Building your own steam chamber is definitely the most economically way, either with on-site or local personnel. Kiln-direct are here to help you in this process. It is important to understand that the environment in a steam chamber is significantly harder on the building than those in a standard kiln. First you have a building which cycles between regular outside temperature and new boiling temperatures much more frequently than a kiln (every one to two days). Secondly, you must consider that chamber has an inside pressure which tries to push this harsh climate conditions into the walls and roof system.
Description of the general components of a steam chamber:
Building and foundation.
Please look further down on the page regarding your general choices and there advantages and short comings.
Water trench in the floor.
This trence is normally located near the back wall and the side walls. It purpose is to collect the condensate, "juices" from the lumber, and trash. A drain pipe is placed about 150-300mm (6"-12") above the bottom of the trench.
Steam supply pipe.
This or these pipe are normally 75-100mm (3"-4") diameter with hole evenly spaced down the length of the pipe. The best material for the steam pipe is stainless steel, which minimizes iron stain on species, such as oak. These pipes are normally installed cross ways in the steam chamber, the key to place these pipes to insure as even steam distribution as possible. The holes in the pipe increases in size in the same direction as the steam is moving. The smaller holes in the begging and the larger ones in the end insures move evenly steam distribution as the pressure becomes lower as it passes the first holes.
Steam control system.
Some kiln of a simple temperature and time delay function is essential, but a more advanced controller can help you achieve constant and better result everytime.
Venting pipe.
This is normally located in the middle of the back wall near the floor level. This pipe is normally a 38-50mm (1.5"-2") stainless steel pipe with unrestricted access to the outside. The purpose of this vent pipe is to release the excess steam to prevent too much pressure buildup, which would increase the pressure on the wall and the likeliness of excessive moisture penetration into the walls and ceiling.
Main door system.
It is important that the main door seals tightly against the door frame and it helps reduce your energy consumption, especially on longer steam treatment schedules. We can only advise you to install some kind of a 100% stainless steel door system with 100-150mm (4"-6") of insulation. The outside can be aluminum profile sheeting, but not regular metal sheeting.
This leaves you with three general choices in building a steam chamber:
Highest quality for long term use.
Concrete walls and stainless steel roof steam chamber.
All stainless steel steam chamber.(Kiln-direct sells complete small steam chamber)
Concrete and/or concrete masonry steam chamber.
Low quality for short term use.
Wood panel construction (Approx 5 years life span with daily use).
Use old refrigurated container.
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