ATEX compliance for fan blades in South African mines
Fans moving air in underground coal mines, grain handling facilities, petrochemical plants, or any other ATEX-classified environment have strict material requirements. A standard glass-filled nylon blade builds up static charge during rotation. In the wrong atmosphere, that charge becomes an ignition source. Multi-Wing PAGAS is the material engineered to prevent it.
What ATEX means and why it matters here
ATEX is short for 'Atmosphères Explosibles' — EU-originated standards for equipment operated in potentially explosive atmospheres. South Africa adopted parallel standards via the Mine Health and Safety Act and SANS 62.
Zones are classified by the frequency and duration of explosive atmosphere presence:
- Zone 0 — explosive atmosphere present continuously (inside tanks, pipework). Fans rarely used here.
- Zone 1 — explosive atmosphere likely during normal operation. Common in coal mine ventilation, grain handling, petrochemical loading.
- Zone 2 — explosive atmosphere unlikely but possible in abnormal conditions. Often specified for general process plant areas.
Why standard PAG blades are non-compliant in these zones
Glass-filled nylon is an electrical insulator. Under rotation and airflow, static charge accumulates on the blade surface.
A discharge from the blade to the hub, shroud, or adjacent metal can generate an arc with enough energy to ignite combustible dust (coal, grain, sulphur) or explosive gas (methane, propane, solvent vapour).
This is not theoretical. Static-discharge ignitions are a documented cause of mine fires and grain silo explosions.
How PAGAS prevents it
PAGAS is glass-filled nylon with an added conductive compound. The blade's surface resistivity falls into the anti-static range (typically below 10⁹ ohms per square).
Static charge bleeds off to the hub and earthed structure through the blade root as it accumulates, never reaching discharge threshold.
The mechanical and temperature properties match standard PAG — you gain the anti-static function without losing strength, stiffness, or operating range.
Where PAGAS is specified in SA
Underground coal mining (all main and auxiliary fans in classified zones).
Grain silos and handling systems (aeration fans and dust extraction).
Petrochemical refineries and fuel storage (loading bay ventilation).
Paint spray booths and solvent-handling rooms.
Any site classified Zone 1 or Zone 2 under SANS 62 or equivalent.
Specifying PAGAS on an order
Multi-Wing PAGAS is stocked at Industrial Fan in these variants: H-series — 1HL/30, 3HL/35, 3HL/40, 3HR/35, 3HR/40. Z-series — 2ZL, 4ZL, 4ZR, 5ZR, 7ZL. W-series — 9WR.
Other rotations and series are available on special order from Multi-Wing with a typical 4-5 week lead time (surcharge applies).
When you order, the pricing key ends in -PAGAS (e.g. 5ZR-PAGAS). The product pages show the material option explicitly.
Request a material certificate with the order — we issue this on request for compliance audits.
FAQs
Is PAGAS legally required in SA coal mines?
Yes. The Mine Health and Safety Act in conjunction with SANS 62 requires equipment in classified underground zones to meet explosion-protection standards. For fan blades, that means anti-static material such as PAGAS — standard nylon is non-compliant.
How is PAGAS different from standard PAG?
Chemically they are both glass-filled nylon. PAGAS adds a conductive filler that allows static charge to dissipate instead of building up. Cost is about 2x PAG, but it is the material that keeps you compliant and safe in explosive atmospheres.
Does PAGAS have the same temperature range as PAG?
Yes — operating range is -60°C to +120°C continuous, matching standard PAG. The anti-static additive does not change thermal or mechanical properties meaningfully.
Do you supply a compliance certificate with PAGAS orders?
Yes, on request. Material certification is available at no charge for PAGAS orders — useful for mine safety audits and SANS compliance documentation.