How nice it can be to warm up in your own bathhouse after a hard day at work. Silence and steam do their job - the body and spirit truly relax. Until recently, only owners of country houses and dachas could afford such relaxation.
But progress is taking place by leaps and bounds. Models with steam generators have appeared on the shower stall market. It’s hard to believe, but steam bath procedures can now be carried out in the shower of any apartment, even in a small Khrushchev-era building.
Moreover, you can upgrade an existing shower stall with a separate steam generator and turn it into a hammam. We will talk about this and much more in our article.
Selection and installation of equipment in the hammam are important stages in the construction of steam rooms
The gas steam generator for the hammam has a universal design that allows you to use the device in a separate steam room, a small beauty salon, or in the personal living space of an apartment building.
A steam generator operating on gas is identical in structure to electric models. The equipment consists of the following parts:
- a boiler that fills the system with water;
- elements for heating liquid;
- chambers for liquid evaporation;
- steam channel;
- control unit;
- body part made of metal.
The operating principle of the steam generator is quite simple. The accumulated water is heated to 100 °C. Once in the evaporation chamber, the liquid turns into a gaseous state. Through special channels, the resulting steam moves into the room, completely filling it.
The lack of water in the system is compensated by opening the shutter valves. Using the built-in control unit, control is carried out over the set temperature level, the humidity of the emitted steam, and the filling of the boiler.
The simplified operating principle makes the steam generator easy to use and does not require close control over the stages of steam formation.
When choosing a gas steam generator for installation in a hammam, you need to consider the following technical characteristics:
- Unit power. It is selected in accordance with the dimensions of the room in which the steam generator will be located. Large rooms require the installation of devices that can withstand increased load. If there is a lack of power, several units connected in parallel are installed.
- Type of fuel used. If there is no gas main nearby, the feasibility of purchasing a steam generator running on blue fuel is reduced to a minimum. Of course, you can use gas cylinders, but then operating costs will increase.
- Equipment dimensions.
- Availability of a tuner for automatic system control.
- Possibility to program equipment to the required temperature and humidity mode.
The construction of the Turkish hammam is carried out in several stages. The first of them is design. After inspecting the place where the equipment of Turkish steam rooms is planned, taking measurements and calculations, the following is discussed and determined:
- list and diagram of communications (plumbing, sewerage, ventilation, electrical wiring, surface heating system);
- materials for creating hydro- and thermal insulation, traditional interior decoration;
- necessary equipment to create the desired atmosphere.
The basic set of installation devices includes a steam generator, a control panel (a panel on which all systems and devices are displayed) located in the utility room, moisture- and heat-proof lamps. They provide not only the required luminous flux, but also the implementation of special decisions of the lighting designer - the creation of special effects.
Flavoring is also necessary. It increases the functionality of the hammam, increasing the number of procedures and the effect of them. Steam flavored with essences promotes overall health of the body. It is important for the respiratory tract, nervous system, and skin. Additional equipment includes audio and video equipment.
If you are connecting to a power supply system that is characterized by fluctuations or interruptions in the power supply, it is recommended to install stabilizers, transformers, even your own generators. The list of necessary equipment for hammams is discussed at the stage of drawing up project documentation.
Device selection options
When purchasing a steam generator, you need to select the main criteria. First of all, you need to choose the power. It can range from 1 to 22 kW. On average, one kilowatt is consumed per cubic meter of boxing. If a steam generator is needed for an organization, then you need to focus on the figure of 10 kW. It will be enough to fit 13-15 cubic meters.
You also need to pay attention to the volume of the tank. It can be twenty-seven, thirty liters. These models are too large for a shower stall. Models designed for three and seven liters are suitable. This volume allows you to stay in the shower for an hour. The productivity of the device can be 2.5-8 kg/hour. A larger indicator is needed, as this ensures rapid filling of the box with steam.
When choosing a steam generator, you need to take into account the control panel. In some models, the buttons are located on the body of the device. It is convenient to use models that have a remote control. Experts advise choosing devices with an overheating sensor (this will eliminate the failure of the heating element). They must also have a cleaning system (automatically descale the steam generator). These options can extend the life of the equipment. Professionals draw the attention of users that if the water is oversaturated with lime, then auto-cleaning will be ineffective. In this case, it is necessary to install filters.
When buying a steam generator, you need to look at the material from which the body is made. It is worth buying stainless steel. It is not damaged by corrosion. It is also durable, which extends the life of the steam generator. It is better not to choose plastic, as it does not withstand high temperatures well enough and releases toxic substances.
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How does a steam generator work?
The principle of operation of the steam generator is reminiscent of boiling water in a kettle, when steam is released through a narrow spout. Using a valve on top of the hermetically sealed tank, the pressure level inside is regulated. The temperature of the steam depends on the pressure. Thus, different types of baths are created.
To use a steam generator together with a stove-heater, you need a design so that steam from the device flows onto the stones for the purpose of additional heating. As a result, the steam generator consumes less electricity, and due to a slight reduction in the heating of the stones, the service life of the stove is extended.
The main structural components of the steam generator are:
- water tank;
- heating elements;
- evaporation chamber;
- safety sensors and valves;
- Control block.
On the outside of the metal case there are:
- pipe for connecting to the water supply;
- drain tap;
- several connectors for connecting sensors;
- steam line outlet;
- control device.
Depending on the type of heating elements, steam generators are:
- Stoves. On the side walls of the oven there are special narrow chambers into which water is poured. It is heated by the fire of the stove and evaporates after boiling.
- Electrode. Liquid heating is based on the principle of current flow between electrodes.
- Using tubular heating elements - heating elements.
- Induction. A hollow metal circuit is constructed that is heated by self-induction currents. Liquid circulates inside the circuit.
Health effect
Even in ancient times, doctors proved the benefits of visiting the hammam. Together with steam and warm water, all ailments (asthma, bronchitis, colds) are washed away, cheerfulness appears, and the soul is filled with peace.
Many spas offer a hammam along with other treatments. After all, a steamed body more effectively perceives health-improving manipulations (massage) and the use of cosmetic techniques (peeling, masks, etc.).
Varieties
Depending on the heating element, the equipment is:
- Induction. The process of increasing degrees occurs under the influence of induction.
- Electric. Tubular electric heaters are installed inside the system.
- Electrode. Current is supplied to the electrodes, resulting in heating of the liquid.
- Diesel. The design is equipped with a burner to which fuel is supplied. After its combustion, the water is heated.
- Gas. To operate the unit, a connection to a central gas main is required. The fuel is a “blue” natural resource.
Attention! Hammam steam generators powered by electricity are unprofitable due to significant energy costs.
Depending on the type of water supply, steam generators can be autonomous or automated. The first option is preferable if the hammam is not equipped with running water. Filling of liquid is carried out manually. The devices have low power, which allows them to be used in small spaces.
Steam generators with automated liquid supply require connection to the water supply system. To purify the incoming liquid, special filters are installed.
Water filter
Kinds
There is an opportunity to turn the shower room into something like a sauna. Moreover, the cost looks much more interesting than that of a finished cabin with such a built-in gadget. You just need to purchase a steam generator with a very small list of functions. Nowadays, units are manufactured that differ in the method of heating water and producing steam.
- Electrode steam generators. Water is heated using electrodes. When current passes, water is converted into steam. Scale does not appear on the electrodes, and therefore they do not burn out. Undoubtedly, a big plus is that their price tag is the lowest among steam generators.
- Heating steam generators. They produce steam using special heating elements. Such generators can operate on distilled water, which allows the remaining condensate to be used in a new circle. But this advantage is offset by a number of disadvantages - the complexity of the design and, as a consequence, a higher price.
- Induction steam generators. As the name implies, heating occurs due to electromagnetic induction. Their great advantage is that they do not contain consumable elements, such as electrodes or heating elements.
Water supply methods
Water is supplied to the steam generator tank using two methods:
- self-filling of water by the user;
- automatic supply from the water supply.
If you make a steam generator for a bath yourself, then automatic water supply is more difficult to implement. Another disadvantage of this scheme is that the content of impurities in tap water or its increased hardness quickly provokes the formation of scale, which will require frequent cleaning. When filling the reservoir manually, you can use distilled water.
You can also familiarize yourself with the reasons why water may leak from the steam generator.
Examination
Before using the installed system, it must be thoroughly checked. Start the steam generator from the control panel and set the required temperature. After some time, usually 4-5 minutes, you will see steam coming out of the nozzle. Turn off the heat and carefully inspect all connections. If there are no leaks and the machine in the panel has not been knocked out, you can start the system again.
We hope that our article helped you find out what steam generators for a shower stall are and how best to install them.
Features and Benefits
Features of gas steam generators for hammam:
- The device operates fully on 220 volts.
- It is possible to increase the steam pressure and provide additional recharge from the water tank. A pump is connected to the unit, which ensures that water is added to the tank.
- A gas steam generator can be used in baths, saunas, hammams, chambers for drying concrete products, laundries, and dry cleaners. Steam guns are often installed at clothing production enterprises, bread factories, and confectionery factories. Used for defrosting pipeline systems and steaming large containers.
- When installing a steam generator, there is no need to monitor compliance with fire safety, since the device does not pose a danger.
We suggest you read: How to make an inexpensive steam generator with your own hands
Advantages:
- The steam created by the generator is light and soft. The holiday takes place in comfortable conditions.
- The design is compact, which allows the unit to be installed in small spaces. Does not require large free areas.
- Installation does not require significant effort, even for beginners it is not difficult.
- The operating mode is controlled by a special control system, which is easy and understandable upon familiarization.
- Gas cylinders may be used to supply gas.
Design
Any steam generator includes a control unit and a housing, which contains a water tank, a pump and the water heating element itself. With such an abundance of elements filling it, the body of a household steam generator does not take up much space, unlike its industrial counterparts. Taps for water inlet and outlet are located outside. The control unit helps to change the temperature regime, control the flow of water and steam.
Self-production and installation of an electric steam generator
Factory-made steam production devices 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 themselves.
Features of installing a steam generator
- The device is installed next to the steam room.
- The steam line is installed 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 liquid accumulation in pockets.
- Power supply is provided from a network of 220-380 V.
- It is necessary to equip the steam room with 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 need to be guided by the drawings of the installation diagram for a homemade apparatus.
Cabin price
The cost of a shower cabin with a steam generator, as noted earlier, is much higher than for conventional models. The budget version of Chinese production does not cost less than 35 thousand rubles. For comparison, a cabin from a German manufacturer with the same functions will cost at least 270 thousand rubles, and a cabin made in Finland will cost at least 158 thousand rubles.
Table 2. Average cost of shower cabins with a steam generator.
| Model | Height/length/width, cm | Options and equipment | Average cost as of March 2021, rubles |
| Koy K015 | 215/145/90 |
| 232 650 |
| Koy K011 | 215/100/100 |
| 174 488 |
| Koy K055 | 215/145/90 |
| 220 275 |
| Koy K075 | 215/100/100 |
| 174 260 |
| Luxus 532 S | 225/175/90 |
| 143 000 |
| Elegansa Weser | 216/95/95 |
| 96 400 |
| Orans SN-99100 RS | 220/180/130 |
| 647 500 |
Prices for multifunctional shower cabins
Multifunctional shower cabin
Preparation of equipment and materials
What you will need for manufacturing and installation:
- ball valves that can withstand elevated temperatures;
- heating elements (heating elements);
- gaskets for heating elements (they must be heat-resistant);
- safety valve;
- a hose is used for the steam line;
- bends with corresponding connecting diameters;
- a container that can withstand high pressure (for example, an old gas cylinder);
- pressure gauge
The gas cylinder is prepared before use:
- The integrity of the walls is checked for the absence of defects.
- The top valve is carefully removed.
- Water is poured into the cylinder to completely displace gas residues.
- The upper part of the cylinder is cut off at the welding seam.
- The inner surface of the container is thoroughly washed using detergents.
Helpful tips for use and installation
The video shows how to install a steam generator for a hammam in an apartment:
- It is important to lay the hoses without kinks and with a slight slope, so that when condensate forms in the tubes, it flows freely and does not form plugs.
- The steam generator is connected to the electrical network of the house only through an RCD with a power of 10 mA (if the device is in a steam room) or 30 mA (if the generator is in the utility room).
- Grounding the generator housing is mandatory! Don't put your family and guests at risk.
- You can check the water level in a homemade steam generator only before heating begins. In working condition, the valve connecting the steam gun tank and the reserve tank must be closed.
- Keep the inside of the tank clean, clean it with acid every 5-10 sessions (like in a kettle). If the water in your area is soft, cleanings can be done less frequently. Another option is to use prepared water: passed through an ion exchanger, distilled, or simply pre-boiled and settled.
Step by step steps when using a gas cylinder
- A heating element is inserted into the bottom of the selected container at a distance of about 10-15 mm from the bottom. When installing several heating elements, it is better to first cut in and secure one, and then drill the following holes to prevent them from being too close. If you have to weld a sleeve to install a heating element, the design of the unit must withstand high pressure. The heating elements are sealed using heat-resistant gaskets on both sides of the opening. It is necessary to provide for the possibility of free removal of the heating element when replacing it in case of failure.
- Squeegees are welded to the cut-off cover for connecting control devices (contact pressure gauge with arrows, safety valve). You can combine them together (safety group), then only one hole is used.
- At a distance of 10 cm from the bottom of the cylinder, a water supply pipe is inserted. The container with water from which it will be supplied to the steam generator is made of translucent plastic and connected to the device with a hose made of heat-resistant material. This way you can easily control the amount of incoming water.
- Another method can be used to determine the water level inside, but it will require more holes. The tap pipe is welded to the side. It must be placed below the required upper level by 1-1.5 cm. When filling with water, the tap opens and water flowing out of it is a signal for the end of filling. It is necessary to ensure that the tap is turned off before turning on the steam generator.
- The valve for steam release will be the standard cylinder valve. It connects to the steam line. To prevent steam from escaping in a narrow stream, you can install a 50 cm long steel pipe with numerous holes made on it for dispersion.
- A lock is installed on the upper edge of the cylinder, ensuring tightness using a rubber seal.
- The lid and the lower part are connected using L-shaped studs and nuts.
You can make a hermetically sealed connection between two parts much easier - weld them, but then the device will be beyond repair.
The designed device must be tested in action to identify and eliminate deficiencies.
Step by step steps when using a pressure cooker
It’s convenient to make a steam generator with your own hands from a pressure cooker for a small steam room. Much less manipulation will be required than with a gas cylinder.
- Holes are drilled for inserting the heating element at a height of 10 mm from the bottom of the pan.
- The heating element is secured with studs, bolts and nuts.
- Heat-resistant insulating gaskets are required at the attachment point. You can also make them yourself. A sheet of thick paper is laid on a clean horizontal surface and a layer of sealant is applied to it to occupy a significant area of the sheet. Then the layer is leveled and covered with another sheet of paper and glass. To increase the pressure, something heavy is placed on top. After drying, the appropriate gaskets are cut out of the silicone layer with a tube of suitable diameter.
- After fixing the heating element, water is poured into the pan to check the tightness.
- Just below the heating element there is a curved copper tube for supplying water.
- Since the capacity of a homemade steam generator is very small, there is a danger of water quickly boiling away, which will damage the heating elements. It is necessary to ensure the flow of fluid automatically. One solution is to place a separate container next to the homemade steam generator connected to a water supply tube. Both devices must be at the same height. A float valve mounted on the bottom of an additional vessel opens when the liquid level drops and adds water to the steam generator.
- A hole is drilled in the lid of the pan, and a hose is attached using connecting fittings to allow steam to escape.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with: Scheme of covering a roof with metal tiles
Popular brands
You can buy a steam generator for a Turkish bath in the online store. Today this device is gaining popularity, which means there is plenty to choose from. Among the well-known brands represented on the domestic market, TYLO, HARVIA, SAWO and HELO . They are most suitable for arranging Turkish baths, where heavy, damp steam is needed. All of these manufacturers produce products made of stainless steel.
A feature of Finnish devices is the presence in their design of devices that facilitate cleaning and descaling. Steam generators produced by the Swedish company TYLO are considered the most reliable and unpretentious devices to use. The heat exchanger for the HARVIA is of high quality, which today is considered the most important sign of a good attitude towards consumers.
Recommendations for use
- It is preferable to install the steam generator in the room adjacent to the steam room, since it is an electrical appliance that is dangerous in conditions of high humidity.
- The steam supply tube must be positioned at an angle so that the condensate can drain without forming a plug.
- It is better to pre-purify ordinary tap water with a filter. To descale the liquid, you can add acetic acid.
- When performing various health procedures, herbal infusions or essential oils are added directly to the water.
