Ventilation systems for the chemical
and pharmaceutical industry
In chemical and pharmaceutical workshops and laboratories, controlling gaseous emissions is an absolute priority: operator protection, regulatory compliance, process integrity. Acids, bases, solvents, organic vapours — the agents handled are often corrosive, toxic or flammable and require reliable, chemically resistant extraction equipment.
SEAT Ventilation designs and manufactures centrifugal fans in thermoplastic materials adapted to these demanding environments, with over 55 years of experience in corrosive industrial and pharmaceutical ventilation. Our engineers have the information needed to optimise the operation of your air extraction systems or to support you in their use, in France and in more than 40 countries.
Ventilation challenges in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
Research work carried out in a pharmaceutical laboratory presents risks of chemical vapour release that can contaminate the indoor air. Handling chemicals such as acids and bases can produce fumes and vapours harmful to health. An ineffective extraction system and poor handling practices can cause problems or accidents — but the most common and dangerous cause is insufficient or poorly adapted extraction of contaminated air. Regulations impose strict occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) that directly determine the sizing of ventilation installations.
Quality control & R&D laboratories
Pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories handle reagents, solvents and active ingredients in fume hoods, extraction cabinets, glove boxes and extraction arms. All contamination thresholds are monitored daily since delicate components are being handled. The connected extractor must resist the chemicals carried while ensuring a stable flow rate compliant with EN 14175. SEAT Ventilation extractors create a healthy working environment by effectively removing harmful gases and contaminants from laboratory furniture.
EN 14175 · OELVsProduction workshops & process areas
Synthesis, formulation and packaging areas may require general ventilation or localised extraction to maintain pollutant concentrations below regulatory thresholds. Processes involving flammable solvents or explosive dusts require ATEX-certified equipment. SEAT Ventilation offers solutions adapted to each production configuration, including for the most demanding process environments.
🔥 ATEX depending on processChemical storage & transfer areas
Chemical storage rooms require permanent ventilation to prevent the accumulation of toxic or flammable vapours. Our polypropylene extractors can be installed on rooftops or in building technical galleries. Polypropylene resists the greatest number of chemical agents in both gas and liquid phase — it outperforms polyethylene, PVC and even stainless steel for these applications. For the most aggressive agents, PVDF offers superior resistance.
PP · PVDF depending on agentsVentilation of pharmaceutical cleanrooms
In the pharmaceutical industry, SEAT Ventilation fans are regularly installed in cleanrooms subject to very stringent standards. Cleanrooms are essential wherever very small particles — often invisible to the naked eye — can harm the products being handled or manufactured. All cleanrooms have an air handling unit (AHU), of which air extractors form a part.
Role of the centrifugal fan in cleanrooms
As a key component of an AHU present in a cleanroom, the centrifugal fan ensures the flow rate/pressure function of the supplied air. Cleanrooms play a central role not only in the pharmaceutical industry, but also in hospital environments, food processing, space and microelectronics industries. SEAT Ventilation fans can be installed in this type of application thanks to rigorous material and performance selection.
AHU · ISO 14644Contamination control & extraction
In pharmaceutical laboratories, all contamination thresholds are monitored daily since delicate components are being handled. SEAT Ventilation extractors create a healthy working environment by removing harmful gases and contaminants from laboratory furniture: fume hoods, extraction cabinets, glove boxes, extraction arms. Installable on rooftops or in building technical galleries, our polypropylene extractors adapt to all architectural configurations.
Fume hoods · Glove boxes · Extraction armsOur solutions for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
From centrifugal extractors to intelligent flow rate regulation systems, SEAT Ventilation offers a complete range adapted to the requirements of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Each piece of equipment is selected and sized according to the nature of the chemicals, the required flow rates and the regulatory constraints of your process.
Polypropylene centrifugal extractors
Polypropylene (PP) is the reference material for extracting corrosive gases and vapours in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. It resists the vast majority of mineral and organic acids, bases and common solvents. Polypropylene outperforms polyethylene, PVC and even stainless steel for these applications. For particularly aggressive agents (fuming nitric acid, chlorine, HF…), PVDF offers superior chemical resistance. The SEAT, JET and STORM series cover all configurations, from individual workstations to centralised networks.
SMARTFLOW
Next-generation flow rate controller for pharmaceutical and chemical laboratory fume hoods. SMARTFLOW adapts extraction in real time based on sash position, ensuring EN 14175-compliant face velocity and optimal operator protection. Energy savings of 30 to 60% versus constant flow. BMS/GTB integration via MODBUS. Combined with Ecoglass, savings can reach 60% on total installation extraction.
Ecoglass
Automatic fume hood sash closure device after inactivity detection. Ecoglass reduces extraction flow when the fume hood is not in use, delivering energy savings of up to 60% on the installation. Fully compatible with SMARTFLOW and SEAT RX for maximum optimisation of multi-hood installations.
SEAT RX
In-duct flow rate regulator for centralised multi-fume-hood installations. SEAT RX dynamically controls overall extraction flow based on the number of simultaneously active fume hoods, avoiding network oversizing and reducing consumption. BMS integration and MODBUS communication included for large pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories.
ATEX solutions
Certain chemical and pharmaceutical processes involve flammable solvents or dusts that can form explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones 1 and 2). SEAT Ventilation offers a complete range of ATEX-certified extractors for these hazardous environments, covering the equipment categories required according to the zone classification.
Our approach for your industrial project
From needs analysis to commissioning, SEAT Ventilation supports you at every stage of your industrial ventilation project.
- 01Chemical & process auditIdentification of substances handled, concentrations to extract and applicable regulatory OELVs
- 02Chemical compatibility checkValidation of the material (PP or PVDF) via our chemical compatibility index for each specific agent
- 03ATEX analysis if requiredExplosive zone verification and selection of certified equipment according to the required ATEX category
- 04Aeraulic sizingFlow rate calculation, pressure drop analysis and fan selection via our Zephyr tool
- 05Energy optimisationIntegration of SMARTFLOW, SEAT RX and Ecoglass to reduce consumption by up to 60% on extraction
Why SEAT Ventilation?
Over 55 years of experience in the most demanding chemical and pharmaceutical environments.
Two complementary materials covering all industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals, from dilute acids to the most aggressive agents. More resistant than PE, PVC and stainless steel.
Certified extractors for explosive zones, available in PP, PVDF and stainless steel according to classification requirements.
SMARTFLOW + Ecoglass — the most effective combination for reducing laboratory extraction energy consumption.
SEAT Ventilation equips chemical and pharmaceutical industries in France and in more than 40 countries for 55 years.
What our clients say
Over 500 organisations trust SEAT Ventilation worldwide.
The longevity and reliability of your products is truly impressive. We have extractors that have been running 24/7 for 13 years without any issues. Robust, reliable and easy to maintain.
Since the beginning of our relationship in 1998, we have received appropriate technical advice whenever we need it. A trusted partner, with a straightforward and efficient working method.
Certifications & partnerships
SEAT Ventilation is a member of several reference bodies in the aeraulic, chemical and laboratory industry, ensuring our equipment complies with applicable standards.
FAQs — chemical & pharmaceutical ventilation
Everything you need to know before making a decision.
What materials are suitable for extractors in chemical and pharmaceutical environments?−
Polypropylene (PP) covers the vast majority of applications: dilute and concentrated mineral acids, bases, common solvents. PP outperforms polyethylene, PVC and even stainless steel for these applications. For more aggressive agents (fuming nitric acid, chlorine, HF…), PVDF offers superior resistance. Consult our chemical compatibility index to verify our products' resistance to your specific agents.
Are ATEX-certified extractors required for pharmaceutical laboratories?+
It depends on the products handled. If flammable solvents (ethanol, acetone, ether…) or explosive dusts are present, an ATEX risk analysis (zoning) is mandatory. In this case, extraction equipment must be ATEX-certified according to the zone category. SEAT Ventilation offers a dedicated ATEX range covering zones 1, 2, 21 and 22.
How can I reduce energy consumption in a pharmaceutical laboratory fume hood installation?+
Variable air volume (VAV) regulation is the most effective solution. The SMARTFLOW controller adapts flow in real time based on fume hood sash position. Combined with the Ecoglass device — automatic sash closure after inactivity — savings can reach 60% on total installation extraction.
How do you size an extractor for a chemical workshop?+
Sizing depends on the flow rate to extract, the nature of the chemicals (material selection), duct pressure drops and any ATEX constraints. Our Zephyr tool enables this calculation online. Our teams are available for complex projects requiring personalised support.
What is the difference between localised extraction and general ventilation in a chemical workshop?+
Localised extraction captures pollutants directly at source (fume hood, extraction cabinet, extraction arm) before they disperse into the workshop atmosphere. General ventilation dilutes residual concentrations by renewing the room air. Both approaches are often complementary: localised extraction is the priority measure required by regulations, general ventilation provides the second level of protection.
Need advice for your industrial project?
Our engineers specialised in corrosive and ATEX environment ventilation assess your needs and propose a tailored solution. Free quote, no commitment, response within 48h.
