking about purchasing such a device, potential owners will definitely face the question of how to install a steam generator for a bath with their own hands.

Types of steam generators and their design

What is a steam generator needed for?

As you know, a Russian bath without steam is not a bath, as it has always been famous for its peculiar light and healing atmosphere. It is the specific microclimate of the steam room that gives a person health, cleansing the internal organs of toxins, and also making the skin clean even without the use of detergents, such as gels and soap.

Prices and model line of steam generators Parofon

Steam generators for saunas and baths

In Russian baths, to achieve the necessary microclimate, special large sizes were installed for a long time, which were the source of heating the room and, in fact, the "generator" of steam.

Such stoves are designed only for bath procedures - heating water, creating the necessary temperature conditions in the room and for steam generation, that is, they have narrowly focused functions. It is clear that not every owner of a house can afford to “raise” such a structure, since for it it is necessary to have not only a spacious steam room, but also to equip a reliable foundation. Therefore, in recent years, bath lovers have begun to replace traditional brick stoves with metal or compact brick stoves.

Such furnaces occupy a small area, but require a lot of time and fuel for high-quality heating of the stone laying. As already mentioned, such a stove needs a reliable chimney, that is, installing it in an apartment is a priori excluded.

Prices for steam generators

steam generator

Gas stoves for saunas

In fairness, it should be noted that the sauna stove can work not only on wood. Currently, a fairly wide range is on sale. A brief overview of such units and recommendations for choosing - in a separate article of our portal.

Difficulties with the installation of stoves still do not stop lovers of regular bath procedures. Many owners purchase practical steam generators instead of heaters. They become a good replacement for stoves, as they work on the same principle of converting water into steam.

If during the combustion of any furnace, a significant part of the heat received, and even steam, goes into the chimney, then the generators work only for the room. They are closed systems and operate under high pressure, supplying the right amount of steam to the steam room.

It is characteristic that steam generators are not too complicated in design, so many lovers of a good steam bath even make them on their own. Factory-assembled models are not cheap - today their price ranges from 12 thousand rubles in the simplest version, and up to 130 thousand rubles for powerful units equipped with many additional functions.

Instrument design

All steam generators have an approximately identical device layout. They consist of the following components, which in different models, of course, may differ in design and layout:

Water tank.
Block chamber for evaporation of moisture. If a steam generator is used with a heating element installed in it, then steam is generated in the water tank in which the heating element is located.
Filter for mechanical water purification.
Circulation pump for water.
Steam pressure pump.
One of the types of water heaters, which will be discussed below.
Electronic control unit.
Temperature sensor.

A branch pipe designed to connect a cold water supply pipe, which is connected to a water supply system.
The crane for discharge of water.
Connecting fitting.
Branch pipe and pipe for the steam pipeline.
Connectors for connecting sensors.
Control Panel.
Remote control panel.
Protection against overheating of the heating element, if provided by the design.
A microprocessor that regulates the intensity of steam supply, it allows you to set the time interval for the flow of vapor into the room.
The temperature sensor monitors the room temperature.
Water level sensor in the tank.
Some models may include a container for herbal teas and aromatic solutions.

Types of steam generator heaters

Steam generators are divided according to the design of the water heater into three varieties - these are induction, electrode and heating water to high temperatures using heating elements. Essentially, the principles are exactly the same as those used in the various types.

Induction generators work on the principle of microwave ovens that heat water in a glass of water. The steam that the steam generator supplies can have different consistency and humidity, as well as a temperature of 35 ÷ 95 degrees - these parameters are set using the control panel of the electronic device. So, for example, in a bathhouse, you can create a microclimate that is typical for a Russian bath, sauna, as well as a Turkish hammam.

The principle of operation of the electrode steam generator is that two electrodes are placed in the aquatic environment. Due to the frequency of changing the direction of the alternating current, the water is quickly heated. Something similar is practiced in the manufacture of homemade boilers, so popular among students or the army (from two metal plates, for example, razor blades, located with a small clearance). The (electrode) heating boilers work in the same way.

The heating element brings water to high temperatures due to the resistive heating of the conductors when an electric current passes through them. In fact, this is a conventional boiler familiar to everyone, only it is permanently installed in the tank. These heating elements can have different power, and it is selected depending on the volume of the tank and the amount of heated water.

Such devices, with built-in heating elements, by the way, are the most common among the whole variety of steam generators.

Ways to supply water to the steam generator

In addition to the principle of converting water into steam, steam generators can differ in the water supply system, that is, they can be autonomous or automatic.

Autonomous steam generation systems do not depend on the presence of running water in the house, since water is poured into the container manually. The advantage of such devices is their mobility, that is, with their help, a bath, in fact, can be organized in any room suitable for such purposes. The disadvantage of autonomous steam generators is the lack of a control system, in connection with this they are less practical and more dangerous in operation.
An automatic steam generator is connected to a water supply system, so water is supplied to them under a certain pressure. In addition, steam is also supplied to the room under pressure. The current operating parameters of such steam generators are regulated by an electronic control unit.

Steam generator power

Steam generators are also divided according to their power - into domestic and industrial. So, household appliances have a power in the range of 2 ÷ 9 kW and operate from a single-phase power supply at a voltage of 220 volts. Industrial units need to be connected to a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 volts. It is clear that there is absolutely no point in putting an industrial steam generator in a home bath.

The performance of the device directly depends on its power, therefore, for a small steam room with a volume of 3 ÷ 6 m³, a generator with a power of 2 ÷ 6 kW is suitable. But if the room has a size of 18 m³, then it needs a steam generator with a power of at least 12 kW.

General advantages and disadvantages of bath steam generators

If a decision is made to purchase a steam generator, then it is worth knowing about their positive and negative qualities so that the latter do not suddenly come as a surprise after the start of operation.

So, the positive qualities of steam generators for a bath include the following features:

The possibility of automated control of the device using pre-installed programs or from a remote control.
Rapid heating of water, respectively, and faster release of steam, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the heating of the steam room. While the Russian stove or heater has to be warmed up for quite a long time.
In some models of steam generators, a self-cleaning system is provided.
The steam generator produces lighter steam than the hot stones of a stove.
Some models of steam generators have the functions of aromatization, so a special hole is provided for adding essential oils or herbal infusions. This function will make evaporation not only pleasant, but also healing.
Unlike a traditionally arranged bath, in order to maintain the desired microclimate, the steam generator does not need a constant supply of water in the process of taking bath procedures. So, an autonomous steam generator is refueled once at the beginning, and in the device connected to the water supply, it is enough to open the water supply valve, which will constantly flow into the unit. Therefore, you do not have to think about the stability of the health microclimate in the steam room - it will be maintained automatically, with a stable temperature (for example, in the range from 35 to 95 degrees) and humidity set in advance in the control unit. There is an option to set intervals for steam to enter the steam room.
Simplicity in choosing the optimal location and installation. Since the steam generator has a compact size and relatively low weight, it is enough to fix it on the wall using brackets.
The steam generated by the steam generators is completely supplied to the steam room without leaving the pipe, which cannot be avoided when using traditional stoves.

The variety of functions of modern steam generation devices allows them to compete with traditional stoves. And in some moments, steam generators even surpass traditional stoves in terms of the quality of the microclimate created.

Prices for a stove

stove-heater

However, steam generators also have disadvantages that do not please users, and the following points can be attributed to them:

The high price of appliances, so many people prefer to make them on their own.
Fairly frequent equipment breakdowns.
Power dependency. In addition, the considerable power of the device, which is 4 ÷ 12 kW, will require a significant consumption of electricity.
Due to the large amount of impurities in tap water, even if it is possible to connect to a central water supply, it is recommended to pour pre-prepared, settled and purified water into the tank of the unit, or install a high-quality filtration system directly in front of the device.

These shortcomings significantly complicate the operation of automatic devices. However, given the above positive points related to the convenience of using the bath , and knowing the problems of these devices, you can pay more attention to preventive measures. Naturally, if you are not embarrassed by the high price of such equipment.

Installing a steam generator is not particularly difficult. For its implementation, pipes are needed for supplying cold and hot water, the diameter of which will correspond to the size of the nozzles of the device. You will need brackets for hanging it on the wall (if this is the installation method that is intended). To carry out the work, you should prepare a standard set of plumbing and plumbing tools.

Prices and model range of STEAMTEC steam generators

Steam generators for saunas and baths STEAMTEC

To begin with, it is worth bringing the classic version of installing a steam generator for a bath. In this diagram, you can clearly see how all the communications necessary for the full operation of the device should be routed.

1 - Control panel. In this case, it is installed near the entrance door to the steam room, that is, the parameters can be set immediately before the bath procedure.

2 - The temperature sensor is mounted on the ceiling or on the wall, under the ceiling of the steam room, since it is there that the highest temperature in the room is observed.

3 - Steam or steam pipe that delivers the generated steam to the nozzle.

4 - The steam nozzle is attached to the steam pipe. Through it, steam enters the steam room. As this element, a pipe segment passed through the wall can be used.

5 - Water pipe supplying water to the steam generator.

6 - A water tap that shuts off the water in case the appliance needs to be cleaned or repaired.

7 - Drainage pipe, for draining waste water into the sewer.

8 - Drain valve. This element can be manually operated, that is, it is opened and closed manually, or controlled automatically (8a - manual drain valve, 8b - automatic drain valve).

9 - The sewer drain is arranged both in the steam room and next to the steam generator.

10 - The safety valve protects the machine from excess steam.

11 - Connecting electrical cable, through which the device is connected to the mains.

12 - A device that dispenses infusions or oils to create aromatic vapors. In some models, it is included with the steam generator, but if it is not available, it can be purchased separately.

13 - Rubber plug.

14 - Settler for sediment, which is separated from the water when it is heated to high temperatures. This structural element must be cleaned periodically.

It should be noted that there are some specific moments in the installation work, which should be clarified in the step-by-step instructions for installing a particular model of steam generator.

The first step is to choose a place to install the device. Most often it is mounted in a dressing room or other dry room located across the wall from the steam room. Here you need to take into account that in the wall separating the two rooms, you will have to make a hole for the steam hose. However, if desired, the steam generator can also be installed on the surface of the concrete floor of a dry room.
Further, if it is decided to carry out wall mounting, then it is necessary to mark up, determining where the brackets will be fixed. They can be included with the device or purchased separately. If the steam generator is equipped with an automatic water drain valve, then it must be installed or hung so that the body is slightly sloping towards the drain.
Brackets are fixed on the wall according to the marks. They must be securely fastened, since one should not forget that the steam generator tank will be filled with water, which will significantly increase the total mass of the device.
After there is final clarity with the placement of the device on the wall or on the floor, the section of the pipe passage through the wall is determined. Then a through hole is made (for example, with a drill-crown), 10 ÷ 12 mm larger than the pipe diameter. A pipe section is installed in the hole - a sleeve, with a diameter of 3 ÷ 5 mm larger than the steam pipe. This sleeve will create the necessary reinforcement passage channel of the main steam supply pipe. Fix this segment-sleeve in drilled holes in the wall can be done with mounting foam or cement mortar.

The next step is to connect a pipe to the branch pipe located in the upper part of the steam generator housing, which will supply the generated steam to the steam room. Its second end is passed through the inserted sleeve, already fixed in the hole made. The gap between the sleeve and the pipe can be filled with mounting foam.

Well, if the steam pipe is flexible - then it will be quite easy to pass it through the wall. If a PVC or PP pipe is chosen for this purpose, then you will have to think about its correct location, and then apply welding. However, whichever pipe is chosen, it must be designed for hot water.

Next, it is necessary to lay a pipe that will supply water to the steam generator from a water supply system or from an autonomous tank. When using water from the water supply, at the beginning of the pipe going from the water main to the steam generator, a tap crashes. The water going to the steam generator from the water supply must be passed through a filter without fail. In some models, the water filter is already built into the body of the device, but if it is not provided for by the design, then it is cut into the supply line.

The water supplied to the steam generator, passing through the mechanical filter, will be cleaned of solid impurities, and only in this form will it enter the heating element. Thus, it is possible to significantly increase the service life of the steam generator, reducing the risk of its breakdown. For these purposes, standard filter flasks with polypropylene cartridge elements are quite suitable.

If the water in the plumbing system is too hard and It has a large amount of impurities, it is recommended to install two filters side by side - mechanical cleaning and softening (for example, ion exchange). In this case, it will soon be possible to verify how dirty the water enters the house by paying attention to the condition of the water filter inserts.

Prices for water pipes

water pipes

Since the cartridges in the filters will often have to be changed, and for this it is necessary to turn off the water in this section of the pipeline, two taps are installed on both sides of the filters.

In some cases, a special sensor or gearbox is mounted between the first filter and the faucet that regulates the water supply to control the pressure in the water supply system.

Water treatment problems should always be in the field of view of the owners of a house or apartment!

It would probably be wrong to put filters just in front of the steam generator. By and large, water should undergo full cleaning and disinfection already at the entrance to a house or apartment. Read more about the stages of water treatment, about the recommended ones - read in a special publication of our portal.

The next step is to connect a drain pipe to the pipe located on the opposite side of the device from the tap water supply pipe to drain the waste liquid. The second end of the pipe is connected to the sewer line or is brought out into the street. So that the used water does not flow under the bath, a discharge chute is laid for it under a slope.

Now that the pipes are installed, the control panel is connected to the device, which is fixed in a convenient place on the wall. In some models, the installation of the control panel is provided directly in the steam room, but basically they are fixed next to the steam generator and the desired temperature is programmed on them, as well as steam supply intervals.
Then the signal cable of the temperature sensor is connected and led into the steam room. The sensor itself is fixed in the upper part of the wall or on the ceiling of the steam room, that is, in the most “hot” area.
Lastly, a device is attached to the apparatus that supplies aromatic substances for vaporization. It is mounted on the outer wall of the steam room, leading to it a pipe connected to a container into which the flavored liquid is poured. In addition, a pipe supplying steam from the generator is connected to the device. Passing through the flooded tinctures or oils, the steam is saturated with medicinal aromas and enters the steam room through the nozzle. It turns out that steam can enter the steam room directly from the generator, or by passing through the flavoring unit.
After making sure that all connections are reliable, you can start testing the steam generator. First, the container of the device is filled with water. To do this, open all taps located on the supply line The water level sensor installed inside the device will automatically stop its supply at the right time.
After filling the container with water, and making sure that there are no leaks on the connections, the device can be connected to the mains and set the necessary parameters on the control panel. Then, you need to wait for the water to heat up and the appearance of steam and again conduct a control inspection of the connections. The fact is that when the temperature rises, the connecting nodes may behave somewhat differently than in a cold state. If necessary, possible errors are eliminated, tightening is performed.
If everything is normal, no signs of leakage have been identified, you can proceed to the full operation of the device.

So, as you can see from the description above, having a certain understanding of the installation sequence, having basic skills in working with plumbing equipment, any owner should be able to install a steam generator on their own without much difficulty. Of course, in this case, he must rely on the instructions attached to the device, since any model has its own specific features designs.

Prices for popular steam generators

Steam generators for saunas and baths

At the end of the article - a very interesting video showing the experience of the first "communication" of the owner with the purchased steam generator obtained from "Aliexpress". Perhaps it will help someone make the right decision to purchase such a device.

Video: first test run of a 4.5 W sauna steam generator

Steam generators for baths are also called steam generators. Their main goal is to turn any room into a full-fledged sauna steam room filled with raw or light steam. Depending on what quality and density it will be, you will get the microclimate of a real Russian steam room or a healing Turkish hammam. Yes, a steam generator for a bath is just that small device that delivers steam directly to the steam room. And it is both convenient and profitable! Don't believe? Let's look at this issue more closely.

Why does a Russian bath need a steam generator?

So, what is the steam bath for? After all, this is not only a pleasant procedure, but also:

Cleansing the body of dirt invisible to the eye.
Ridding the body of all kinds of toxins and slags.
Improvement and healing of skin and hair.
Beneficial effect on the lungs and throat.

The Russian bath is just famous for its steam - rich and light. Thanks to him, there is no need to use synthetic detergents in the steam room - it’s not without reason that steam mops are washed no worse than “Mr. Muscles”. But the fact is that most of the steam received through the furnace literally flies into the pipe, while steam generators are closed systems with high pressure. In fact, they are simple in design, and therefore many Russian craftsmen build their own steam generators in their baths, working on the same principle.

Installing a massive sauna stove that produces good steam is troublesome. This is the manufacture of the foundation, and the installation of a chimney, and a thorough recheck of all fire safety rules ... There are enough problems, in a word. While the steam generator was hung up - and that's all business, you just need to deal with the remote control.

Let's summarize: electric steam generators are better than conventional ones in that all their work results remain only in the steam room, and do not fly out into the chimney. This is the maximum benefit. Secondly, the process itself can be fully automated, which will not work with firewood. Indeed, today a steam generator for baths and saunas with a remote control is not a miracle of technology at all. And, interestingly, a high-quality steam generator is able to produce even lighter steam than water on hot stones.

What is this device?

The main and only task of any steam generator is to turn the water poured into the tank into steam. But there are several ways to do this:

Electrode, when current flows from electrode to electrode through water, and it heats up well.
With the help of heating elements - special heaters with different power.
Induction - by the type of how a mug is heated in water in a microwave oven.

Steam of different consistency has different temperature and humidity. So, for a bath, such a device is capable of delivering from 35 ° C to 95 ° C, which is easy to set through the control panel. So you can create the atmosphere of a sauna, a Russian bath or a Turkish hammam in the same steam room.

And absolutely every steam generator - for a Turkish bath, and for a Russian one - has the same structure scheme:

water tank;
water preparation unit;
water pump;
steam pump;
steam generator;
Control block;
security sensors.

On the outside of the purchase, you will notice a pipe for connecting to the water supply system, a drain cock, steam line connecting outlets, connectors for sensors and a control panel for the device. The microprocessor and modern temperature sensors regulate the intensity of steam supply - according to your desire, you can even set certain time intervals for the operation of the steam generator.

Industrial Models - Overview of Manufacturers

Now let's take a look at brands. So, for the heavy raw steam of oriental baths, the best steam generators are produced by manufacturers HARVIA, TYLO, HELO and SAWO. All of their models are made of stainless steel, and the Finnish ones are also equipped with self-cleaning devices.

Some models of domestic industrial sauna stoves are also equipped with additional steam generators - a whole system of metal plates welded onto the body. They quickly heat up in the process of kindling the oven to 65 ° C, and when in contact with water, they form a pleasant light steam. And this is not quite the same steam that is obtained if water is poured directly onto the upper platform of the furnace - here the boiling water also collides with waves, rolling from one plate to another, which makes the steam even hotter and lighter. And especially good reviews about the stainless steel steam generator that comes with the Sahara sauna stove. It produces very light steam even with already warm stones.

And the most ergonomic steam generators are manufactured by HELLO, the market leader. These models are of very different power, with many additional functions - steam aromatization, water purification before heating, digital control systems and much more.

The most reliable are Swedish Tylo steam generators, highly reliable and unpretentious in operation. The highest quality today are considered products of the company Harvia, of course.

Pros and cons of installing such units

Generally speaking, here are the main advantages of modern steam generators for baths:

Full automation of management.
Organization of a constant permanent process of steam formation without any jumps in temperature and air humidity.
Power is only 3-12 kW.
The stove is not additionally needed - it is enough to install an electric heater or organize hidden heating.
Compact size, stylish design.
Control of the steam generator by means of an electronic system – even via a modern telephone.

But the inhabitants are not pleased with such shortcomings of industrial steam generators:

Frequent breakdowns of rather expensive equipment.
The need for a powerful electrical input.
Dependence on power outages.
High price.

As for steam generators with the function of steam aromatization, this is a particularly valuable acquisition. It is enough just to drop a few drops of essential oil into a special hole, and the steam will become not only pleasant, but also healing.

How to choose a quality steam generator?

Let's first understand: what is the efficiency of a steam generator? This is the amount of steam that it produces per hour, its power and calculation for the steam room. And the steam generators themselves are different. So, for private baths and saunas they are produced with a capacity of 4-12 kW, but for public steam rooms they are much more powerful - even for a voltage of 380 volts.

So, for a small steam room of 5-6 cubic meters, a steam generator with a capacity of 4-5 kW is quite enough, but for a room with a volume of 10-12 cubic meters, the parameters are already needed within 8-10 kW. For large steam rooms of about 18 cubic meters, only a steam generator with a power of at least 12 kW is suitable.

Even modern steam generators are autonomous and automatic according to the connection method. You need to fill in the first water, and the second ones are connected to the water supply system. It would seem that the second option is bad, and why then the first? The fact is that there are so many impurities in our pipes that scale cannot be avoided, and therefore sometimes it is better not to be too lazy and pour clean water purchased or pulled out of the well on your own.

We build a steam generator ourselves: two proven methods

But for many, an electric steam generator for a bath is akin to steam from an open electric kettle. Those who consider themselves true connoisseurs of a real Russian bath, build a steam generator for a bath with their own hands, without separating it from the stove. And the steam turns out really well, without any electricity!

The steam generator in the oven is as easy as shelling pears!

So, the first thing to do is to increase the inertia of the steam room itself. The easiest way is to increase the mass of stones, and if no more than 60-80 kg fit into your oven, then you can make an additional trough from galvanized mesh. Install it directly on the oven. Then follow these instructions:

Step 1 Lay the bottom layer of stones.
Step 2. Install steam guns.
Step 3. We get rid of hard infrared radiation from metal surfaces - if possible, overlay the oven with bricks. Cover the pipe with the economizer with sheets of magnesite, after hanging them on the frame. To do this, make duralumin blanks and screw the sheets onto the frame so that there are gaps between them - for convection.
Step 4. Add more stones so that the path to the radiation is completely blocked.

Here's how it looks in the photo:

A complete steam generator - from improvised means

Here is another way to make a steam generator for a bath with your own hands:

Step 1. Get an empty propane gas tank - the size you need.
Step 2. Release absolutely all the gas from the cylinder and carefully remove the brass valve.
Step 3: Wash the inside with dish detergent until the smell of gas is completely gone.
Step 4. Now the balloon needs to be allowed to dry well.
Step 5. We cut heating elements into the lower part of the cylinder (3 kW per 10 liters of water). Their fastening should be designed to be able to withstand at least 6 atmospheres and not be twisted “tightly” - when the heating elements burn out, they will need to be changed.
Step 6. In the upper part of the cylinder, place 4 tubes with a special thread for automation devices. There is also a pressure relief valve and a water filling valve.
Step 7. On the side of the cylinder, at a distance of 10 cm from the highest point, weld a tube with a ball valve - it will open when the steam generator is filled with water. As soon as water flows from it, it means that the level has already reached its maximum.
Step 8. Now the brass cylinder valve needs to be finalized: saw it in half. Remove the top rod and drill holes with a diameter of 15 mm. Next, cut the thread.
Step 9. Screw on the ball valve for steam extraction.
Step 10 Purchase dial gauges to monitor pressure and temperature. Connect these devices in series so that the heating is turned off in case of any danger.
Step 11. Place the finished steam generator in a separate dry room near the steam room. And so that condensate does not form, make the length of the steam pipeline to the steam room minimal.

And the last thing: there are serious safety requirements for the process of installing steam generators in a bath - as soon as the slightest deviation from the norm occurs, the device should automatically turn off. In general, in order to properly install such a technique in a steam room, it is not even necessary to call a specialist - you can handle the wave yourself, it is only important to read the instructions correctly.

That's all! This home steam generator is enough to easily reach high humidity in the steam room - and this is already the mode of a real Russian bath, with its soft steam and moisture-saturated air.

The main goal of steam generators for a bath is to turn any room into a full-fledged steam room, which will be filled with raw or light steam. Depending on its density and quality characteristics, you will be provided with a microclimate of a Russian bathhouse or a healing Turkish hammam. We invite you to learn more about this equipment.

Why do you need a steam generator in a bath room

Using a steam generator for a bath is not the last place among the ways to remove toxins and toxins from your body. Thanks to the direct effect of the steam provided by the steam generator, you can not only completely cleanse your body, but also harden yourself. Through the action of steam together with a birch broom, a deep cleansing of the skin occurs, while eliminating all imperfections. In addition, the use of a steam generator in the bath for some is a real necessity.

Note that installing a massive one that will produce good steam is not an easy task. You will have to build a foundation, equip a chimney, conduct a thorough check of all fire safety rules, etc. A steam generator for a bath is an excellent alternative, since its use is quite simple and convenient.

Important! It is known that they were used to generate steam in the bath. However, in order to obtain the most favorable steam, a fairly long period of time was required to fire a furnace of this type. Modern models of sauna stoves with an equipped steam generator are completely devoid of such a disadvantage due to the fact that manufacturers have developed exclusively improved approaches for heat redistribution. Thus, steam generation starts already from the 15th minute of the furnace.

Steam generator - what is this device

Perhaps the main and only task of this equipment is to provide the room with steam. In turn, there are several ways in which you can do this:

Electrode - the current flows directly from the electrode to the electrode with the help of water, and the latter warms up perfectly;
Through heating elements - special heaters that differ in completely different power;
Induction - in the same way as a mug of water is heated in a microwave oven.

Note that steam of completely different consistency also has different temperatures and humidity. So, for a bath room, such equipment can give out up to 95С 0, which can be quite easily set using the remote control.

It is also worth knowing that only each steam generator, both for Russian and for, is characterized by the same design and structure scheme:

Water tank;
Special unit for water treatment;
Pump for direct movement of water;
Steam movement pump;
Steam generator device;
Control Panel;
Security sensors.

Also, from the outside of the case you can see:

Branch pipe (for connecting the device to the water supply);
Plug-in connections that provide the connection of control sensors;
Outlet for connecting the steam pipeline;
Drain neck;
Steam generator controls with indication.

This equipment is characterized by several modes of operation. Most manufacturers produce the most versatile and multifunctional models. At the same time, everyone, the steam that is produced is much better than the one that you get in the process of ordinary pouring hot stones with boiling water. At the time of using the steam generator for a bath, you have a unique opportunity to independently adjust the optimal mode for yourself, set exactly the parameters that you prefer.

The most common models of steam generators

Further, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the brands of this device in more detail. For example, in order to provide yourself with heavy and damp steam from oriental baths, the best option would be a steam generator manufactured by Harvia, Tylo and Helo. All these models are made of stainless steel, and the Finnish ones are additionally equipped with self-cleaning devices.

Some of the most ergonomic steam generators come from Helo, the market leader. These models are distinguished by a variety of power, and are also characterized by the presence of additional functions, such as aromatization of steam, purification of water before its direct heating, and more. In turn, equipment from the Swedish manufacturer Tylo is considered the most reliable. They are quite durable and not whimsical during their operation. But in terms of quality characteristics, the brand of the Harvia model differs.

Model		Power, kWt)	Size (cm)		Cost, rub)
Harvia Helix HGX11L		10,8	15.5x32x60
Harvia Helix Pro HGP 30		30,0	32x49x56
HELO HNS 60 T1		6,0	16x38x52		59 940
HELO HNS 140 T1	14,0		16x38x52	70 400
TYLO Steam 2/4/6	2.2/4.5/6.6		445x130x415 (mm)	74 000
TYLO Steam 12	12		570x224x485 (mm)	135 500

The introduction of the latest technological developments has allowed specialists to significantly improve the overall reliability and efficiency of all the considered models of steam generators.

Advantages and disadvantages of using steam generators for a bath

As for the advantages of modern steam generators, in this case the following should be noted:

Automation control;
Ensuring a permanent process of steam generation without jumps in temperature or humidity;
Equipment power 3-12 kW;
Additional use of the oven is not required. It will be enough to install an electric heater or arrange a hidden one;
Unique design, compact dimensions;
Possibility to control the steam generator by means of an electronic system.

However, industrial steam generators have a number of the following disadvantages:

Periodic breakdowns of expensive equipment;
The need for powerful electrical input;
Direct dependence on interruptions in the operation of the electrical network;
Relatively high prices for this equipment.

It should be noted that steam generators, which differ in the function of steam aromatization, are considered a particularly valuable acquisition. So, it is enough just to add a few drops of essential oil to a special device, and the steam generated will become pleasant and healing.

Professional advice: the installation of equipment should be carried out in a technical room, the location of which should be near the bath.

What should be considered when choosing a quality steam generator for a bath?

Initially, we recommend to decide what is the effectiveness of this device? Of course, this is the amount of steam reproduced by him for an hour, his power. However, the steam generators themselves are completely different. For example, for private bathing facilities they are produced with a capacity of 4-12 kW, while public facilities require much more powerful equipment. For a steam room of a small size (5-6 m 3), a steam generator will be required, the power of which will be 4-5 kW, and for a room of 10-12 m 3, equipment will be required within 8-10 kW.

It should be noted that among modern models there are autonomous and automatic (directly by the way they are connected). It is necessary to pour water into an autonomous steam generator independently, while the automatic one is connected to the water supply system. So why then the first option, if the second is good enough? The thing is that there are a lot of impurities in the water pipes, which can provoke the appearance of scale. That is why, sometimes it is simply useful not to be lazy and pour clean water (purchased or water from a well) with your own hands.

How to correctly install a steam generator?

This equipment must be installed correctly, as the stability and duration of its operation depend on it. Initially, it is necessary not to forget that the direct installation process must be carried out in a well-ventilated room, specially equipped for this purpose. In addition, when installing a steam generator, it is recommended to take care of the availability of a drainage drain, water supply, as well as the required electrical power. Please note that the water pressure should not exceed 10 bar, and its temperature should not exceed 65C 0.

Installation of steam generators for baths should be carried out above or below the level of the steam room. This will eliminate the occurrence of deflections in the steam line, in which condensate accumulates. The latter, in turn, is able to block the exit of steam to the outside. In addition, it is quite appropriate to take into account the length of the steam line - make sure that it is short, as this will ensure less condensate.

In custody…

Today, the domestic market offers a fairly wide selection of steam generators for baths from different manufacturers. Due to the high abundance of this equipment, professional experts recommend giving preference to only proven and popular brands. Also, it is worth asking for help from the masters who will help you choose the best option for a steam generator for a bath, and, if necessary, install it for you. In the event that you decide to choose the equipment yourself, we recommend paying attention to the following nuances:

Possibility of automatic temperature control and steam supply;
The presence of a remote control;
Direct combination of the device with your steam room (its dimensions);
Is the equipment suitable for repair work in the event of a breakdown;
The safety of the device during its operation.

Of course, the purchase of a quality product will cost you much more, however, this is a guarantee of high reliability, as well as the elimination of frequent equipment breakdowns and, therefore, saving personal money.

A homemade steam generator for a bath can serve as an addition to the stove, as well as an independent device. It is increasingly used in the bath to create a healing and soft steam. The device can be bought ready-made, but it will be cheaper to make it yourself.

Content:

Steam can heal the body and cleanse the skin if used in the right amounts. Having a steam generator for a bath, you no longer need to periodically pour water on the stones in order to get a certain amount of steam. The steam generator is able to produce steam in the required quantity. At the same time, water is also significantly saved. In addition, the steam generator has a fairly compact size and does not take up much space in the bath. It is fairly easy to install and can be done by one person.

Features of the steam generator in the bath

The production of steam from a "store" steam generator can be controlled using a special control panel. You can set the steam temperature and quantity. Steam temperature can be set up to 95 degrees. In addition, industrial models of steam generators have built-in programs that are able to create a temperature regime and the amount of steam supply, imitating a hammam, Russian or Finnish bath. Another advantage is that the steam from the steam generator is softer than from pouring water on rocks.

Let's look at how the steam generator works:

Security sensor;
Water tank;
A pump that moves steam and water;
Water preparation unit;
Block for the formation of steam;
Control device.

On the outside of the steam generator there are indicators and a control panel.

Types of steam generators for a bath

Steam generators come in manual and automatic water filling. With automatic filling, the steam generator is connected directly to the water supply. Modern installations are mainly equipped with automation that controls both the temperature in the steam room and the temperature of the water.

There are several types of steam generators:

Industrial. The voltage is 220-300 volts, they are designed for public-type saunas.
Household. Power reaches 4-16 kilowatts, suitable for home use.

For a steam room with a size of 10–13 cubes, a steam generator of 8–9 kilowatts is suitable. If the room is more than 15 cubic meters, then it would be optimal to install a 12 kilowatt steam generator. For a small steam room up to 5 cubic meters, a steam generator with a power of 5 kilowatts is enough.

There are 3 main types of water heating for steam generators:

Electrode. In this case, the current passes through the water along the electrodes. This heats up the water.
With the help of TENs. Water is heated by special devices of different capacities.
Induction. Water is heated according to the same principle as in a microwave oven.

Do-it-yourself steam generator for a bath

Given that the price of an industrial branded steam generator can range from 1-10 thousand dollars, it makes sense to build the structure yourself. There are two time-tested methods - a steam generator in an oven and a freestanding steam generator. Let's consider further how to make a homemade steam generator in both ways.

Instructions for creating an oven steam generator for a bath

True connoisseurs of sauna steam do not recognize electric steam generators. Such amateurs prefer to build steam generators directly in the sauna stove. We will need the following materials: an economizer pipe (from 100 rubles apiece), magnesite sheets (from 340 rubles apiece).

The design is made according to the following scheme:

We increase the inertia of the steam room. To do this, you need to increase the weight of the stones. If the oven holds about 60–80 kilograms, we make an additional steel trough. We install it in the oven.
We lay a layer of stones.
Installing steam guns.
To get rid of hard infrared radiation, we cover the oven with bricks.
We close the pipe with the economizer with sheets of magnesite. First you need to hang them on the frame. To do this, we make duralumin blanks and screw the sheets onto the frame in such a way as to leave gaps between them. This ensures convection.
We report another layer of stones in order to completely block the path to radiation.

Creating a homemade electric steam generator for the oven

The unit, created according to the scheme below, will operate under high pressure. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that the housing has an appropriate thickness. To make a homemade steam generator, you can use a regular gas cylinder. It just needs a little upgrade.

Materials that will be needed in the process of work:

Gas cylinder (from 4300 rubles);
Heating elements (about 140 rubles apiece);
Manometer (about 450 rubles).

Step-by-step instructions for creating an electric steam generator:

For the base we take a gas cylinder. We release gas from it, remove the valve and thoroughly rinse the cylinder inside with warm water and any detergent until the smell disappears completely. We dry the balloon.
We select heating elements with the expectation of 10 liters of water - 3 kilowatts. We mount them in the lower part of our cylinder. When creating a mount, keep in mind that the pressure must be at least six atmospheres, and the mount must withstand them.
Next, we need to make 4 threaded tubes. A valve for collecting pressure, a valve for filling the steam generator with water and devices of the automation system will be screwed onto them.
Then, on the side of the tubes and at a distance of 10 cm from the top, we weld a tube with a ball valve that will control the water level. When water is drawn, the tap must be opened and wait for water to flow from it. If water has flowed, then there is enough of it, and we close the tap.
To create a steam extraction device, a brass valve from a cylinder is suitable for us. We saw it in half, remove the upper rod and make a hole measuring 15 mm. Then we cut the thread and screw on the ball valve.
As sensors, you can use pressure gauges that will control temperature and pressure. Kip devices will do. Connect the devices - and when the restriction is triggered, the heating will automatically turn off. For load, use the magnetic starter coil.
We install the steam generator using a steam pipeline.

Remember: the steam generator should not be placed directly in the steam room. It should be located in a separate room, but next to it. The room must be dry and well ventilated. The length of the steam pipeline from the room with the steam generator to the steam room should be as short as possible. Be careful not to form condensation or water pockets.

You will learn more about the operation of a steam generator for a bath from the video:

As can be seen from the instructions, the device for a steam generator for a bath is not complicated, but rather laborious in the process of creation. In the production of steam generators, great attention should be paid to the safety system. After all, the steam generator is powered by electricity, and the contact of electricians with steam is a rather unsafe phenomenon.