- Where are steam generators used?
- How to choose the power of a steam generator
- Types of steam generators for baths
- 3.1 How to choose a heating element or electrode steam generator
Steam generator is a heat exchanger for producing water steam.
Design and principle of operation
Cleansing and at the same time healing steam is an invariable attribute of the Russian bath. Our ancestors received steam simply: they splashed water and herbal infusions on hot stones in the oven. But progress does not stand still, and such a high-tech product as a steam generator for a bath, according to manufacturers, can easily replace a stove, a stone backfill, and a fragrant decoction.
A steam generator is a device in which water is converted into steam under the influence of high temperature. Excess pressure is created inside the device, due to which the steam dynamically comes out and is sprayed inside the room. During operation, the steam generator resembles a boiling kettle.
The device consists of the following components:
- water container;
- pump;
- separator;
- a heating element;
- Control block.
Operating principle
To start working, water is poured into the steam generator container. After switching on, its temperature rises within a few minutes using heating elements.
Steam is generated, which, under the action of the pump, enters the separator.
There, if necessary, the temperature is lowered and, if necessary, excess moisture is removed. From the separator, steam is supplied to the room air.
The operation of the device is controlled by a control unit, which regulates and maintains the specified parameters after setting, and performs other functions.
The main stages of finishing a steam room
What material to choose as finishing?
The choice of material is an important stage when finishing a steam room.
At an affordable price, pine is not the best material for a steam room. This type of wood contains resins, which are released outward under the influence of elevated temperatures. The most suitable material in this case is linden. The features of this type of wood eliminate burns and make it possible to maintain the appearance of the cladding unchanged for a long time.
The possibility of using poplar, birch, or aspen is not excluded. Trees that belong to deciduous species dry quickly, thereby creating a specific microclimate in the steam room, and also have good durability.
Insulation of walls and ceilings
An important condition when setting up a steam room is the construction of a sealed room. For this task, mineral-based thermal insulation is used; it is insulated from steam using aluminum foil. To connect its edges, a special adhesive tape is used. Elevated temperatures make it impossible to use the film in this case, as a result of its deformation. Exterior finishing must include the construction of closed ventilation openings.
Finishing with lining
It must be said that lining, as a material for finishing bathhouse premises, has gained the greatest popularity. The characteristics of this material make it possible to provide the necessary thermal insulation and cover the surface of the walls, giving them an attractive appearance. Moreover, the excellent breathability of the material does not create conditions for the formation of mold and fungi, as well as the appearance of condensation.
Before laying the lining in the steam room, this material is left in it for a certain time so that it can adapt to the microclimate conditions. If there are significant defects in the surface of the walls, they must be corrected so that the material does not lie in “waves.” Fastening is carried out using screws or staples. We must not forget about the fact that it is most often impossible to achieve an ideal wall surface without installing lathing.
Floor finishing
The procedure for finishing the steam room begins with the organization of the floor. It is recommended to raise it 15-20 cm above the floor level in other rooms. This will make it possible to keep the steam room warm due to the absence of drafts. It is better to use edged or tongue-and-groove boards, as well as tiles as materials. The level of safety of indoor movement depends on this choice.
DIY steam room
Advantages and disadvantages of the device
A number of its advantages can be cited in favor of purchasing and installing a steam generator in your own bath:
- Economical . Compared to an electric heater for a Russian bath, the device consumes much less electricity and warms up the room no worse.
- Mobility . The steam generator is easily transported and installed in a matter of minutes in any room.
- Possibility of adjustment . The control unit of the device allows you to adjust the microclimate of the steam room to any user requirements.
- Versatility . The device can operate in Russian bath, sauna, and Turkish hammam modes.
- Productivity . Producing steam in the traditional way requires first bringing the stones to the desired temperature. The steam generator warms up and begins to perform its functions in 3 – 5 minutes. This produces a large amount of steam.
- The only disadvantage of the device is that the steam it creates is somewhat different from that obtained by adding water to the stones. The very atmosphere of splashing water into the stove is lost, so some avid bath attendants do not like this innovation. They claim that the steam from the device is not at all the same as that obtained from a heater.
Expert opinion
Lovkachev Boris Petrovich
Bath master who knows everything about steaming
Important! A high-quality automated steam generator with a high degree of process control is demanding in terms of power supply and maintenance competence. Please take this into account when purchasing and operating the device.
The lineup
As for brands and models, the choice is huge. Of course, the leading positions are occupied by Finnish and “Hello”. The thing is that these are global brands, but on the Russian market they are represented by inexpensive copies. For example, a steam generator for a bath “Harvia” is of high European quality and an affordable price. Finns, in general, do not bother much about the complexity of the design of their priors. They believe that the simpler the better. Therefore, it is not difficult to repair a Finnish steam generator. You can do everything yourself, the main thing is to read the instructions and not miss the details.
Of course, there are also domestic brands of steam generators for baths and saunas on the Russian market. For example, from, which offers steam generators with power from 4 kW to 18 kW. Or steam generators under the “PK” brand from, or Perm, well known in Russia. In general, there is plenty to choose from.
Kinds
The devices are grouped depending on the main heating element:
Electrode
Two electrodes are placed in the reservoir of this type of device, to which current is supplied during operation. Charged particles begin to move through the water, causing the temperature to rise.
heating elements new
They use tubular electric heaters to heat water. They consist of a metal shell, one or more layers of insulator and a heating element itself. Less effective than electrode ones, but much safer.
Induction
In this type of steam generators, water is heated by a transformer that generates a high-intensity electromagnetic field. The devices are safe and very effective. Their main drawback is their high price.
An electrode steam generator is an effective, but unsafe device. If the integrity of the tank is compromised, contact with leaking water may result in electric shock to people.
List of cabins that have gained popularity
A wonderful steam room at home is a luxury; therefore, not every owner can afford it, and it will take up quite a lot of space. Or a shower stall with a steam room effect. You can build it yourself, or you can buy a ready-made device from the rating.
- Shower cabins with AM steam.
RM. They are characterized by a complete absence of negative feedback from consumers. The model includes not only the presence of a steam generator, but also the function of upper and lower hydromassage. The structure itself is small, but quite comfortable, featuring an interesting design. The price of boxing starts from 70 thousand rubles. Shower cabin with Turkish bath - The shower cabin with Finnish sauna Niagara is equipped with an additional compartment, decorated in wooden style. Here you can get a boost of energy and relax under the influence of dry steam. Such a booth costs about 100 thousand rubles.
- The Luxus 532 modification has no complaints in use and has a built-in steam generator of sufficient power. Equipped with a deep tray. The price of the model is from 50 to 90 thousand, depending on the configuration.
- The Aqvapol unit has a compartment with an infrared bath. The cabin is completely enclosed, suitable for wide spaces. Has proven itself in long-term use. It has sliding doors and is installed in a corner. Costs about 30 thousand rubles.
- Teuco fixture, with built-in Turkish bath and other relaxing features. Open type design with transparent doors. It is permissible to apply an individual design or spraying on them.
How to choose
When choosing a device for your bath, consider the following device parameters:
Power
The more powerful the device, the faster and more steam it generates. First of all, you should look at the power of the heating element. But also pay attention to the general one. After all, if most of the power goes to the heater, other elements of the device may not work efficiently. The minimum required power of the steam generator is 3 – 4 kW.
Performance
This selection criterion directly depends on the size of the steam room. For a small steam room of 5-6 cubic meters, a steam generator with a power of 4-5 kW is enough. For a room with a volume of 10-12 cubic meters, the parameters needed are within 8-10 kW. For large steam rooms of about 18 cubic meters, a steam generator with a power of at least 12 kW is suitable.
Protection
The most important systems: protection against power surges, moisture, overheating, malfunctions and automatic shutdown. The presence of these systems in the device is mandatory, since they ensure safe operation of the device in the bathhouse. Some modern models can be additionally equipped with a whole range of security programs, which should not be neglected if possible.
Filling method
The reservoir can be filled manually or automatically. In the first case, you need to make sure that it does not run out of water. In the second, if there is a lack of liquid, the device will supply it automatically. Models with manual filling of the container are not very convenient, but they are much cheaper.
Dimensions
Compact devices are suitable for small baths; larger ones are suitable for large ones. The dimensions of the device directly affect its characteristics. A compact steam generator will have a small tank and therefore low performance.
Functional
The more features, the higher the price. It is necessary that the device can be adjusted at least three parameters: temperature and steam saturation, operating time. The most advanced models are additionally equipped with an aromatherapy device.
Housing material
The most reliable models are made of stainless steel. But their price is higher. Therefore, if it is not possible to purchase just such an option, choose a device with a housing made of impact-resistant plastic.
Water supply method
It would seem that a model with a water supply connection is always more convenient. But there are often so many impurities in our pipes that scale on the heating element cannot be avoided. Therefore, sometimes it is better not to be lazy and fill it with clean water, purchased or pulled from a well, than to bother with the need to replace heating elements.
Maintenance and repair
When purchasing a steam generator, pay attention to the warranty period and whether there are additional components for repair. You need to be absolutely sure that in the event of a breakdown you will be able to find an original spare part. Please also note that such devices must have special maintenance systems: cleaning the tank, replacing the heating element, etc.
By regularly performing maintenance, you can significantly save on device repairs by preventing breakdowns. There are devices that have a special hole for pouring anti-scale solution.
Manufacturer
Unfortunately, Russian manufacturers of steam generators are not trustworthy. Most consumers are inclined towards foreign analogues for several reasons. This is primarily the workmanship and service life of the device. Domestic steam generators are inferior to foreign ones in this parameter.
There are less pronounced differences in the number of functions and additional security systems. The most popular manufacturers of steam generators on the Russian market are the companies Steamtec, HELO, Tylo, Harvia and SAWO, and the only Russian one is Paromax. In terms of efficiency, reliability and unpretentiousness, the German brand Steamtec is the leader.
Advice! Do not purchase the cheapest models of steam generators. Such devices have low power and performance, and therefore are not able to provide a comfortable microclimate in the steam room. Look for the “golden mean” between reasonable savings and comfortable operation of the steam generator.
Best models
Steam generators have relatively recently appeared on the market of products for arranging baths and saunas, but many models have already been tested by users and have earned many positive reviews.
NEO-Intellect
A device from the Russian company Paromax, originally designed for hammam, but can be used in baths and saunas. The model is designed to be connected to a water supply system, so it does not have a liquid reservoir. This is one of the advantages of the steam generator, although it somewhat complicates its installation and limits mobility.
The device is controlled by a special panel. In the center there is an informative screen that displays information about operating modes. The power of the steam generator is 4 kW, the volume of the heating chamber is 2.7 liters.
Sawo STE-75-C1/3
Inexpensive, but relatively powerful, compact steam generator made in Finland. Does not have a liquid reservoir, generates steam from running water.
The power of the device is 7.5 kW, which allows you to produce a sufficient amount of steam in less than a minute. The model does not have a control panel; settings are made using the remote control.
Despite its high power, the device is small in size and relatively light in weight. This makes it easy to transport and install even in a small room.
STEAM PS-30
Compact and inexpensive universal steam generator made in Germany. The model is static, but has the ability to connect to a water supply for automatic filling of the tank. The water supply is carried out using a solenoid valve, which opens and closes according to a signal from the sensor.
The model has thought out protection. In case of lack of water, the electricity supply is automatically turned off. This prevents the heating element from burning out. There is a steam safety valve that reduces the pressure in the heating chamber.
The power of the device is 3 kW. Water tank volume – 5 l. The steam generator is controlled by a remote control. It is not remote - it requires connection from the housing via wires. The remote control is mounted on the wall. The length of the contact wires does not allow it to be placed further than 10 - 15 cm from the body. If you need to place the remote control in a different place, you will have to extend the wires.
Helo Steam Pro 140
This is an industrial model of a steam generator, which is suitable for a large bath or for those lovers of procedures who want to get a lot of steam. Its power is 14 kW. But it is worth remembering that the model consumes a lot of electricity.
The device has automatic overheating protection. If the water boils, the supply of electric current to the heating element is stopped. One of the main advantages of the model is that there is no need to clean the tank.
This is achieved through:
- filter systems that prevent the formation of scale and dirt;
- automatic washing systems for water tanks.
You can control the device in two different ways:
- using a remote control;
- using a special mobile application.
The water supply system is non-flowing. The reservoir is automatically refilled when the liquid is used up.
One of the main disadvantages of the Helo Steam Pro 140 is that it is powered by a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 V. With such power, operation from a standard household electrical network is impossible.
Harvia
The Finnish company produces small steam generators designed for home hammams and powerful equipment for professional Turkish baths. The company produces models with automatic descaling, which most competitors do not have.
The most popular and high-quality models are Harvia HGX 45, Harvia HGX 90 and Harvia HGD150.
HYGROMATIK
Large manufacturer of equipment for hammams. The advantage of this brand is the production of steam generators of different capacities. In some models, water is heated using electrodes.
This heating system significantly increases the service life of the steam generator and significantly distinguishes HYGROMATIK in the market of equipment for hammams. This feature is considered a clear advantage and sets the brand apart from its competitors.
The most popular and recommended models of Hygromatik steam generators are:
Hygromatik HeaterSlim
Hygromatik FlexLine
Hygromatik FlexLine Heater
Hygromatik FlexLine Plus
Steam Cartridge
Removable steam generator. A universal accessory for converting a Finnish sauna with an electric heater into a stove for a Russian bath. One cartridge is designed for 8-10 m3 of room volume. Easy installation and dismantling, space saving, light saturated steam, protection of the heating element from moisture – these are the main advantages of the model.
The Steam Cartridge has several sections, each of which has a specific role.
The device operates like this:
- Water enters the steam generator through a supply funnel, which is formed by the firebox wall and profiled elements.
- The liquid begins to evaporate after 10 minutes.
- Steam escapes through holes in the profiled elements.
- Excess fluid drains through the lower compartment of the generator.
The device is easy to use. Typically, two generators are installed on furnaces. First, apply 100-120 ml of water to the first, then to the second. When the steam from the first cartridge evaporates, the procedure is repeated the required number of times with an interval of 1-2 minutes.
Brands
A lot of them. From serious professional equipment to Chinese crafts. When choosing, remember that the stingy pays twice and that health is more expensive. For ourselves, we have chosen two brands that are convenient for us to work with - Tylo and Hygromatik. Tylo is suitable for private use. For commercial purposes it is better to take Hygromatik. Hygromatik is good because it is one of the few world-class companies that deals only with steam generators and knows its business very well.
Gas
A separate group of devices consists of steam generators running on gas fuel. This is an economical option, since gas today costs much less than electricity.
These are autonomous units that can be connected to a centralized gas supply system or powered from a cylinder. The devices produce soft, light steam, are easy to install, and easy to set up.
However, gas steam generators are not in demand on the modern market. Therefore, only some companies produce them.
Electric furnaces with built-in steam generator
Structurally, such a furnace has a single body with a steam generator, which is located on the side of the body, sometimes on both sides. It has become an established practice to designate an electric furnace in model ranges where there are models with such a prefix in the name, then you can be sure that we are talking about a built-in steam generator.
Such units are installed directly in the steam room. The oven control panel allows you to set the desired humidity, the achievement of which is monitored by sensors. The user only needs to fill the tank with water in advance. There are models that will inform you that the water in the tank is running out, while in others you need to check it yourself.
Which one is suitable for different types of baths?
Discarding the differences in traditional construction methods and the choice of materials for each type of bathhouse, we can highlight the main features of the Russian, Finnish steam room and hammam, which consist in the current temperature and air humidity conditions:
In a Finnish sauna there is dry hot (100 degrees) air with a humidity of about 10-15%. The dryness of the hot air is ensured by keeping the oven door open so that the hot stones remove moisture more effectively. It is not necessary to install a steam generator here; a small steam gun will do.
In a Turkish bath, a hammam requires the highest humidity (up to 90%), but low temperature (40-45 degrees). A steam generator is indispensable here, which guarantees the production of a large amount of light, dispersed steam, and not heavy and damp.
In a Russian bath, you need to ensure an average temperature of 60 and approximately the same air humidity percentage. The Russian steam room is a unique combination of sauna and hammam. You can achieve the required performance in it using a fairly efficient steam generator that produces steam at elevated temperatures.
What determines the quality of steam?
You've probably heard from bathhouse attendants with extensive practical experience that steam can be “heavy,” “damp,” “light,” “muslin,” “viscous,” and so on.
Its quality determines the comfort of staying in the steam room and the sensations from the procedures. A strict rule has been established: the higher the air temperature in a steam room, the lower the absolute humidity should be. For example, a dry-air bath, which some mistakenly call a Finnish sauna, often has an air temperature of about 105 - 120 degrees Celsius. It is quite natural that air humidity at such temperature values should not exceed 15% in absolute terms, otherwise a comfortable stay in such conditions, even for a trained and seasoned person, cannot be achieved. On the other hand, there are purely steam baths, of which the oriental hammam is a prominent representative. Here the situation is the opposite.
Absolute air humidity is 85% and higher, up to 100%, however, the air temperature here is quite low, about 45 degrees Celsius. Of course, the tastes of bathhouse lovers are very diverse and contradictory, and there is a generally accepted ratio of the so-called “golden steam”, or rather the most comfortable average balance of temperature and humidity. But to achieve it, it is necessary to clearly and accurately regulate the vaporization process.
Principles of generating high-quality steam
Bathhouse old-timers will unanimously say that high-quality steam should be:
- Light and transparent. Among bath aesthetes there was even an appropriate expression for it - “muslin steam”;
- Confidently form a completely tangible “steam cake” under the ceiling of the steam room, from which, as needed, with confident movements of a bath broom, portions can be taken and distributed among the shelves or the internal volume of the steam room as a whole. In German baths there is even a position of “bath conductor” for this purpose;
- Finely dispersed. It is the fine fraction of water vapor that determines its permeability and airiness. It does not burn the bronchi; being in such a steam cloud is easy and comfortable. The dispersion of steam depends on many factors: the temperature of the contact surface, the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the material, the contact area, the uniformity of temperature zones in the volume of the heater stove, and so on.
The higher the temperature of the sauna stove stone, the larger the contact area, the more developed the heat capacity of the stone backfill, the correspondingly greater the chances of obtaining steam of acceptable quality. However, what we have in reality:
- Most stone baskets have a very heterogeneous heating structure for the entire volume of stone. At the bottom, the stone is more heated than at the top, which is in contact with water during steam formation. Insufficient temperature of the upper part of the heater provokes the generation of coarse heavy steam.
- It takes time and fuel to warm the entire volume of the stone basket to the required temperature. This point is especially relevant for stoves with a large amount of material in the heater.
- Even if water gets on the well-heated lower layers, the steam rising upward will pass through the thickness of the stone with insufficient temperature and again lose its condition.
Installation Rules
Long-term and uninterrupted operation of the equipment is possible only with proper installation. It is important to choose the right installation location and not make mistakes when connecting to the power supply.
Where to install
The steam generator is installed in a utility (technical) room.
It must be mounted at eye level: with this arrangement it will be much easier to maintain. The temperature sensor is installed in the steam room at a height of 1.7-1.9 m. It should not be closer than 50 cm to the walls if they are finished using “warm floor” technology. Otherwise, the automation system may not operate correctly.
It is recommended to fix the forced steam button next to the lounger. When installing a steam pipeline, you must try to lay it so that there are as few turns as possible. We should not forget about the slope - condensate should not come out of the nozzles.
When installing a drain, it is recommended to equip the sewer pipe with a siphon. This will help prevent unpleasant odors from the sewer system from entering the steam room. It is better to leave the remote control in the utility room. With the exception of models additionally equipped with lighting and music.
Electrical connection
When connecting equipment, the power consumption must be taken into account.
Models up to 9 kW can be connected to a household network with a voltage of 220 V. More powerful ones - to 380 V. Care should be taken to install a separate socket in the bathhouse intended for connecting a steam generator. The steam generator should be connected to the power supply network via a circuit breaker and an RCD. When installing the device outside a steam room, the RCD must be designed for a leakage current of 30 mA, in a steam room - 10 mA (due to high air humidity).
Attention! The steam generator must have a separate grounding terminal. The test to start the device should be carried out before the finishing work on the steam room arrangement is completed and in the absence of people in the room.
How to use and care for the device
Such equipment has the advantage of ease of maintenance. Thanks to automation, even an inexperienced bathhouse attendant can manage it. Each user can adjust the steam level and temperature using the control buttons. In the future, it is enough to turn on the steam generator, and it will do the rest itself.
Removing scale from electric heaters is an important condition that must be observed when maintaining the steam generator. For models with tanks, it is recommended to use softeners and filters. After each use of the device, do not forget to drain the unused liquid. Compliance with these rules helps prevent the formation of scale on heating elements and extend the service life of the device.
Design Features
Such a device is a rectangular metal case, inside of which are located:
- water tank;
- compartment where water is prepared;
- water and steam pumps;
- liquid to steam converter;
- security sensors.
On the outside of the housing there is a pipe through which the steam generator is connected to the water supply system, as well as a tap for draining liquid, a control panel, connectors for sensors and connecting outlets of pipelines through which steam is released. With the help of advanced temperature mechanisms and a microprocessor, the flow of heated moist air of greater or lesser intensity is adjusted. It is also possible to set a time interval for the operation of the equipment.
User questions about the operation of steam generators
I bought a stove with a steam generator Ermak Uralochka 16. I pour water into the funnel, something hisses, but there is no steam in the bathhouse. Is the steam generator faulty?
This stove model is not equipped with a steam generator, but with a steam gun, which does not produce much steam. The device is working properly.
I like to use herbal infusions in the bath. Is it possible to pour decoctions into a steam generator?
No. Even after filtration, a herbal suspension remains. It will settle on the heating element and clog the filter of the device. The steam generator will quickly fail if used in this way. To use herbal infusions, you must purchase a steam generator model with a phytocontainer.
Is it possible to use an industrial steam generator in a bathhouse?
The industrial purpose of the device determines the type of power supply and energy consumption. Such a device requires a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 volts and a current of more than 32 amperes. It is unlikely that it will be possible to power it from a household network without violating the requirements for installing electrical appliances. But if there is such a possibility and the bathhouse is large, it is quite possible to use an industrial model of a steam generator.
