Context & Overview
Ensuring safety in aircraft maintenance environments is critical, particularly when working on fuel systems where flammable vapours may accumulate in confined spaces such as service pits.
This document presents the safety ventilation solution implemented in an aircraft maintenance hangar operated by an international airline in Malta, delivered in partnership with Panta. At the heart of the installation is the SEAT 25 EX, an ATEX-certified centrifugal extractor specifically designed to safely remove hazardous fuel vapours from classified hazardous zones.
Client Overview
The client operates a modern aircraft maintenance facility handling both scheduled and unscheduled interventions. Fuel-system maintenance is carried out above dedicated service pits, where fuel vapours can accumulate and create potentially explosive atmospheres requiring continuous, certified extraction.
Equipment Overview — SEAT 25 EX
SEAT 25 EX — ATEX Centrifugal Extractor
Key Differentiators
- No metallic parts in the airflow — zero risk of mechanical sparks in the extraction path
- Corrosion-resistant design — ideal for hydrocarbon-rich environments with no degradation over time
- Electrostatic dissipation — conductive polypropylene prevents charge build-up, critical for ATEX zones
- Low maintenance — no coatings, no surface treatments, no coating failure risk
- Long service life — designed for continuous operation in demanding conditions
Application — Safe Extraction of Fuel Vapours
4.1 Operational Context
During fuel-system maintenance, vapours are released and naturally accumulate in low-level areas such as service pits. Without proper certified ventilation, this leads to a combination of risks that are unacceptable in an aviation maintenance environment:
- Explosion riskFuel vapour concentrations above LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) in a confined pit create an immediately explosive atmosphere — any ignition source triggers an incident.
- Toxic exposureProlonged inhalation of hydrocarbon vapours presents serious health risks for maintenance personnel working in or around service pits.
- Regulatory non-complianceOperating without ATEX-certified extraction in a classified zone exposes the operator to regulatory sanctions, insurance voidance, and potential operational shutdown.
4.2 How the System Works
The installation is based on a continuous extraction principle ensuring permanent safety across three stages:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 — Capture | Vapour-laden air is collected directly at pit level, where hydrocarbon concentrations are highest |
| 2 — Extraction | The SEAT 25 EX safely draws hazardous air through the duct system — with no ignition risk at any point in the airflow path |
| 3 — Discharge | Contaminated air is expelled above the building via a dedicated chimney, preventing re-entry into the facility |
4.3 Why ATEX Certification is Non-Negotiable
Any environment where flammable vapours may be present must comply with ATEX directives. In aircraft maintenance, this is not a design option — it is a regulatory obligation. Using non-certified equipment introduces risks that are operationally and legally unacceptable:
Ignition Sources
Non-ATEX fans can generate sparks through motor arcing, friction, or electrostatic discharge — each a potential trigger in a fuel vapour atmosphere.
Insurance Non-Compliance
Most aviation facility insurers require ATEX-rated equipment in classified zones. Non-compliant installations may void coverage entirely.
Operational Shutdown
Regulatory inspections finding non-compliant equipment in ATEX zones can result in immediate facility closure pending remediation.
4.4 Key Benefits
- Safety — elimination of explosion and toxic exposure risks through continuous certified extraction
- Compliance — full ATEX conformity with Directive 2014/34/EU for classified hazardous zones
- Reliability — continuous operation with minimal maintenance requirements
- Durability — corrosion-free construction maintains performance in hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres
- Performance — stable extraction efficiency under demanding and variable operating conditions
Why Conductive Polypropylene Matters
Unlike conventional steel fans, the SEAT 25 EX is built entirely in conductive polypropylene — a material specifically engineered for hazardous and corrosive environments. This is not a cost-driven choice; it is a performance and safety specification.
Total Corrosion Resistance
No degradation over time in hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres. No coatings to fail, no metal to oxidise — performance remains consistent throughout the service life.
Electrostatic Dissipation
Conductive fillers in the polypropylene compound promote charge dissipation — preventing electrostatic build-up that could trigger ignition in ATEX zones.
Maintenance-Free Construction
Homogeneous material with no surface treatments means no delamination, no rust contamination, and no periodic coating renewal — reducing lifecycle cost.
In summary
Conductive polypropylene delivers a safer, more durable and maintenance-free alternative to conventional metallic solutions — particularly in environments combining fuel vapours, humidity, and continuous operation.
Added Value — Panta
ATEX Requirements Definition
Precise zone classification and equipment requirements defined from the outset, ensuring the correct ATEX category and group for the fuel vapour environment.
System Integration
Full integration of the SEAT 25 EX into a complete ducted ventilation system, from pit-level capture to rooftop discharge.
Commissioning Support
End-to-end project support through installation, commissioning, and regulatory acceptance — ensuring a fully documented, turnkey delivery.
Full Traceability
Complete documentation package provided for compliance audits and aviation authority inspections — from equipment certification to installation records.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how the SEAT 25 EX provides a robust, safe and future-proof solution for fuel vapour extraction in aircraft maintenance environments. By combining ATEX-certified safety, corrosion-free conductive polypropylene construction, and long-term operational reliability, it ensures both regulatory compliance and uninterrupted operational continuity.
Key Takeaways
- SEAT 25 EX: ATEX-certified, fully corrosion-free extraction — no ignition sources, no metallic parts in the airflow
- Conductive polypropylene: the only material combining electrostatic dissipation, chemical resistance, and zero maintenance in one homogeneous construction
- Continuous extraction at pit level: the only reliable method to maintain vapour concentration permanently below LEL
- ATEX compliance is not optional in classified MRO zones — it directly conditions insurance coverage and operational authorisation
This solution is directly applicable to aircraft maintenance facilities, airports, and any industrial site operating with hazardous fuel or solvent atmospheres in confined zones.
Contact — Panta
Building Services Contractor — Malta — www.panta.mt
For technical or commercial enquiries regarding SEAT ventilation solutions, please contact your local Panta representative.
