Steam gun for furnace blueprint. Which steam generator for a bath is better to buy? Important things and pleasant little things

Most people say with confidence that it is difficult to make a steam generator for a bath with your own hands. Easier to buy ready installation. We will try to convince you otherwise. We will demonstrate several options for how to make a steam generator with your own hands.

The principle of operation of the steam generator and its varieties

A steam generator is a device that turns water into steam. If earlier such an installation was used exclusively on an industrial scale, today it can be increasingly found in everyday life, where it is an integral or main part of a bath or steam room. The steam generator does not take up much space, costs much less than stone stoves, does not require additional construction of a chimney and compliance with many safety rules. The device emits wet rather than dry steam, giving a temperature from 35 to 90 ° C, which can be changed using the control panel.

Modern steam generators are divided into industrial and domestic. They differ in size and power. For home use the power of the steam plant varies from 4 to 16 kilowatts, industrial plants are much more powerful, they are designed for voltages from 220 to 380 V. Choosing a suitable steam generator based on the size of the room is not a problem. For a bath of 10–13 m 3, a steam generator with a capacity of 8–9 kilowatts will be enough, 15 m 3 - 12 kilowatts, and for a mini-steam room - 5 kilowatts.

Steam generators also differ in the way water is supplied - it can be manual or automatic (bay from the water supply). Almost all industrial installations are produced with automatic water supply, air and steam temperature controller sensor. Water heating is built in different ways. One of them is electrode. Water passes through special electrodes, which heat the liquid to the evaporation temperature. The second option is a steam generator with a heating element. The most understandable and simple. Water is heated with special device, which has different power. And the third, induction heating is built on the same principle as the operation of a microwave oven - by converting an electromagnetic microwave field into heat.

The factory steam generator is a compact metal case that includes a steam generator, a water preparation unit, a pump for supplying water and steam, the water tank itself, a temperature control sensor and a control unit.

How to mount a steam generator in a mini-steam room?

For a cozy cottage or a private home, many lovers purchase phyto barrels. This is a small bath, designed for one person. Outwardly, it is a barrel, inside of which there is a seat, the sauna doors open and close easily, and a hole for the head is provided in the upper part of the structure. The principle of operation of the phytobarrel is based on the creation of a phytoparosauna. You are located in a mini-bath and close the doors, only the head remains outside, a towel is placed around the neck, which prevents steam from escaping from the phyto-barrel. The procedure lasts about 15 minutes, and a steam generator is used to warm up the mini steam room, which you can easily make yourself.

To make it you will need:

flexible metal hose for a mixer 1.5–2 m long;
plastic canister with a lid with a volume of 5–10 l;
metal-plastic pipe with a diameter of 2-3 cm and a length slightly less than the bottom of the phyto-barrel;
insulating tape;
tee fitting for a tap;
thermometer with electronic display;
sealant;
heating element (TEN);
electrical wire with a plug;
screwdriver, drill.

We start work by fixing the heating element inside plastic canister. To do this, we drill holes of the required diameter in the container and insert a heating element into them, connect the electrical terminals to the outer wire. To avoid short circuit and electric shock, we wrap the contacts with electrical tape. In the lid of the plastic canister, we make a hole for the fitting of a flexible metal hose, insert the flange and wind the eyeliner onto it, use it for seams.

We put aside the canister and take care of metal-plastic pipe. We take a screwdriver or drill and make holes up to 5 mm along the entire length of the pipe at a distance of 5–8 cm from each other. After the end of perforation, we turn the pipe into a ring slightly smaller than the bottom of the barrel and place it on the bottom of the mini-bath with the holes up. Now we drill a hole in the lower part of the phyto-barrel under the diameter of the flexible liner, thread a metal tube through it and connect it to the metal-plastic pipe with a tee fitting. At the final stage, we fix the thermometer inside the barrel, and fix the electronic scoreboard outside.

Everything is ready, we are testing our steam generator. Pour water into the canister and insert the plug into the socket. The water will begin to heat up and steam will appear in the barrel. Do not forget to look at the thermometer so that the system does not overheat, and monitor the liquid level in the canister, adding water in time.

An old pressure cooker and an electric kettle - what to make of them?

In the garage of a private house or cottage there is always trash that can be used wisely. For example, an old pressure cooker. It has a number of advantages that allow it to be used as the basis for a home steam generator: a sealed lid, durable metal and a bleed valve, thanks to which this container can withstand high pressure.

For the heating element, we recommend using an electric heating element. You can find a used part at a flea market or take the heating element out of an old electric kettle. Now we measure 1 cm from the bottom of the juice cooker, make two holes for the heating element and fix it with a bolt and nut. And to ensure tightness and prevent leakage, we recommend laying heat-resistant silicone gaskets outside and inside the mount.

Next, we make water supply to the steam generator. To do this, we make a hole for a copper tube in the bottom of the pressure cooker, always under the heating element, fix it and seal the seams with sealant. To ensure a continuous supply of water and at the same time not to connect the installation to the water supply, we construct the following simple structure. We install a container of the same size next to the future steam generator, attach a mechanical type float valve to the bottom, which, when the water in the pressure cooker decreases, will add the required amount of liquid. The work is based on the principle of communicating vessels. Using a flexible hose, connect the container with copper tube steam generator.

Now we make a hole in the lid to remove steam. We select a suitable hose and, using a threaded connection, securely fix it. After making sure that there is no leakage, and providing the same amount of water in the vessels, you can connect the system to the mains. If steam began to stand out, everything was done correctly.

Steam generator from a gas cylinder - the subtleties of the workflow

The creation of a steam generator from a gas cylinder should be approached with caution, since this installation will work under great pressure. The gas cylinder is slightly redesigned, but first it needs to be prepared. The volume of the cylinder is selected depending on the desired amount of steam volume and the room where it will be supplied. We release all the gas from it, unscrew the brass valve and thoroughly rinse the cylinder warm water using detergent. We continue washing until the smell of gas completely disappears, after which we dry the cylinder thoroughly.

Next, we select the heating elements, given that 10 liters of liquid will require heating elements with a power of 3 kilowatts. We mount them at the bottom of the cylinder, remember that the pressure will be high, so we make such a mount so that it can withstand a load of at least 6 atmospheres. We move to the top of the cylinder, make holes for four tubes, where automation devices, a pressure relief valve and water refills will be screwed onto the threaded connection. After that, we retreat 10 cm from the upper edge of the cylinder and mount a tube with a ball valve on the side, which is necessary to control the liquid level. When water starts to drip from it, this means that it has reached the maximum mark, and its supply must be stopped. Next, we finalize the brass valve.

We cut it in half, remove the upper rod, drill 15 mm holes, cut the threads and screw on the ball valve for steam extraction. The final stage is the installation of manometers to control pressure and temperature, which are connected together. How do they work? When the indicators reach the maximum allowable rate, the heating will automatically turn off. The pull-in coil of the magnetic starter will be used as a load. We connect the installation using a steam pipeline. That's all. A do-it-yourself steam generator for a bath is ready.

Where to place the installation and how to avoid breakage?

The steam generator should be located near the steam room, but in a separate room. It must be dry and ventilated. In this case, the length to the room where the steam generator is located should be minimal. To prevent short circuit and fire, be careful not to form condensation and water pockets.

If all the points have been taken into account, then the steam generator will serve you for a long time. Most often, its breakdown occurs due to increased hardness of water containing impurities of heavy metals (iron, chromium), as well as chlorine and salt. To avoid breakdowns, we recommend installing fine filters, cleaning the unit citric acid. Also, do not forget to drain the remaining water from the steam generator so that plaque, scale and rust are less formed inside.

Regular visits to the steam room will help to improve the body and get a lot of pleasure. To get steam, most old-fashioned bath lovers splash water on hot stones from time to time, but you can make a do-it-yourself steam generator that will produce the optimal amount of steam without spending too much water. Such a device has small dimensions, is simple in design and allows it to be used without a stove, even in urban apartments.

The factory devices have a software control that allows you to set the modes of the Russian bath, Finnish sauna or Turkish hammam. To do this, the temperature and volume of steam supplied are regulated. A do-it-yourself steam generator for a bath can also be adapted for all three modes. The resulting steam will be more delicate than when hard water is poured over hot stones.

Which steam generator is suitable for different baths

Discarding the differences in traditional construction methods and the choice of materials for each type of bath, we can single out the main features of the Russian, Finnish steam room and hammam, which consist in the current mode of temperature and air humidity:

In a Russian bath, you need to provide an average temperature of 60 and about the same air humidity in percent.
the highest humidity is required (up to 90%), but low temperature (40-45).
In a Finnish sauna, dry hot (100) air with a humidity of about 10-15%.

The dryness of the hot air in the sauna is ensured by the open door of the stove, so that the hot stones remove moisture more efficiently. It is not necessary to install a steam generator here, a steam gun is not suitable large sizes.

In a hammam, where a large amount of steam at a low temperature is required, such a regime can be created by pouring a lot of water on hot stones, but a large volume of the furnace is needed. A steam generator is indispensable here, which guarantees the production of light dispersed steam, and not heavy and damp.

The Russian steam room is a combination of a sauna and a hammam, incorporating them the best sides. You can achieve the desired performance using a sufficiently productive steam generator that produces steam at elevated temperatures.

An additional advantage of using a steam generator is accelerated heating of the room (this is especially true in cold weather) and long-term heat retention.

How is the steam generator

The principle of operation of the steam generator resembles the boiling of water in a kettle, when the steam is released through a narrow spout. A valve on top of the hermetically sealed tank regulates the level of pressure inside. The temperature of the steam depends on the pressure. Thus, they create different types baths.

To use a steam generator together with a stove-heater, you need such a design that the steam from the device enters the stones for the purpose of additional heating. As a result, the steam generator consumes less electricity, and due to a slight decrease in the heating of the stones, the operating life of the furnace is extended. Such a bath arrangement is preferable, but if it is not possible to fold the stove, the steam generator can be used independently, consuming more power. But you can save on the expensive construction of the stove.

The main structural units of the steam generator are:

water tank;
heating elements;
evaporation chamber;
safety sensors and valves;
Control block.

On the outside of the metal case are:

Important: To equip a modest steam room up to 5 cubic meters. m steam generator power should be 4-5 kW. For large rooms up to 18 cubic meters. m need a minimum of 12 kW.

Depending on the type of heating elements, steam generators are:

Furnace. On the side walls of the furnace, special narrow chambers are made into which water is poured. It is heated from the fire of the furnace and evaporates after boiling.
Electrode. Liquid heating is based on the principle of current flow between the electrodes.
With the use of tubular heating elements - heating elements.
Induction. A hollow metal circuit is constructed, heated by self-induction currents. Fluid circulates within the circuit.

Water supply methods

Water is supplied to the steam generator tank by two methods:

self-filling of water by the user;
automatic supply from the water supply.

If the steam generator for the bath is made by hand, then automatic water supply is more difficult to implement. Another disadvantage of such a scheme is that the content of impurities in tap water or its increased hardness quickly provoke the formation of scale, which will require frequent cleaning. When manually filling the reservoir, distilled water can be used.

Self-manufacturing and installation of an electric steam generator

Factory devices for the production of steam are convenient and functional, but they are not cheap. The price of a small home appliance ranges from 20 thousand to 80 thousand rubles. Therefore, many craftsmen are thinking about how to make a steam generator on their own.

Features of the installation of the steam generator

The device is installed next to the steam room.
The steam pipeline is mounted so that its length is as short as possible. Otherwise, condensation will form. During installation, bends in the steam line should be avoided to prevent accumulation of liquid in pockets.
Power supply is provided from the network 220-380 V.
In the steam room, it is necessary to equip effective ventilation.

In order to adhere to a clear plan on how to make a steam generator for a home bath with your own hands, you must be guided by the drawings of the installation diagram of a home-made apparatus.

Preparation of equipment and materials

What you need for manufacturing and installation:

Important: The volume of the tank is selected based on the size of the steam room. General rule: for a 10-liter container, the power of the heating elements must correspond to 3 kW.

The gas cylinder is prepared before use:

Step by step when using a gas bottle

Can do hermetic connection two parts is much easier - to weld them, but then the device will be unrepairable.

The designed apparatus must be tested in operation to identify and eliminate deficiencies.

Step by step when using a pressure cooker

It is convenient to make a do-it-yourself steam generator from a pressure cooker for a small steam room. It will take much less manipulation than in the case of a gas cylinder.

It is preferable to install the steam generator in a room adjacent to the steam room, as it is an electrical appliance that is dangerous in high humidity conditions.
The steam supply pipe must be inclined so that the condensate can drain without forming a blockage.
Ordinary tap water is best pre-filtered. Acetic acid can be added to the liquid to descale.
When performing various wellness procedures, herbal infusions or essential oils are added directly to the water.

Important: In order to ensure electrical safety, grounding is carried out on the metal case of the steam generator. RCD must be used for connection.

DIY steam gun

In addition to electric, a steam gun is used. This simple device does not require drawings and complex calculations. Since the gun is installed in the finished heater, it is designed depending on its size and shape.

The principle of operation of a steam gun is to get water from a pipe into which it is poured from above onto the lower stones of the furnace. Passing through them, the liquid turns into vapor and enters the room.

What is the purpose of the gun?

deliver water to the lower area of the heater;
to produce additional heating of steam, making it drier and lighter;
leave steam for some time at the top of the heater, warming it up and reducing humidity.

All structural elements are assembled from parts that are freely available in stores. They must be corrosion resistant. If it is not possible to buy parts made of stainless steel, cast iron will do - they will also last a long time.

First you need to prepare the materials:

steel funnel (preferably stainless steel);
corrugated pipes (about 2.2-2.5 m);
tees, transition angles and pipe connectors;
fittings for connecting corrugated water pipes.

You can buy a check valve ready-made or use a plumbing valve. It is necessary to prevent a back splash of water and is used as a dispenser for its supply.

Connections made with threads are sealed, for example, with fum-tape.

step by step

A funnel is being prepared (ready-made or made from a stainless steel sheet)
A check valve is mounted and connected using a fitting corrugated pipe. It can also be ordinary tap water.
With the use of connecting elements, a device is made of the shape that is suitable for laying in a stove-heater.
Corrugated pipe sections will serve as steam diffusers. A number of holes up to 2 mm in diameter are drilled on them. If water evaporates at an accelerated rate during testing, some holes can be closed with self-tapping screws.
The finished steam gun is placed in the furnace and laid on top with stones.

During the first tests, a home-made device is filled with liquid in a limited amount, and the oven does not heat up to the end. If the tests are successful, then you can test in operating mode.

A homemade generator is easy to make, and a craftsman will make it within one day. It is impossible to replace a completely factory device, but as a result, a more comfortable atmosphere and better conditions for recovery will be created in the bath.

An integral attribute of any bath is a stove, which provides a quick heating of the room to a certain temperature.

An alternative to the classic heater can be a steam generator for a bath - a device that is designed to create thick and clean steam. It is quite compact, economical, easy to install and operate. Steam generator sets are available from ready-made or build your own.

Possibilities of bath steam generators

It is difficult to imagine a steam room without moist air and clean steam, which has a beneficial effect on a person. What are the benefits of taking a bath?

hydration skin, expansion and cleansing of pores;
improvement of blood supply, lymph flow and the work of the heart muscle;
relaxation of the muscular corset and detoxification of the body;
prevention of diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary systems;
strengthening of hair and nails, cellular regeneration.

In everyday life, steam generators are used to effectively clean any surfaces from dirt and pathogens.

The steam generated during the operation of a conventional heater is quickly removed through chimney, while the steam generator in the bath is a hermetic structure capable of maintaining a high operating pressure in the range from 20 to 97 degrees, due to which moisture is converted into dense steam.

How the device works

The steam generator for baths and saunas is a special device equipped with an electric heating element. Its principle of operation is similar to electric kettle: the inner tank is filled with water, which, when exposed to the heating element, boils and forms steam.

The protective cover of the device is equipped with a valve for adjusting the steam pressure. This allows you to create wet steam for and dry steam for Russian steam rooms.

The design of the device consists of the following elements placed in a metal case:

water reservoir;
compartment for preparation and supply of water;
compartment for steam generation;
water and steam pumps;
safe operation sensors;
device control devices.

On the outside of the case are a panel for manual control, connectors for sensors and inlets for pipes releasing steam.

Precise adjustment of the steaming temperature, as well as the intensity and speed of steam supply are provided by sensitive sensors and a processor.

Advanced models of devices allow you to choose optimal modes vaporization for different types baths.

In addition, the generator can be equipped with an additional element for steam aromatization. It is enough to add a few drops of aromatic oil to a special container, and the device will provide the formation of steam with the desired smell.

Expensive models are equipped with a built-in device for cleaning the system, which prevents the formation of deposits.

The steam generating device can be operated together with traditional heating equipment - a heater. The sauna stove with a steam generator generates steam, which further cools the stones. This leads to savings in electricity and a decrease in the heating temperature of the stones, which means it reduces the heat load on the furnace equipment and increases its service life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other device, a steam generator for a sauna and a bath has advantages, which include:

complete replacement of traditional wood-fired sauna heaters;
the possibility of operation with;
different operating power - from 2.5 to 15 kW;
ergonomic body and modern design that goes well with any steam room interior style;
equipment with an electronic remote control system that allows you to control devices from smartphones and tablets;
full automation of working processes of steam generation;
the ability to adjust the main parameters of steam generation.

However, such a unit has significant drawbacks:

the high cost of finished devices and components for repair;
prone to breakage;
dependence on electricity;
susceptibility to power surges in the working network.

Varieties of bath steam generators

Existing steam generators differ in the type of water supply. Automatic feed water requires a constant connection of the device to the central or autonomous system water supply. Models with manual filling of water provide for self-filling of the tank without being tied to a water supply.

Modern steam generators are divided into two types:

Household purpose. Devices with a power of up to 16 kW are used for domestic purposes for heating small-sized saunas, baths and country houses.
Industrial purpose. Devices with an operating voltage of up to 300 volts are intended for use in public baths, saunas and country houses.

Important! In a steam room up to 13 cubic meters. m, you can install a steam generator with a power of up to 9 kW. For rooms from 16 cubic meters. m, an installation of 13 kW is suitable, and for a small-sized bath - a device with a power of up to 6 kW.

Steam generators for baths and saunas have three options for heating water:

Tenami. Water heating is carried out by electric heaters of different power.
Electrodes. In this case, metal electrode rods with a working current are used, which provide rapid heating of water to the required temperature. Such a device is protected from overheating, since the electrodes are constantly in the water.
By induction. Heating of water is carried out by special microwaves on all volume of the tank.

Creating a homemade electric steam generator oven

There is a huge range of steam generators for baths and saunas on the market. But if desired, such a unit can be made independently.

We offer an affordable step-by-step instruction on how to make a steam generator with your own hands.

Before proceeding with the creation of the device, it is necessary to increase the inertia index of the steam room. Most affordable option- to increase the number and mass of bath stones placed in containers made of galvanized mesh.

All work is carried out in the following order:

The stone container is installed on the electric furnace.
Stones are laid out at the bottom.
A steam plant is placed on top of the stones.
A heat-resistant red brick screen is being made. The pipe, equipped with an economizer, is closed with magnesite sheets, which are installed on the base.
An additional laying of stones is carried out to prevent thermal radiation.

To make a homemade steam generator, you can take an empty gas bottle. For work, you should prepare:

gas cylinder;
heating elements;
pointer manometers;
ball valve.

Instructions for creating a steam generator

A used propane tank is taken as the basis for the device. Before starting work, the remaining gas is released through the inlet valve, and inner part shells are cleaned with warm soapy water until the odor is completely removed. The prepared balloon is thoroughly dried.
Carry out insertion of heating elements. The number of heating elements is chosen taking into account the volume of the tank: for 10 liters of liquid - 3 kW. The elements are mounted in the lower part of the housing. It is important to remember that the finished mount must withstand a working pressure of 6 atmospheres.
The upper part of the body is equipped with 4 threaded outlet tubes. Automation elements are connected to them, as well as a valve for supplying fluid and reducing pressure.
In the side part of the body with an indent of 12 cm from the top, a tube equipped with a ball valve is fixed by welding, which is intended to control the water level in the cylinder. As the tank fills with water, the valve remains open, after which it closes.
A brass gas valve is used to create an element for the output of the generated steam. The part is sawn into two equal parts, the rod is dismantled and an inlet 16 mm in size is made. Threads are cut and a ball valve is installed.
The function of sensors for monitoring the temperature regime and operating pressure in the system is performed by pointer pressure gauges. To do this, it is enough to make the correct connection of the devices to the steam generator.

Installation of a homemade steam generator

The final stage - correct installation the unit, on which the safety, stability and durability of its use depend.

The sauna steam generator installation should not be mounted directly in the steam room, it is better to provide a separate room for this. It must be electrified, dry and have good system ventilation. In addition, it should be provided with a system of cold water supply and drainage.

The stove for a bath with a steam generator is quite energy-intensive, so it is necessary to provide a grounded socket in advance.

To prevent possible formation of condensate inside the device, the length of the steam line from the technical room to the steam room must be kept to a minimum.

Rules for the care of a steam generator for a bath

The electric steam oven has one important advantage– ease of maintenance. It is easy to operate such a unit and even a novice bath attendant can do it.

The main condition is the timely removal of scale residues from the heating elements in order to prevent overheating and damage to the device. To clean the heaters, it is recommended to use safe chemicals for household appliances.

To prevent the appearance of scale, special emollients are added to the water or additional filters are installed, and after using the device, the remaining liquid is drained.

Compliance with the established rules will provide reliable protection against scale and extend the life of the device.

Steam connoisseurs will appreciate the advantages of a steam generator installation, since such an acquisition will become a reliable assistant for organizing bathing leisure. In addition, such a device can be made with your own hands from improvised means, paying special attention to safety elements.

The traditional Russian bath implies the presence of a stove-heater. However, its arrangement and operation is not an easy task and requires skills. If we talk about “extracting” soft and light steam from the stove, then this skill is akin to talent - there are a lot of features and nuances that need to be taken into account. Yes, and the choice and installation of even the most elementary iron oven it is a troublesome and complex matter - it is necessary to think over and provide fire safety, take care of the device of the chimney and its competent wire through the roof to strengthen the foundation, if this was not provided during planning. All in all, enough hassle. An easier way out is to install a steam generator. These are small (relative to the size of the furnace) devices equipped with a control system that are capable of producing steam of different humidity and temperature.

Steam generators can work in tandem with the furnace or separately from it. But they can fully heat the steam room only a small one - about 4-6 m 3 - depending on the model and power.

Steam generators - small devices

In short, the principle of operation of electric steam generators is the transformation of water poured into a tank into steam. This can only be done with heated surfaces. They can be heated using any heat carriers: gas (liquefied and natural), solid and liquid fuels, electricity. Household steam generators are only electric. Moreover, they also mainly work on heating elements. Other types - induction and electrode - are mainly used in industrial models. So for home use, only steam generators on heating elements remain.

The design and principle of operation of electric steam generators

According to the connection method, steam generators are autonomous and automatic. You need to fill in autonomous water in the corresponding tanks, and automatic ones do it on their own. But their setting automated systems Difficult: connection to the water supply system is required. In addition, these models have one significant drawback: the water in our pipes has a large amount of impurities, which leads to the formation of a large amount of scale. It must be removed regularly. Of course, there is a solution - to install a water treatment system, as well as flushing and purification. But these features complicate the design, which invariably affects the price.

In this sense, autonomous models are good: you can pour purified or even distilled water into a container. Since such devices have more simple design, and are cheaper. Water tanks have quite large volumes - 3-6 liters, which is more than enough for home use. So they will not burden you much with service.

Regardless of the connection method, such steam generators are structurally similar. There is a container filled with water. Heating elements are located in the tank, which heat it, steam is released during boiling. It exits through the holes that are located at the top.

For anyone familiar with the bath, the disadvantage of this method is obvious: the steam is not hot - about 100 ° C, and heavy. And this is not at all the conditions that we strive for. With such a pair, you will experience not lightness and an increase in strength, but weakness and lethargy. Not what you need at all.

But our man is famous for finding a way out of any situation. So this time: the resulting raw steam is brought to the heated stones in the electric heater. As a result, it turns out that the load on the furnace is small, the heating elements in it are not overloaded, which prolongs the service life. At the exit, we have a well-heated light steam: raw, passing through heated stones, it has reached good conditions. There is one feature of the connection: the steam pipeline must have a slope (in any direction) so that the condensate formed on the walls can drain either back into a container of water or onto the stones of the heater. This is so simple, but very effective method get the desired steam characteristics.

This is a steam generator from Teplodar

But there is one electric steam generator that immediately produces light and well-heated steam. This is "InSteam-Energy" from "Teplodar". Since this company has been producing sauna stoves for a long time, I am familiar with the requirements of the attendants. Their product has a more complex design, but it turns out transparent steam heated to high temperatures. Below is a video. This is a promotional video, but you can catch the essence and the difference.

For metal sauna stoves

There is another type of device which are also called steam generators. These are different designs made of metal that are built into. They are offered by manufacturers of sauna stoves. Some models have built-in such devices, some have them as an option (purchased separately, then installed). The designs may be different. Here are some of them:

No matter how attractive these devices look, but there is a drawback: they are not stones. From overheated metal, there is still some specific smell, which does not happen from stones. That is why sauna connoisseurs believe that the best steam in the bath comes from stones. Find a stove that has an internal heater. And no steam generators are needed. But this is in a stationary Russian bath. And as a "home" option, an electric steam generator is perhaps a worthwhile invention.

and no steam generator needed

Possibilities of electric steam generators

Modern models are capable of producing steam of different humidity and temperature (from 35 ° C to 95 ° C). These data are set on the control panel, and all conditions are maintained automatically using sensors. This makes it possible to create in one room an atmosphere characteristic of.

Due to the fact that steam generators operate in conditions of high humidity, high safety requirements are imposed on them. The performance of the device is constantly monitored and at the slightest deviation from the norm, the power is automatically turned off.

The power of steam generators varies over a wide range - household models have from 4 kW to 18 kW, industrial ones are many times more powerful. The choice of device for this parameter depends on the volume of the room. For a small steam room up to 5 cubic meters, the power of the steam generator should be no more than 5 kW, up to 13 cubic meters, 8-9 kW is enough, and for more spacious ones, very powerful models are needed - up to 12-14 kW.

Rules for installing steam generators

It is not always possible and desirable to put another device in a small steam room. Then the case is placed outside, and steam is supplied through a heat-resistant hose - a steam pipeline. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an installation location:

That's all the requirements. Any more or less technically competent person can cope with the installation.

Steam generator manufacturers

Most of this equipment is imported. But not so long ago he joined the campaign of the Finns, Swiss and Germans Russian manufacturer— Teplodar. Their equipment is amazing. Firstly, the low price - it is 2-3 times less than the devices of similar power market leaders (Teplodarovskie cost 6.5 - 8.5 thousand rubles, and all the rest - from 18 to 28 thousand rubles.) second, the best steam conditions.

There is another Russian company that produces steam generators for baths, hammams and saunas. This is the Voronezh enterprise "PAROMAKS", which produces heating elements and steam generators of the same name.

As in the situation with sauna stoves, the Finns are the market leaders: HELO produces ergonomic steam generators in a wide range of capacities, with various additional functions (the possibility of steam aromatization, pre-treatment of the supplied water, a tank cleaning system, digital control panels, etc. ) Sawo is not far behind - they also have a considerable choice.

Also popular are the products of the Swedish company Tylo, which are distinguished by high reliability and unpretentious operating conditions. There are also Harvia steam generators on the market, which produce reliable and high-quality devices.

Germans are present in smaller numbers: firms Eos, Dr. Kern presents vertical models that are rarely found on the market. They are installed on the floor and look like small columns.

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 compliance with many important conditions ather 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 may have different design, respectively, and various 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 furnaces are designed only for bath procedures - heating water, creating the necessary temperature regime indoors and for vaporization, that is, they have narrowly focused functions. It is clear that not every homeowner 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 Lately bath lovers began to replace traditional brick ovens metal or compact brick.

These ovens take small area, but they 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.

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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. Short review 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 features.

Instrument design

All steam generators have an approximately identical device layout. They consist of the following components, which are 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 cleaning water.
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 homemade boilers, so popular in the student or army environment (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 passing through them electric current. 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 to positive qualities 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 its aromatization, so for adding essential oils or herbal infusions provided with a special hole. 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.

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

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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 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 classic version installation of 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 set to front door in 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 - water faucet blocking the water, in case you need to clean or repair the device.

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 - 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 it is done (for example, with a drill-crown) through hole, larger diameter pipes 10÷12 mm. 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 hole in the wall, you can use polyurethane 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, for this purpose, pvc pipe or PP, 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.

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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 tap 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 the nozzle located on the opposite side of the device from the supply nozzle tap water, a drainage pipe is connected 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, a control panel is connected to the machine, which is fixed in convenient location 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 outer wall steam rooms, leading to it a pipe connected to a container into which 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.

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