All about steam generators for hammam, bath and sauna

Nowadays, the bath’s steam generator has become an essential component of the equipment, particularly for Turkish baths called hamams. The device itself has a relatively shorter history compared to the long-standing tradition of hamams.

Historically, Turkish baths emerged during the 8th-9th century AD under the Arab Caliphate’s rule of Turkish lands. The term "ham" translates from Arabic as "heat." During that era, hamams were heated using a large boiler or vat, used to heat water. This boiler could be situated within the steam room or in a separate area, with steam being directed into the bath through specialized small channels. In order to maintain an adequate steam level, the water in the sizable basin had to remain in a constant boiling state to accommodate steam rooms of various sizes.

Designation of a steam generator for all types of baths and saunas

It is uncommon nowadays for Turkish baths to be heated using boilers. Most steam rooms now utilize steam generators instead, eliminating the need for constant wood burning. These generators can be remotely controlled, allowing for a personalized and comfortable steam room experience. Modern steam generators have the capability to release steam at specific intervals, in addition to maintaining the desired temperature. The design and functionality of these devices are virtually limitless, as they can be tailored to meet the individual requirements and budget of the bathhouse owner. These advanced steam generators are not only found in hammams, but are also becoming popular in traditional baths and saunas.

Application of a steam generator together with a stove for Russian baths

Each Russian sauna has its own unique feature – the production of moist heat in the steam room. However, this high temperature steam (70-100 0 C) can sometimes have a negative impact on the human body, leading to various ailments. To prevent such issues and enable longer stays in the steam room without compromising health, many bathing experts and enthusiasts suggest installing a steam generator or steam gun in an adjacent room, in addition to a wood or electric stove for heating the steam room. This combination of wet and dry steam allows individuals to enjoy extended periods in the steam room while experiencing only positive sensations.

Steam generators for Finnish sauna

The Finnish sauna is known for its unique dry steam. Many steam rooms prohibit the use of brooms and pouring water on the stones, as this can create an overly dry steam that can cause discomfort in the respiratory system and dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. To maintain a pleasant environment, experts suggest using an electric furnace with a steam generator in saunas, although it is preferable to place them apart from each other.

While a steam generator may not be a traditional method of creating steam in baths, it can help create a comfortable experience for individuals in steam rooms of various types.

The principle of action of the steam generator

As you may be aware, in a hamam, treatments are performed in a humid environment with 100% humidity and a relatively mild temperature of 45-55 0 C. The steam generator for a Turkish bath is increasingly being used as the primary source of steam, as the steam rooms tend to be quite large, and heating them with steam from traditional boilers is a slow and time-consuming process.

To heat the steam room, boilers should be warmed up for a few days, while the hamam’s steam generator only needs to be turned on 2 hours before the procedures begin. Once the device is turned on, a special container starts filling with water through an electromagnetic valve, which is equipped with both mechanical and automatic regulation (it responds to sensors). During the water filling process, the liquid is heated, and then the steam is sent to the hamam through a pipeline and nozzles that connect the device to the steam room. As the water gradually heats up and the container empties, the solenoid valve is reactivated (when a certain mark is reached) and the container is filled with water again.

The temperature of the steam supplied in modern steam generators can be automatically regulated. In a Turkish bath, a comfortable temperature can be achieved by heating all the beds to a temperature of 40-50°C. Temperature sensors are usually installed in the bath to monitor the temperature and if it exceeds 55°C, a signal is sent to the steam generator’s control unit, which temporarily stops producing steam until the temperature drops below the preset mark.

Many owners of bath complexes believe that using stoves along with a steam generator in hammams is more efficient in heating the room. However, it should be noted that steam generators can have different power levels, which can compensate for the heating costs of the stoves.

It’s important to keep in mind that the majority of contemporary steam generators come equipped with an automated flushing system to safeguard the tank against the buildup of limescale, thus prolonging the lifespan of the heating apparatus.

Varieties of steam generators for heating a hamam and the peculiarities of choosing a device

Currently, there exist several varieties of steam-generating units that have the ability to function both in conjunction with an electric furnace for baths and independently create a cozy atmosphere in the steam room:

• Electric devices (which require a mains power supply)
• Diesel units
• Gas steam generators designed specifically for hammams
• Induction steam guns

The most popular options are electric and gas steam generators. Electric devices for steam production are easy to install and maintain. Gas steam generators are particularly advantageous when the steam room has access to a centralized gas supply, as this significantly reduces the operating costs of the unit compared to other alternatives.

Calculating the power of the device for the steam room

The power of the steam generator should be chosen based on the size of the steam room. It is recommended to have 0.7-0.8 kW of power per 1 m3 of the room. For example, if you have a steam room that is 8 m3 in size, the steam generator should have a minimum power of 7 kW.

Prior to purchasing a steam generator for a hamam or as an addition to a sauna stove, it is important to determine how the beds and floor will be heated in the Turkish bath. If the heating will be done using the steam generator, then the power of the device should be chosen according to the aforementioned methodology. However, if electric or water floor heating will be used for heating the surfaces, then the power of the steam generator needed for steam injection should be reduced by half based on calculations.

The required steam gun power depends on the material and thickness of the walls. The calculation method is applicable for standard steam rooms with modern gypsum and acrylic walls that are tiled. However, if your hammam has thick brick walls, the power of the selected device, reaching 1 m 3, should be increased by 1.2.

Choice of manufacturer

The market for modern steam guns in the domestic industry is constantly being updated, but the following companies are consistently leading the pack:

• Helo, a Finnish company with almost 100 years of history (founded in 1919), is a prominent manufacturer of equipment for baths and saunas. Over the years, they have established themselves as a reliable manufacturer, offering a wide range of steam generators. These generators receive a lot of positive feedback, especially when installed in small private hammams;
• Tylo, a Swedish company, is another key player in the industry, producing all the necessary equipment for both private and large-scale bath complexes. Tylo’s steam generators, with power up to 10 kW, are highly sought after, making them a leader in this segment;
• EOS is a well-known German company renowned for its expertise in manufacturing high-powered sauna devices designed for large-scale usage. It is highly recommended to consider purchasing steam generators from this brand for large sauna complexes frequented by a constant influx of customers. All equipment produced by EOS is crafted using premium quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting. However, it is important to note that such high-quality products come with a significant price tag.

When it comes to selecting a steam generator, it is crucial to bear in mind that this is a powerful device which should meet specific reliability criteria. Hence, it is always better to place your trust in a reputable manufacturer that has a well-established network of service centers located throughout the country, rather than purchasing from an unfamiliar brand.

Installation of steam generators

Once you have selected the device and determined its compatibility with the room size and power requirements, the next step is to install it. The steam generator should always be installed in a nearby room, separate from the steam room, and certain preparations need to be made beforehand. To properly prepare the room for the installation of the steam generator, the following steps should be taken:

1. Determine the location for installing the device.
2. If you are installing an electric steam gun, it is important to ensure the quality of the power supply line:
3. The wire size should match the power requirements of the device.
4. The unit should be directly connected to the electrical panel via a circuit breaker.
5. The water supply system should have an additional shut-off valve for emergencies, and redundancy should be built in.
6. Create dedicated technological openings in the common wall with the steam room for the pipeline to pass through.
7. It is recommended to use copper or metal steam pipes and pay close attention to their connection to the steam generator.
8. Due to the fact that the unit in question is a high-powered piece of equipment, all electrical installation work must be conducted in accordance with the requirements set forth in the PUE.
9. It is imperative for the device to have its own separate grounding lead.
10. Prior to the completion of the steam room’s setup in the Turkish bath, a test should be performed to ensure that the steam generator starts properly.

During installation, it is important to remember and take into consideration that electric steam generators with a capacity of 10 kW and above require connection to a 3-phase power supply system of 380 V. Therefore, if a steam generator is being installed for personal use, it is necessary to consider either installing an additional power line or opting for a less powerful device.

The steam generator itself is a complex apparatus comprising of:

• Water heating unit with a tank and a steam outlet channel, also known as a steam generator;
• Device control panel that allows you to adjust the steam supply modes, with some models having the ability to memorize and automatically activate them at pre-set times;
• The steam generator is equipped with an extra pump for adding aromatic additives to the steam and blending them together.