How Does a Steam Generator For a Steam Bath Work

It goes without saying that without steam there could be no steam bath. But how is the steam created? What generates it, and what is required for efficient production of steam? This article will examine steam generators and everything required to make steam.

Steam generators for residential use are electrical units that can be installed nearly anywhere. They do not have to be close to the steam bath, and can be situated up to 40 feet away. Their basic requirements are a water supply and an electrical connection. Some models also require a drain.

Steam Generator Components

The steam generator unit consists of a tank for holding water, a connection for incoming water, and an outlet for the steam. An electrical element at the bottom of the water tank heats the water, and the size and the electrical rating of this element is a factor in determining how much steam the unit can produce.

The water tank needs to be airtight in order to allow steam pressure to build up. Steam pressure is a formidable force that is strong enough to power locomotives! In order to withstand the pressure of the steam buildup, the water tank needs to be very strong. Welded steel is the most common material for water tanks.

As a safety precaution, the water tank needs to have a pressure release valve in case the steam pressure becomes too high. The safety valve is an absolute necessity. Exploding tanks can cause a great deal of damage and even death.

The incoming water supply can be either hot or cold. Feeding hot water into the steam generator allows the steam to build up more quickly, but many generators use a cold water feed and still provide steam in a reasonable amount of time.

To control the amount of the water in the tank, a water level probe is connected to a valve which turns the water on or off automatically. The valve is powered with electricity and uses a solenoid to control water flow.

Before the water passes through the solenoid valve, it first passes through a master shutoff valve. It is a simple mechanical valve and can be used to cut off the water supply to the steam generator when it needs to be serviced.

As the steam builds up, it passes through the outtake pipe that is connected to the steam bath. The steam passes through the steam heads which are controlled by either an on/off switch or a timer. The on/off switch causes the steam head to protrude from the wall of the steam bath and lets the steam out. Optional timers can be used to limit the amount of time that steam is generated and to turn off the steam generator automatically.

Despite the relative simplicity of the steam generator, it is important to have it professionally installed. If steam pressure unexpectedly builds up and cannot be released through a properly connected release valve, a dangerous situation can result. A licensed plumber can do the work properly and guarantee a safe steam bath.

By Mike Hirn

A Steam Shower Generator Will Customize Your Personal Space

You easily, inexpensively can convert any old ordinary shower into your own personal steam room with a steam shower generator. Small and adaptable, the generator tucks neatly inside an access panel or beneath a sink; you may install it in a crawlspace above the bathroom or in any hidden spot up to twenty-five feet from the tub. Nothing in plumbing installs easily, and a steam shower generator probably will require some wiring and soldering, but you can install the unit in an existing bathroom with relatively little muss, fuss, and bother. As long as the bathroom has a shower enclosure or a tub, you have plenty of room.

Think outside the box as you consider installing a steam shower generator.

You may, however, practically and realistically think well outside the box, putting your steam bath where you most want it. Of course, you want a little privacy and a modicum of practicality, but why not focus on the feel-good? If a room has space enough for a standard shower, you may install your steam bath anywhere in your home.

Imagine turning the basement into your own private health club, adding a steam bath where you lift weights and work on the treadmill. How good will that steam bath feel immediately after your typically brutal session with Jillian Michaels Muscle Tone DVD! And think of the poor children: no child ever should have to see a parent in exercise gear. Keep it private and convenient, add value to your home, and keep the old muscles supple by making a steam shower a key piece of your home gym design.

Imagine steaming and rinsing your yard-sore body, keeping the house and bathrooms clean by installing your sauna in the mudroom. Think how nice a cultured marble or rustic stone enclosure would look in there, and think how good the warm, relaxing steam will feel after a long day on the acreage-especially if you scent your steam with lavender and eucalyptus. If you have a greenhouse, you may vent your steam into the growing area; or you may set-up an easy recycling system for your gray water.

By Victor D Williams

A Steam Bath Generator Provides the Steam For Your Shower

These days steam bath showers are now understood as something that can highly enhance the beauty of your home-décor, besides providing you with a great fun-filled journey to a relaxing bath. A hot shower soothes every part of your body and you would feel like there is nothing more comfortable than having a sauna bath and probably, you will not want to get out of the shower enclosure. But all of this is not possible without a generator that is the core part of a steam shower.

With a suitable generator you can completely makeover your present shower installations by changing it into a steam shower. Whatever material has been used for the construction of your shower enclosure, a generator is always needed to create the water vapour. The generator can be installed outside or nearby the shower, but never inside the unit itself. For proper installation of a unit you will need to connect a supply of water to the steam generator’s intake portal as well as a flow pipe or vent from the generator to the shower itself. Besides, you will be a need an electrical connection to run the steam bath generator.

The placement of the generator, for some, depending on their building or home layout, is not an easy task. The unit can be installed in the basement, in the attic, in a vanity cabinet or other such places. But whatever be the place, it should have a proper drainage system as well as access as in a service door and space around it for servicing. There is a vapour head or heads that are installed within the shower enclosure, with which the unit is connected. This head(s) serves the purpose of spreading out the steam into the shower enclosure. The place where the vapour generator is installed should be an insulated spot if in a cold climate as this will help with it’s cost effectiveness.

But before the installation of the generator, you will need to purchase this critical component first. For purchase, you will have to know the specs of the generator and match that to your requirements. You need to know about your shower enclosure or room size. So what are the compatibility factors that should be taken care of?

• Size of the shower enclosure.

• The enclosure material, with which it is made of.

• Cost factors (service period, capacity, extra features).

Besides the above general factors there are certain case specific factors like, an iron tub, mud wall tile, whether the height is 8 feet or higher of the shower area, number and sizes of the glass panels and outside walls. There are steam bath generators that have only basic or essential features that cost less than a unit that has some extra features like a timer for switching it on or off at a preset time, design details, gadgets (radio, stereo, phone, etc). The cost can also be affected if you get the time saving unit, one with an auto flush system that automatically drain out the water after each session.

By Victor D Williams