Many sauna lovers are accustomed to the fact that to produce steam it is necessary to light the stove, heat the stones and regularly water them. However, technology is constantly evolving. Today, special devices are offered on the market - steam generators, which significantly accelerate the evaporation of water.

A steam generator is a container that is filled with liquid for the purpose of further evaporation. The device consists of the following components:

• Nozzle
• Water heating unit
• Electric heating elements
• Evaporation chamber

The installation, even a self-made steam generator, can be equipped with a lot of useful additions, including flavors, a steam line, various sensors, etc. Thus, it becomes possible to control steam generation. Modern models may have a remote control.

Among the advantages of steam generators are:

• The water heats up and evaporates very quickly
• The vapor produced is light, so it is almost impossible to obtain it naturally

Video guide

Technical capabilities

Manufacturers strive to make their steam generators not only productive and reliable, but also multifunctional. Modern installations are capable of operating in a variety of modes, which are configured on an intuitive control panel.

One of the useful functions of factory steam generators is the ability to produce steam at a given temperature in the range of 35-95 degrees. In this case, you can set the intensity of steam generation by setting time intervals.

Since a steam generator is more often used for steam rooms, they are often capable of producing steam corresponding to a Finnish or, for example, Russian bath. A few drops of a special aromatic preparation will give it a more pleasant smell.

Types and technical characteristics

The main criterion for dividing steam generators into groups is as follows:

• Automatic - just connect the unit to a water supply or other liquid supply device
• Autonomous - you will have to constantly manually add water to the working container

Models of the second type are much less common. They are much more dangerous and very impractical. In addition, they are not equipped with various control devices.

The main characteristic of devices is power. As a rule, for household-type models it ranges from 4 to 12 kW; they operate on a classic outlet (220 V). Industrial installations are more productive, but require a 3-phase network (380 V).

It should be noted that there is a certain relationship between the power and the volume of the serviced premises:

• 4-6 cubic meters – 4-5 kW
• 10-12 cubic meters – 8-10 kW
• 16-18 cubic meters – 12 kW

There are special requirements for the reliability of the device, since they constantly operate in a damp room. However, a large supply of quality tends to significantly increase the cost. Household multifunctional models cost up to 30,000 rubles. Prices for industrial installations for baths can rise to immodest 10-15 thousand $

You may also be interested in our guide on how to make a solid fuel

Let's get started

Anyone can make a steam generator with their own hands, even without an engineering education. It is enough to collect all the necessary elements, tools, and divide the work into several stages:

1. Choosing the right container
2. Installing the heating element
3. Organizing the flow of fresh water
4. We carry out steam selection
5. Equipment testing

Choosing the right container

Housewives prepare many dishes using the process of steaming water. More often they use special pans called pressure cookers. One of them can be easily purchased in retail chains and used as a housing.

The main feature of steamers is the ability to seal the lid tightly. To ensure that the pressure does not exceed the operating pressure and an explosion does not occur, a bleed valve is provided. The walls of such a container are very thick and can withstand high pressure.

Now you need to decide on the method that will be used to heat the water. Among the most widespread are:

• Stove (gas or electric)
• Electric heating elements

The simplest of them is to install the container on an electric or gas stove. However, placing the pressure cooker on an electric stove is dangerous, and the gas may not be supplied.

It is recommended to focus on the method associated with installing electric heating elements inside. Their variety on the market is very large. Models are offered that differ in power, shape, and size. Everyone will choose a device that can quickly heat the volume of liquid they require.

If you have an old electric kettle lying around in unnecessary things, the heating element can be removed from it. For large-volume containers, it is allowed to install two or more devices.

How to organize water heating in your home

Installing the heating element

1. At the selected height, marks are drawn on the outside of the pan and holes of the required diameter are carefully drilled
2. Then it is necessary to prepare future holes for fastening the heating element: a pin or bolt is installed in each of them, washers are installed on both sides and the nuts are clamped as far as possible
3. Now you should take care that hot water does not leak through the heater installation sites. For these purposes, gaskets based on heat-resistant silicone are used, which must be lined inside and outside. They are either purchased on the market or easily made with your own hands.

Let's look at a short instruction for making a homemade gasket for a steam generator with your own hands:

1. A glass sheet is placed on the table so that the surface is even.
2. Then a sheet of paper is placed, and border inserts made of wood, metal, etc. are installed along the edges.
3. Sealant is applied to the paper and lightly leveled.
4. Another piece of paper and glass are placed on top of the applied mass.

Then the heating elements are installed and the nuts holding them are tightened tightly. Be sure to pour water into the container and check that there are no leaks.

Organizing the flow of fresh water

If after some time the liquid still does not begin to seep out, you can proceed to the final stage of constructing the steam generator - connecting the power. Before this, a copper tube is placed below the heating element, through which new water will be supplied uninterruptedly. If you place it above the heater, the steam formation process will be disrupted.

If you do not add fresh water, the liquid in the steam generator will quickly evaporate, the heating element will fail, and even fires are possible.

The liquid must always be inside the container - this is one of the conditions for stable performance. A number of reasons do not allow direct connection of the water supply to the installation. You can solve the problem in the following way:

• A container is installed not far from the housing, which is connected to the copper supply tube using a hose
• The heights of both containers must be the same for the principle of communicating vessels, known to everyone from school, to work.
• A float valve is installed at the bottom of the additional tank, which will act as an intermediary between the steam generator and the water supply; it will control the current water level and, if necessary, top up

Such a simple system does not require large expenses, but is an integral part of the future installation.

We carry out steam selection

The converter is assembled, all that remains is to learn how to select the final product from it - steam. It is necessary to perform several simple manipulations:

1. Select the desired hose diameter (from a non-working vacuum cleaner it will probably work)
2. A hole is drilled in the lid
3. The hose adapter is attached using a threaded connection

It is very important to choose a pressure cooker with a metal lid at the first stage. It is much easier to work with it than with glass analogues.

Equipment testing

When the steam generator you are designing is assembled with your own hands, you can proceed to the last stage - testing. You need to make sure the following:

• Check again that both containers (main and auxiliary) do not leak liquid in places where other elements have impacted them
• Check that the rule of communicating vessels is followed and that the liquid level in both containers is absolutely the same
• Connect to the electrical network and make sure that the installation produces a sufficient amount of steam

If everything works, then the steam generator is assembled correctly and can be used. If there are comments or shortcomings, the required corrections are made.

The heating element will constantly come into contact with boiled water and scale will form on it. To prolong the operation of the heater, it is enough to periodically inspect the installation and remove such formations.

Common causes of breakdowns and their repair

Any device, even the most reliable one, has a tendency to fail. When purchasing such an installation, it is recommended to make sure that there are automatic security systems that can disable the installation in various unforeseen situations:

• Lack of liquid in the container
• Voltage drop
• Excessive amount of water and others

In general, steam generators very rarely fail if you follow the rules of their operation. It is recommended to install a filter element before installation: excessive amounts of sand and salt oxide are common causes of breakdowns.

If the steam generator is intended for a bath, it is recommended to install the installation not in a steam room, releasing steam through a tube. This way the equipment will be protected from constant exposure to a humid environment.

Let's sum it up

A self-assembled steam generator cannot replace a similar factory installation, which is more powerful, reliable and functional. However, if there is no need for additional capabilities, it is worth choosing.

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

However, even the simplest stove requires compliance with many important conditionsher installation, and they are not always feasible. In addition, it is almost completely excluded in a city apartment, and many residents of high-rise buildings also want to have at least a miniature bathhouse. Some lovers of bath 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 differently, steam generators. These units are usually a small-sized device that generates and supplies steam to the bathhouse.

Steam generators can have different designs and, accordingly, different components. And when thinking about purchasing such a device, potential owners are sure to face the question of how to install a steam generator for a bathhouse with their own hands.

Types of steam generators and their design

Why is a sauna steam generator needed?

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

Prices and model range of Parofon steam generators

Steam generators for saunas and baths Parofon

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

Such stoves are designed only for bath procedures - heating water, creating the required temperature in the room and for steam generation, that is, they have narrowly targeted functions. It is clear that not every home owner can afford to “raise” such a structure, since it requires not only a spacious steam room, but also a reliable foundation. Therefore, recently, bath lovers began to replace traditional brick stoves with metal or compact brick ones.

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

Prices for steam generators

steam generator

Gas stoves for saunas

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

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

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

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

Device design

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

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

• A pipe designed to connect a cold water supply pipe, which is connected to the water supply system.
• Tap for draining water.
• Connection fitting.
• Branch pipe and pipe for steam line.
• Connectors for connecting sensors.
• Control Panel.
• Remote control panel.
• Protection against overheating of the heating element, if it is provided for in the design.
• A microprocessor 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 preparations and aromatic solutions.

Types of steam generator heaters

Steam generators Based on the design of the water heater, they are divided into three types - 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 supplied by the steam generator 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 characteristic of a Russian bathhouse, sauna, and Turkish hammam.

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

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

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

Methods for supplying 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 water supply 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 bathhouse, 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; therefore, they are less practical and more dangerous during operation.
• The automatic steam generator is connected to the 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 divided according to their power - into household and industrial. Thus, household appliances have a power in the range of 2–9 kW and operate from a single-phase electrical network at a voltage of 220 volts. Industrial units require connection to a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 volts. It is clear that there is absolutely no point in installing an industrial steam generator in a home bath.

The performance of the device directly depends on its power, so 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 requires a steam generator with a power of at least 12 kW.

General advantages and disadvantages of sauna steam generators

If you decide to purchase a steam generator, then you should know about their positive and negative qualities, so that the latter do not suddenly become a surprise after the start of operation.

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

• Possibility of automated control of the device using pre-installed programs or from a remote control.
• Fast heating of water, respectively, and faster release of steam, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the heating of the steam room. While a Russian stove or heater takes quite a long time to heat up.
• Some models of steam generators have a self-cleaning system.
• The steam generator produces lighter steam than the hot stones of a heater.
• Some models of steam generators have aromatization functions, so a special hole is provided for adding essential oils or herbal infusions. This function will make the evaporation not only pleasant, but also healing.
• Unlike a traditional bathhouse, to maintain the desired microclimate, the steam generator does not require a constant supply of water during bathing procedures. Thus, an autonomous steam generator is refilled once at the beginning, and in a device connected to the water supply, it is enough to open the water supply tap, which will flow into the unit constantly. Therefore, you don’t have to think about the stability of the healthy 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 the intervals at which steam enters the steam room.
• Ease of choosing the optimal location and installation. Since the steam generator is compact in size and relatively light in weight, it is enough to mount it on the wall using brackets.
• The steam generated by steam generators completely enters the steam room without going into the chimney, which cannot be avoided when using traditional stoves.

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

Prices for stove-heater

stove-heater

However, steam generators also have disadvantages that do not please users, and these include the following points:

• The price of devices is high, so many people prefer to make them themselves.
• Fairly frequent equipment breakdowns.
• Dependency on power supply. In addition, the considerable power of the device, amounting to 4÷12 kW, will require significant energy consumption.
• Due to the large number of impurities in tap water, even if it is possible to connect to a central water supply, it is recommended to fill the unit’s tank with pre-prepared, settled and purified water, or install a high-quality filtration system directly in front of the device.

These disadvantages significantly complicate the operation of automatic devices. However, taking into account the above positive aspects related to the ease of using the bathhouse , and knowing the problems of these devices, you can pay more attention to preventive measures. Naturally, if the high price of such equipment does not bother you.

Installing a steam generator is not particularly difficult. To carry it out, you need pipes designed to supply cold and hot water, the diameter of which will correspond to the size of the device’s pipes. You will need brackets to hang it on the wall (if this is the intended installation method). To carry out the work, you should prepare a standard set of plumbing and plumbing tools.

Prices and model line of STEAMTEC steam generators

Steam generators for saunas and baths STEAMTEC

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

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

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

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

4 - The steam nozzle is connected to the steam pipe. Through it, steam enters the steam room. This element can be used as a piece of pipe passed through the wall.

5 - Water supply pipe supplying water to the steam generator.

6 - Water tap that shuts off the water in case it is necessary to clean or repair the device.

7 - Drainage pipe to drain waste water into the sewer.

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

9 - A sewer drain is installed both in the steam room and next to the steam generator.

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

11 - Electrical connecting cable through which the device is connected to the electrical network.

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

13 - Rubber plug.

14 - A sedimentation tank 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 installation work that should be clarified in the step-by-step installation instructions for a specific steam generator model.

• The first step is to select a location to install the device. Most often it is installed in a dressing room or other dry room located across the wall from the steam room. Here you need to take into account that you will have to make a hole in the wall separating the two rooms 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.
• Next, if you decide to mount it on a wall, you need to make markings, 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 inclined towards the drain.
• The brackets are fixed according to the marks on the wall. They must be securely fastened, since we must not forget that the steam generator tank will be filled with water, which will significantly increase the total weight of the device.
• Once the location of the device on the wall or floor is completely clear, the area where the pipe will pass through the wall is determined. Then a through hole is made (for example, with a crown drill), 10–12 mm larger than the diameter of the pipe. A piece of pipe is installed in the hole - a sleeve, with a diameter 3-5 mm larger than the steam pipe. This sleeve will create the necessary reinforcement passage channel of the main steam supply pipe. Secure this segment-sleeve into drilled You can make holes in the wall using polyurethane foam or cement mortar.

• The next step is to connect a pipe to the nozzle 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 secured in the hole made. The gap between the sleeve and the pipe can be filled with foam.

It’s good if the steam pipe is flexible - then it will not be difficult to pass it through the wall. If a PVC or PP pipe is chosen for this purpose, then you will have to think about its correct location, and then use welding. However, whatever pipe is chosen, it must be designed for hot water.

• Next, you need to install a pipe that will supply water to the steam generator from the water supply or from an autonomous container. When using tap water, a tap is installed at the beginning of the pipe leading from the water main to the steam generator. The water going to the steam generator from the water supply must be passed through a filter. In some models, the water filter is already built into the body of the device, but if it is not provided for in the design, then it is cut into the supply line.

Water supplied to the steam generator, passing through a mechanical purification filter, will be cleared of solid impurities, and only in this form will it reach the heating element. In this way, the service life of the steam generator can be significantly increased, 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 nearby - mechanical cleaning and softening (for example, ion exchange). In this case, you will soon be able to see how dirty the water is entering the house by paying attention to the condition of the water filter inserts.

Prices for water pipes

water pipes

Since the cartridges in the filters will have to be changed frequently, and for this it is necessary to shut 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 reducer is installed 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 on the radar of the owners of a house or apartment!

It would probably be wrong to install filters only in front of the steam generator. By and large, water must undergo complete purification and disinfection at the entrance to a house or apartment. Read more about the stages of water treatment and the recommended ones in a special publication on our portal.

• The next step is to connect a drain pipe to the pipe located on the opposite side of the device from the tap water supply pipe to drain the waste liquid. The second edge of the pipe is connected to the sewer main or taken to the street. To prevent used water from flowing under the bathhouse, a drainage chute is laid for it at a slope.

• Now that the pipes are installed, a control panel is connected to the device, which is fixed in a convenient place on the wall. In some models, the installation of the control panel is provided directly in the steam room, but basically they are fixed next to the steam generator and the desired temperature, as well as steam supply intervals, are programmed on them.
• Then the signal cable of the temperature sensor is connected and led into the steam room. The sensor itself is fixed in the upper part of the wall or on the ceiling of the steam room, that is, in the most “hot” area.
• Lastly, a device is attached to the apparatus that supplies aromatic substances for vaporization. It is mounted on the outer wall of the steam room, with a pipe connected to it connected to a container into which the flavored liquid is poured. In addition, a pipe supplying steam from the generator is connected to the device. Passing through the poured 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 through a flavoring installation.
• After making sure that all connections are reliable, you can begin testing the steam generator. First, the container of the device is filled with water. To do this, open all the taps located on the supply line. A 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 at the connections, you can connect the device to the power supply and set the necessary parameters on the control panel. Then, you need to wait for the water to heat up and steam to appear and again carry out a control inspection of the connections. The fact is that when the temperature rises, the connecting nodes may behave slightly differently than in a cold state. If necessary, possible errors are eliminated and a tightening is performed.
• If everything is back to normal and no signs of leaks are detected, you can proceed to full operation of the device.

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

Prices for popular steam generators

Steam generators for saunas and baths

At the end of the article, there is a very interesting video showing the experience of the owner’s first “communication” with the purchased steam generator received from Aliexpress. Perhaps it will help someone make the right decision about purchasing such a device.

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

Using a steam generator helps to perform most of the work on cleaning the car interior, as well as some parts of the car. Compact dimensions and a simple operating principle allow you to make a suitable steam generator with your own hands from literally any suitable equipment.

Types of steam generators

With this device you can make your life much easier.

Steam generators perfectly disinfect and cleanse contaminants, help defrost pipes and a car engine in cold weather, and will also become an indispensable assistant for cleaning filters.

These devices operate differently, so it is customary to distinguish five types of design.

Steam generators are:

• Electrical, operating from the network. Industrial models usually require connection to a regular 220 V outlet, and industrial models - 380 V.
• Stove Steam generators use solid fuel (coal, wood) as heating.
• Electrode steam furnace, in which electrodes are used as a heating element.
• Induction steam generators, the operating principle of which is the transformation of the electromagnetic field.
• Ultrasonic Steam generators evaporate steam using sound vibrations.

The easiest way to make an electric steam generator yourself is to use suitable elements. A steam generator for a car can be made from trash, which is easy to find in any home.

Design and principle of operation

The simplest products consist of:

• water tank;
• heating element
• supply tube.

Industrial units have many additional elements that provide expanded functionality of the device. For home use, such equipment will definitely come in handy, but the main disadvantage will be the high price. That is why you should pay attention to the possibility self-made DIY steam generator for cars and other household needs.

The essence of the steam generator:

• Water is supplied to the reservoir, preferably filtered and cleared of metal suspensions. This will increase the service life of the homemade device and help avoid frequent cleaning of the nozzle.
• When the heating element is turned on, the water begins to heat up and evaporate, entering the expansion tank, from where it exits through the pipeline through the nozzle.

The resulting steam can be directed to a contaminated surface, and can also be used for a sauna or Finnish bath.

Often, steam can remove oil stains or deeply ingrained dirt.

In most purchased models, you can adjust the temperature and intensity of evaporation. Despite the fact that home models do not have this advantage, they also cope well with their functions, and most importantly, they are affordable.

DIY steam generator

Having decided on the main question - how the water will be heated, you can proceed directly to assembling the unit.

Selection of capacity

This parameter largely determines the performance and mobility of the equipment. To heat water it is advisable to use metal container with sufficient thermal insulation to reduce the risk of burns from accidental contact during use. This could be a metal canister, a bucket, or even an old electric kettle. Depending on the required volume of steam and operating time, such a device requires periodic addition of water.

You can make a maximum power steam generator with your own hands from an old gas cylinder, after first cleaning it of possible residues and constructing a suitable pipeline for supplying steam.

It is on the example of using a gas cylinder (option - an old fire extinguisher) that our guide will be based.

Selection of heating elements

If you do not take into account the option of heating water using an electric, gas or wood stove, it is preferable to use heating elements of a suitable design. For the volume of the gas cylinder, this should be a heating element for the boiler. If the container is smaller in volume, heating elements from an old kettle will also work.

The main condition is that the heating source must be easy to change in case of failure.

The welded structure, of course, will behave more reliably when working under pressure, but if it overheats and requires replacement, you will have to almost completely disassemble the device.

Steam generator installation

Before selecting the necessary structural elements, you should prepare connection diagrams for the steam generator and calculate the necessary additional parts (pipes, fittings, control system).

For bulky structures, it would be preferable to use an automatic water supply to prevent the heating element from burning out.

To do this, a pipeline is made with a shut-off and check valve, and, if necessary, a filter is installed to clean the liquid.

All work can be divided into the following stages:

• Preparing the balloon. Opening the valve releases the remaining gas. After this, the valve is unscrewed and the inside of the tank is washed with detergent and warm water. Filling with water is repeated several times until foreign odors are completely removed.
• Installation of heating elements. Heating elements are attached to the lower part of the body in any suitable way (except welding, although in some cases this is more justified). Fastenings must withstand not only increased temperature and moisture, but also increased pressure in the housing.
• Installation of additional fittings. Four branches must be made at the top of the cylinder. Here it is more appropriate to use threaded connections and adapters of the appropriate size. One of the branches is used to install a pressure control valve. The second pipe will be “responsible” for filling the container with liquid. The third tap is designed to control the pressure and heating temperature. A pressure gauge and a temperature sensor are located here. The fourth branch is designed to maintain an acceptable water level in the cylinder and is located slightly lower than the others - at least 10 cm from the top of the container.
• Additional equipment for a homemade steam generator. These could be legs and even wheels for free movement of the bulky structure, a protective casing for safe contact with the hot body, as well as any suitable steam supply design.
• Steam supply system also represents a pipeline. For directional action, it is advisable to use a nozzle with a narrower opening diameter. If the steam generator will be used in a steam room or sauna, the steam outlet can have an arbitrary structure.

You should definitely consider the security system. The principle of its operation is to turn off the heating when the specified maximum temperature and pressure parameters are reached.

This review will be of interest to anyone who is interested in how to make a steam generator with their own hands at home. Traditionally, this device is intended for equipping a steam room, but when I began to become interested in this topic, it turned out that a homemade steam generator can be used for other purposes, which you will learn about by reading the article to the end.

Where it all begins

At one time, I had a desire to equip an individual microbath, or phyto-barrel as it is also called, in my city apartment; my wife really liked it.

There were no problems with the barrel itself; knocking down a wooden structure made of planed tongue-and-groove boards doesn’t require a lot of intelligence or special skill, but the steam room requires a steam generator. My first thought was to buy a production model.

A modern steam generator for a bath is a reliable and durable device, and most of these devices have many operating modes, they are equipped with sophisticated protection and control systems, but at that time I was not ready to pay that kind of money for them.

For those who are interested, below I have tabulated popular models and also placed a diagram that clearly shows the operating principle of an industrial steam generator.

Serial models of steam generators
Model name	Power consumption	Dimensions	Price
Harvia Helix HGX11L	10.8kW	155x320x600 mm	57 t/rub
Harvia Helix Pro HGP30	30kW	320x490x560 mm	166.5 t/rub
Helo HNS 60 T1	6kW	160x380x520 mm	60 t/rub
Helo HNS 140 T1	14kW	160x380x520 mm	70.5 t/rub
TYLO Steam 2/4/6	2 – 6kW	445x130x415 mm	74 t/rub
TYLO Steam 12	12kW	570x224x485 mm	135.5 t/rub

Having studied the structure of the steam generator, I realized that it is not so difficult to make it with my own hands, moreover, such a device would not be superfluous in a real wood-burning sauna, plus in my case it could be useful in the apiary for melting wax out of frames.

Unfortunately, I was not able to make a universal homemade steam generator that would be suitable for all occasions; instead, I assembled several steam generators, each of which was “tailored” for a specific purpose.

How to assemble a steam generator yourself

First of all, you need to understand why you actually started making a steam generator.

There are 3 options here:

1. For a phyto-barrel or Turkish bath hammam it is enough to bring steam into the tank at a temperature of 45 - 50ºС;
2. To make a high-quality moonshine still, a more powerful steam generator is required, capable of delivering up to 100ºС;
3. And when it comes to supplying steam to a real full-fledged steam room or strongly heating some objects, for example, bee frames in an apiary, you will need superheated dry steam, and accordingly the power of the unit will be completely different.

Steam generator for phyto-barrel

There are many models of similar structures with different dimensions, but the principle of operation is the same everywhere. You are offered to buy or assemble with your own hands a wooden box with a hole for the head, to which a wet steam generator is connected.

We will not dwell on the box; this is the topic of another article, although in a nutshell, a reservoir is made in which it is comfortable to sit, and the whole procedure is based on supplying steam from below, from under a removable floor wooden ladder.

We need to build the simplest steam generator possible. In essence, this is an ordinary tightly closed pan. A heating element is installed in this pan and as soon as the water boils, steam extraction begins.

This device is good in that it is not necessary to install a pressure relief valve and other similar protection on it, because there will be no pressure as such. As soon as the water boils, steam will immediately begin to flow through the steam line into the barrel standing nearby.

In theory, you can use any tank as a basis, even an old electric kettle, but in order not to make unnecessary movements and constantly monitor the water level in the working tank, I used a 20 liter metal bucket.

In such buckets they sell putty and other liquid construction mixtures. The main advantages of such containers are a metal body, a tight-fitting lid and, of course, a free price.

I've seen advice online to use a thick plastic canister as the main reservoir. Theoretically, thick plastic can easily withstand 100ºC when water boils. But plastic is a chemical in any case, and it is unknown what poisons it will begin to release when heated for a long time, but you are making a herbal barrel to improve your health.

As a heating element, I used a regular electric heating element with a power of 2 kW, you can, of course, use something more powerful, but to heat 10 - 15 liters of water, 2 kW is quite enough.

Such a heating element is cut into the side at a distance of about 25 mm from the bottom. The process is quite simple: use a crown to drill a hole along the diameter of the heating element’s base, insert the heating element into this hole through the sealing gaskets and secure it with the nut included in the kit.

Drill another hole in the lid and, in the same way, use two nuts and gaskets to secure a threaded metal pipe in it. As a steam line, I decided to use a flexible metal-plastic tube with a cross-section of 16 mm.

This tube is connected through an adapter to the outlet pipe of the steam generator and goes to the hole at the bottom of the phyto-barrel. Inside such a steam room we make a ring from the same metal-plastic tube and connect it to the steam line through a tee. We drill holes in the ring itself for steam to escape.

Remember, you should not use tap water for bathing purposes, its quality is now far from ideal, and when it turns into steam, you will then have to breathe all this “bouquet”. Ideally, it is better to use distilled water, but if you don’t have it, then take at least purified water.

Steam generator for moonshine still

Many of our wise compatriots prefer not to wait until the state finally defeats “scorched” alcoholic drinks, spilled in unclear places, and construct moonshine stills for personal use. So, one of the models of such devices includes a steam generator.

The point is not to bring the mash to a boil, as was often done before, but to evaporate the alcohol-containing composition by gently heating it with steam. The diagram below shows the operating principle of such a system.

In this case, the steam generator needs to be equipped more seriously. As in the previous option, the container should be at least 20 liters; as a rule, 40 liter milk cans are used for these purposes.

It often doesn’t make sense to embed an electric heating element (TEH) into the steam generator, because this whole process takes place in the kitchen and it’s easier to put our steam generator on the stove. By the way, if the stove is gas, then this approach will be much more economical.

The milk can has a good sealing lid, and the food-grade aluminum it's made from is thick enough to withstand the increased pressure inside the tank.

A metal adapter pipe is cut into the lid of such a tank in the same way, but it’s not just a steam pipe that is screwed onto it, but a metal tee. On the tee we will have a protective group from a standard heating boiler with a bypass valve, a pressure gauge with a thermometer, and the outlet itself for extracting steam.

We cut the steam line into the lower part of the working container with mash. This container is installed next to the furnace at approximately the same level as our steam generator. The process will go faster if the tank with mash is placed on an induction furnace and turned on at 2000.

Inside the working container, again, a steam distributor is installed through an adapter. It can be made in the form of a cross with holes or bent into a ring according to the same principle as in a phyto-barrel.

The gap between the bottom and the steam distributor should be no more than 10 - 15 mm. Moreover, it is better to direct the holes through which steam will flow downward, otherwise they may become clogged.

The entire production process is quite lengthy and you will probably have to add water to the steam generator. In order not to release the pressure once again, which could cause the mash to go back into the steam line, I automated the process of adding water.

Another tank is installed next to the steam generator. It is not so important what capacity it has, the main thing is that it is the same in height as the steam generator. I used a metal pipe with a 200 mm cross-section, sealed at the bottom like a glass.

From below, the steam generator and the top-up tank are connected by a metal tube; it can be welded permanently or made dismountable; the tube is embedded at a distance of 10 - 15 mm from the bottom.

This whole system works on the principle of communicating vessels. I cut a float valve from the toilet tank into the top of the fill tank and connected it to the water supply. As a result, as soon as the water level drops, the valve opens and water is added.

Since we are dealing with a kind of food installation, all piping and connecting pipes must be made of food-grade stainless steel or, at worst, food-grade aluminum. In this case, I myself do not use plastic and non-ferrous metals such as copper or brass and do not recommend it to you.

Powerful solid fuel steam generator

We are all accustomed to the fact that in a real bath there should be a stove-stove, on the stones of which water is poured and steam is produced. Of course, this is so, but only if superheated steam from a solid fuel steam generator is supplied to the steam room, the heating rate of the steam room will increase by about 3 times.

It is too expensive to install an electric heating element for such power, because here instead of 2 - 3 kW it will be necessary to install heating elements of at least 12 - 16 kW. Therefore, I decided to make a solid fuel steam generator, in other words, using wood or coal.

I “copied” this diagram from the so-called jet stove. The only disadvantage of this design is the lack of devices for monitoring and regulating the steam supply. Although, by and large, they are not really needed there.

Most of the structural parts are assembled from scrap metal:

• For the main firebox I used a section of 300 mm;
• I used a pipe with a cross-section of 200 mm for the hot water tank;
• The chimney was welded from a pipe with a cross-section of 75 mm;
• And I used a 110 mm pipe under the chamber to superheat the steam.

Naturally, all this is steel. The instructions for making a steam generator are outlined below, plus I have drawn a diagram of this design for you. On the right we have a view from the side of the firebox, and on the left we have a side view.

• First I made the steam working chamber itself. To do this, I welded a pipe about 30 cm long and 200 mm cross-section tightly on both sides;
• After that, I drilled holes in one line on both sides of the tank from above and welded inch pipes to them;
• Water will be poured through the pipe that is located closer to the firebox doors; I cut a thread on it for the lid;
• I bent the same pipe, which is closer to the chimney, at 90º towards the chimney, through which steam will flow into the additional heating chamber;
• Now in the upper arch of the firebox you need to make a rectangular cutout with a grinder so that the width of contact between the flame in the firebox and the bottom of the working steam chamber is at least 100 mm. You can do more, but you need to make sure that there is room left for loading firewood;
• I cut through the rectangular piece of pipe that was cut from the roof of the firebox in several places with a grinder and placed it on the bottom of the firebox. This gap will act as a blower; there is no need to weld it, otherwise it will be inconvenient to clean the firebox from ash;

• Naturally, our firebox will need a door, there’s nothing complicated here either, just weld hinges at the edge of the firebox and hang a metal plate with a folding hook on them so that you can close and open this door;
• Next we assemble the system for additional heating of the steam. This is a fairly common design and looks like a pipe within a pipe. The pipe that runs inside will be our chimney, and the outer circuit is the chamber for additional heating of the steam. Often such a system is used to heat water from a chimney;

• Since the outer contour of the chimney must be sealed, we weld it tightly on both sides;
• Now we drill a hole in the lower part of the outer contour for an inch pipe coming out of the steam working chamber, the same one that we bent at 90º;
• In the upper part of the outer contour, only on the other side we drill a half-inch hole and weld another threaded pipe to it horizontally. Our final product – superheated steam – will come out through this very pipe.

This steam generator can be used in two ways; for most of the year I have it installed in the auxiliary room of the country bathhouse, next to the firebox of the heater and additionally heats the steam room. And when the time comes to melt the honeycombs, I transfer it to the apiary.

Conclusion

Which steam generator model is right for you, of course, decide for yourself; I have found use for all three options, especially since they are not expensive. The photos and videos in this article clearly show the main points of the assembly. If you have any questions, write them in the comments and we’ll talk.

A homemade steam generator, or steam gun as it is called, can serve as additional equipment for a sauna stove, or it can be a separate device. Most often, such a device is used in a bathhouse, sauna or hammam to produce soft and medicinal steam created by adding aromatic herbs. A steam generator can be purchased at a specialized store, or you can make it yourself.

Steam generator or steam gun - description, device, principle of operation, types

The healing properties of steam have been known for a long time, since it can have a healing effect on the human body if used in the optimal amount and at a certain temperature. If such a device is installed in the bathhouse, then there is no need to regularly pour water on the stones in order for the required volume of steam to form in the steam room. Also, thanks to the steam gun, water is significantly saved. It does not take up much space, is easy to assemble and does not require a large amount of expensive materials to create it.

Steam gun for sauna stoves

Device

A traditional steam generator is a device equipped with an electric heating element. The operating principle is similar to a regular electric kettle. We pour water into the steam generator, turn on the heater, the liquid boils and steam is formed. The lid of the device is equipped with a special valve, with which you can independently regulate the degree of pressure. As a result, we can independently “create” steam at the required temperature. Steam with a high degree of humidity will create the atmosphere of a traditional Turkish hammam, while hot and dry steam will make you feel like you are in a real Russian bathhouse.

Furnace structure with sauna steam generator

The steam generator can be used in conjunction with a heater. As a result of this “contact”, the steam produced by the device is additionally supplied to the stones for complete heating. Thanks to this scheme, electricity is significantly saved and at the same time the temperature of the stones is reduced, the load on the furnace is reduced and its service life is increased.

If you use a steam generator without a heater, then energy costs will increase significantly, but you will not need to build an expensive large brick oven. In this case, you will only need to choose a heating system for the bath.

A typical “store-bought” steam generator consists of:

• Security sensor.
• Water containers.
• Pump for moving water and steam.
• Preparatory block for water.
• Steam generation unit.
• Control panel.

Outside the device there is an indicator and display that shows all the information about the operation of the device and its programs.

Species and types

Such devices can have manual or automatic water filling. Automatic filling involves connecting the steam generator to the central water supply. Most modern steam generators are equipped with an automatic system, which will itself control the temperature in the steam room. They can also be ceramic and metal.

There are two types of steam generators:

For a steam room with an area of ​​10–13 m3, you can use an 8–9 kW steam gun. In a room larger than 15 m3, it is recommended to install 12 kW devices. For a small steam room up to 5 m3, it will be enough to make a steam generator with a capacity of 5 kW.

Devices that have a power of more than 9 kW have a three-phase connection system.

Steam generators can have three types of water heating:

• Electrode. In this case, the current passing through the electrodes through the water heats it to a certain temperature. Such a heater has a simple design (ordinary metal rods act as electrodes) and does not overheat, since it simply will not work without water. But since the electrodes tend to dissolve over time, they will have to be changed periodically.

  Electrode heating elements

• Heating elements. Devices of varying power levels are used to heat water.

  Heating element for heating water

• Induction. Water is heated in the same way as in a microwave oven. In this case, the water is quickly heated, since the alternating electromagnetic field allows the entire container containing the liquid to be heated at once.

  Induction heating element

Are there any fundamental differences between steam generators for baths, saunas and hammam?

Many people are interested in the question, what is the difference between steam generators for a bath, sauna or hammam? Since all three types of structures are intended not only for washing, but also for healing the body, their action is based on the formation of steam. The difference between a bathhouse, a sauna and a hammam is the amount of steam produced, its temperature and humidity level.

Temperature conditions of different types of steam rooms:

• A Finnish sauna must have dry heat - the temperature ranges from 80 to 140°C, the humidity level is from 1 to 15%.
• There must be wet steam in a Turkish hammam - the temperature is maintained at 45°C - the humidity level is 100%.
• In a Russian bath, steam should have an optimal humidity level from 50 to 80%, and the temperature should be maintained from 60 to 80°C.

A “store” steam generator, which has many operating modes for generating steam, is suitable for all types of steam rooms. Using the remote control, you can independently set the temperature of the steam and its volume. Typically, such devices allow you to select temperatures up to 95°C. Also, steam generators for industrial use are equipped with special built-in programs that can independently create a certain temperature and volume of steam output, simulating a real Russian bathhouse, Finnish sauna or Turkish hammam.

The steam that a steam gun creates is softer and more gentle than that from pouring water onto hot stones. Thus, we can say that there are no significant differences in such devices, so they are suitable for all types of steam rooms.

Bath stove with steam gun

It should be noted that the raw steam, which is necessary for the hammam, is not too heavy for the human body, does not give the feeling of a suffocating atmosphere, since the room is heated only to a maximum high temperature of 45°C. And it is with the help of a steam generator that this result can be achieved.

I would like to note that a modern Russian bathhouse is not too different from a Finnish sauna in its design. Therefore, the amount of steam and its temperature in such steam rooms can be coordinated by the visitors themselves. Using a steam generator, you can create conditions in any steam room that are intended for a bathhouse, sauna or hammam.

Preparing to make a cannon for an open heater

The main task when developing a drawing for a steam gun is to ensure that the largest possible area of ​​iron outlets for water comes into contact with the stones in the furnace. The pipes must be placed as close as possible to the stones, which are heated to maximum temperature.

It is very important to use a steam gun in ovens where an open stove is installed. This is due to the fact that it is almost impossible to create good steam that will be suitable for vaping in a traditional sauna from a stove with stones. When water hits the stones, which are located in external areas closer to the visitors and further from the oven, it turns into very damp, coarse-grained steam.

Optimal comfort for people can only be created by dry steam, which is produced during the contact of water with the hottest parts of the stove (the furnace itself and the stones). It is not possible to pour water onto the firebox, since it is separated from the steamer by a large layer of stones, so steam guns were developed to effectively deliver water.

The simplest solution was a cannon made of a steel pipe, which is inserted into the free space of the stove, and then simply laid stones.

Drawing of a simple steam gun

Drawing of the operation of a steam gun

Selecting material for creating a steam gun

We will make the simplest model of a steam gun, which will not require a large amount of expensive materials and at the same time it will be able to fully perform its functions.

Materials

• Corrugated pipe 2 pieces - diameter 4 mm.
• Corrugated pipes 2 pieces - smaller diameter.
• Open heater stove - Shilka model.
• Porcelain balls for placing in the oven.
• Metal funnel.

In order to make such a gun with our own hands, we only need a sharp metal object with which we will make holes in the pipe.

Step-by-step instruction

1. We take two corrugated pipes of the same size (selected depending on the size of the free space in the oven). We make holes Ø 8–10 mm in them at the same distance from each other (about 5 cm). We bend their ends on both sides.

   Corrugated pipes with holes

2. We place the pipes with the holes facing up at the bottom of the oven. The curved ends should “look” up. We place both guns opposite each other.

   Placement of the pipe in the furnace with the holes facing up

3. We insert vertical pipes into the ends to supply water.

   Insert a vertical pipe for water supply

4. We install funnels on top of the pipes to make it convenient to pour water into them.

   Insert a funnel to fill in water

5. We take porcelain balls and completely fill the oven space with them, as shown in the figure.

   Porcelain balls for oven

6. Our simple steam generator is ready to use.

   Ready-made oven with a simple steam gun

Checking work

During the soaring period, such a steam gun showed its effectiveness. During 2.5 hours of “work” at a temperature range from 65 to 95°C, 3.5 liters were poured. water. This means about 1.5 liters. water per hour was converted into dry, fine steam. After 2 hours, the temperature in the steam room remained stably at 80°C. This is enough to ensure that the steam room has a comfortable temperature regime for the human body.

Steam gun for Finnish electric heater stove

In an electric heater, the space at the bottom does not heat up too much, so you can put a small vessel or container with holes there, which will be heated by heating elements and stones and boil water, creating the necessary steam.

Since the presence of heating elements and stones will not allow us to install a large container, we choose a copper pipe with special holes for steam to escape.

The stones around the tube are heated to 120–180°C, so slowly evaporating water will produce the required amount of steam. Slowly passing steam through a 50 cm layer of hot stones will warm up to the optimal temperature required for the steam room.

Finnish sauna stove electric heater

A thin copper tube will have a small heated mass from the relatively large volume of water passing through it and therefore will be able to cool quickly. Thus, in this design there is no need to make a check valve. Its functions can be performed by the water itself, located in the upper vessel.

Drawing of the steam generation process with a steam gun

Materials:

• Copper tube with special steam outlets - 1 inch diameter.
• Thin copper tube - diameter 6 mm.
• Steel funnel for pouring water.

Tools

• Plumbing soldering (95% tin)
• Soldering iron

Assembling the steam gun structure

1. In order to simplify the task, we simply purchased a ready-made dispensing tube with steam outlet holes.

   Copper dispensing tube with funnel

2. We solder a long copper tube to one end of the distribution tube. This must be done efficiently, since the device will be located almost at the bottom of a hot oven.

   We weld a copper tube to the end of the distribution pipe

3. To the second end of the long pipe for water supply we solder (or screw) a special funnel into which water will be poured.
4. In principle, our steam gun is ready and all that remains is to place it in the electric heater.
5. To do this, remove the required part of the stones from the furnace and carefully lay the dispensing tube so that it lies between the heating elements. It had to be bent a little. The depth of the tube is about 60 cm.

   Place the tube in the oven between the heating elements, removing some of the stones

6. We bring the tube to fill the water up and then carefully put the stones back into the oven.

   Screw the funnel to the end of the tube

7. Now you can turn on the electric heater and after the stones have warmed up well, start pouring water into the funnel. Reaching down the tube, the water at boiling temperature will turn into steam, which will exit through the steam outlet openings and rise to the top.

   Finnish oven with steam gun ready for use

If you add various healing infusions or aromatic oils to the water, the steam saturated with their aromas will fill the entire steam room.

Aromatic essential oils for baths

Video: DIY steam gun

How to make a steam generator from a pressure cooker with your own hands

Many craftsmen try to create useful things from the most common materials at hand. The steam generator that is needed in the bathhouse can not be purchased in the store, but simply made with your own hands. To do this you need to do the following:

• Choose suitable cookware.
• Install the heating element.
• Organize proper water flow.
• Select steam.
• Check the device.

Materials for the steam generator:

• Pressure cooker - 1 pc.
• Electric heating elements.
• Plate.
• Studs, bolts, nuts and washers.
• The gaskets are heat-resistant.
• Copper tube.
• Water container.
• Float valve.
• Hose.

Tools

• Drill.
• Adjustable wrench.

Stages of work

1. We install the heating element at a distance of about 1 cm from the bottom of the pressure cooker. At a certain height, we mark points on the outside of the dishes and drill holes of the required diameter.
2. We prepare the holes for installing the heating element. To do this, install a bolt and a pin in each of them, and string washers on both sides and tighten them as much as possible with nuts.

   Drilling a hole for the heating element

3. Next, we need to make sure that boiling water does not pass through the places where the heating elements are attached. To do this, we use gaskets made on the basis of sealed silicone. You can make them yourself.
4. Lay out a sheet of paper on a flat surface and then apply sealant to it. We level it out a little and put another sheet of paper and a piece of glass on top. We put any heavy object on top that will compress our workpiece. After the silicone has dried, we squeeze the gaskets out of it using a tube of the required diameter.

   Making airtight silicone gaskets

5. We install the heating elements and carefully tighten the nuts. Pour water into the container and make sure there are no leaks.
6. Connect the power. To do this, we place a copper tube under the heating element, through which water will constantly flow. If we install the tube above the heating element, we will disrupt the entire vaporization process.

   Installing the heating element in the pressure cooker

7. If water does not constantly flow into the steam generator, the liquid in it will quickly evaporate and the device will fail.
8. Since water must constantly flow into the steam generator, and such a process cannot be carried out directly from the water supply, the following must be done. Not far from the device, install a vessel that will communicate with a copper tube supplying water. The height of the two vessels must be the same for the process to work. At the bottom of the second tank we install a float valve, which will act as an intermediary between the steam generator and the water supply vessel. Such a tap will “monitor” the water level and top it up as it decreases.

   Ready-made steam generator for steam generation

Selecting couples

After the steam generator is assembled, we need to learn how to select steam from it. To do this, we select a hose of the required diameter. A hose from an old vacuum cleaner may work. We drill a hole in the lid and attach the adapter using a threaded connector.

It is important that the pressure cooker has a metal lid in which we can easily drill holes.

Testing the steam generator

• In order to check the operation of the device, you need to make sure that both containers are completely sealed and do not leak anywhere.
• Check the water level.
• Connect the steam generator to the network and see how much steam the device produces.

• Steam guns of simple design, which we examined in the first two options, do not require complex maintenance, since if there is no water in them, then steam simply will not be released.
• The steam generator has a heating element in its design, which, with constant contact with water, will “collect” scale on its surface. In order to increase the life of such a device, it is necessary to regularly inspect the heating elements and remove accumulated formations.
• It is recommended to install the steam generator not in the steam room, but in the next room, so that the device is protected from contact with a humid environment.

Video: DIY steam generator

If a steam gun is installed in your steam room, you can be sure that in the winter cold the room will heat up much faster and retain heat for quite a long time. The main thing is to make such a device correctly so that it works effectively and can create the healing, rich dry or wet steam necessary for a Russian bath, sauna or hammam. A self-made steam generator or steam gun will not be able to fully replace modern factory installations, but if you do not need numerous additional functions, then you should opt for one of the home-made designs.