A steam generator is a device that produces water vapor in various quantities, depending on the application. Often, such devices are used in industrial plants. However, the steam generator found its application in everyday life, where it is most often installed in showers and bath rooms. Thanks to this device, you will always breathe fresh and moist (rather than dry) air, which is especially appreciated by true bath lovers.
However, before choosing a steam generator, you need to pay attention to the price. The cost of them is measured not even in hundreds, but in thousands of US dollars. Therefore, with a cut budget, you have to look for other ways, namely, to make a steam generator with your own hands. How to do this, see this article.
What is a steam generator?
First, let's take a closer look at all the features of this unit. It is a device that significantly extends the functionality and capabilities of a modern bathhouse or shower. With the help of such an apparatus, one can easily revive the ancient traditions of ancient Roman baths, and all this is only thanks to the steam generator.
In terms of size, this unit is not too large, it is particularly compact, which allows you to place it almost anywhere in the bath room. Even in small saunas with an area of 9 square meters there is a place where to install it.
Design
It is worth noting that the steam generator has not only modest dimensions, but also a very low weight.
In fact, one person can cope with its installation. And by its design, the steam generator is not particularly difficult. By the way, this unit consists of only a few elements. It:
- Evaporation chamber.
- Nozzle.
- Flavoring.
- TENY.
How to make a steam generator for a bath?
Since the cost of these devices is not affordable for most owners of personal saunas, the most effective solution is to make them yourself. So, let's figure out how to make a steam generator yourself.
As a basis, a propane cylinder should be used. Its dimensions should be selected based on the amount of steam that needs to be developed for the room. Also, do not forget about safety rules - before starting work, the cylinder should be completely empty. To do this, just unscrew the brass valve. Further, the container is washed thoroughly. The inside is treated with dishwashing detergent until the gas smell finally disappears inside. After the cylinder dries, start installing the heating elements. This should be done using a welding machine.
Mounting for heating elements is developed separately. However, it must be taken into account that the heater must withstand a pressure load of at least 6 atmospheres. You should not weld a tubular electric heater dead - install it in such a way that you have the possibility of easy dismantling and installation of this element in case of burnout. These electric heaters are selected with a
calculation of the power of 3 kW per 10 liters of water. If you make a steam generator on wood, it’s not necessary to mount the heating elements with your own hands and make any calculations. However, we note immediately that it is extremely inconvenient to use these units (especially if this device is in the house), therefore it is best to design electrical devices.
Weld the tube
How do you do the steam generator yourself next? Four threaded tubes are additionally installed in the upper part of the cylinder. They are then wound with automation elements, as well as a steam generator prime valve and a pressure relief valve. But that's not all. On the side you should weld the tube with a ball valve. At the same time, the location of this element should be at a distance of no more than 10 centimeters from the top of the balloon. A tube with a ball valve will serve as a liquid level and will open immediately after a certain amount of water has entered the tank. As soon as the liquid begins to flow from it, this process must be stopped.
Finalization of valves
Also, in the course of work, the brass valve of the propane cylinder should be modified. To do this, it is cut in half (the upper rod is removed, and all 15-mm holes are additionally drilled). Next, a thread is cut and a ball valve is wound. The latter will serve us for the selection of steam.
All dial gauges can be used as instrumentation for steam generators. One of these sensors will control the temperature, and the second - pressure. Devices must be connected in series. This is necessary so that when the limiters are activated, the heating in the system is automatically turned off. The magnetic starter retractor coil will be used as a load.
How to install a steam generator for a sauna with your own hands?
Particular attention should be paid to exactly where the split will be.
The steam generator in the bath is married. Often this unit is installed near the steam room, but in a separate room. The place where the steam generator will be located must comply with the following rules - it must be dry and well ventilated. Also, in order to avoid condensation, the length of the steam pipe must be correctly calculated. It should be as short as possible - only then will the risk of moisture formation be minimized.
Mounting the device in the shower
If this is a shower cabin, then you will need to ensure its maximum tightness and forced air convection. To do this, a special sealed cap is mounted on top of the shower. Convection will be carried out by an ordinary fan. You can install several devices at once, however, it’s not necessary to have a draft in your soul. A completely optimal option would be to purchase several 12-volt devices, similar to those used to cool blocks of computers (coolers).
Next, you need to connect the steam generator with your own hands to electricity. But since the bathroom is the wettest and wettest room in the house, for the purpose of safety, similarly to the previous case, place the device in some separate place or room (it is important that this is a dry place). If you decide to buy this device in the store, then before choosing a steam generator, pay attention to the types - automatic units are the most compact and practically do not take up space.
Why does the steam generator break?
In general, this device fails quite rarely (due to its primitive design). In most cases, the steam generator breaks due to poor water quality. The high content of impurities of iron, chlorine and salts leads to the rapid formation of scale, which serves as a reason for the breakdown of this unit. Therefore, even during installation, you should consider purchasing special fine filters. With them, the breakdown of the steam generator will definitely be ruled out. And one more thing - for this unit to last as long as possible, periodically drain the remaining water from it.
So, we figured out how to make a steam generator with our own hands and avoid its premature failure.