Confined space entry and hazardous area maintenance both depend on one thing above almost everything else: clean, moving air. Whether crews are purging flammable vapours from a tank before hot work, extracting dust from a vessel, or simply keeping a workspace breathable, the ventilation equipment on site has to carry the same safety rating as the space itself. That is the job of the Ex air mover.
What Is an Ex Air Mover?
The SA Cyclone Ex air mover is a portable, high-power ventilation fan built specifically for Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas atmospheres, with a dust-rated variant certified for Zone 21 and Zone 22. It can run as either a blower or an exhauster, giving site teams a single piece of kit that adapts to the job instead of the other way around. Uncontrolled sparking or overheating inside a fan motor is a real ignition risk when flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts are present, so a unit is engineered so the equipment itself can never become the ignition source.
Key Features of the Ex Air Mover
- Configurable for 20cm, 30cm, or 40cm flexible ducting, adapting to almost any confined space layout
- Operates as a blower or exhauster, covering both supply and extraction ventilation needs
- Lightweight at just 22kg, yet durable enough for daily industrial use
- Stackable design with integral cable storage for easier transport and site logistics
- Anti-static polyethylene housing to reduce static ignition risk
- Thermal cut-out motor protection for added reliability
- Available in 110VAC or 230VAC, rated for both 50Hz and 60Hz operation
Certifications
The standard unit is certified to ATEX, IECEx, UKEX, and INMETRO standards for Zone 1 and 2 gas atmospheres, while the dust-rated variant adds Zone 21 and 22 certification. Full independent test data is published on the manufacturer’s official Ex air mover product page.
Ex Air Mover Technical Specifications
| Airflow (30cm duct) | 1,953 CFM @50Hz / 2,185 CFM @60Hz |
| Airflow (40cm duct) | 2,683 CFM @50Hz / 3,048 CFM @60Hz |
| Voltage | 110VAC or 230VAC |
| Dimensions | 458 x 349 x 590mm |
| Noise Level | 78-81dBA @ 1m |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +55°C |
| Ingress Protection | IP66 |
| Certification | ATEX, IECEx, UKEX, INMETRO — Zones 1, 2, 21 & 22 |
Where the Ex Air Mover Is Used
The unit is a workhorse across industries where hazardous atmospheres and confined spaces are part of daily operations:
- Tank and vessel entry preparation
- Offshore platforms and drilling operations
- Chemical plants and refineries
- Shipbuilding and vessel repair
- Distilleries, pharmaceutical, and nuclear facilities
- Rail, aviation, defence, and renewable energy projects
Why Choose the Ex Air Mover from Daly Middle East
Because the unit is independently tested and rated for both 50Hz and 60Hz supplies, the same unit can be deployed across international projects without sourcing region-specific equipment — a real advantage for GCC contractors working across multiple countries. Daly Middle East stocks the unit locally with rental and purchase options; browse the full ventilation systems range or the dedicated ventilation accessories for ducting and fittings.
How to Choose the Right Ex Air Mover for Your Application
The first decision is whether you need supply or extraction ventilation, or both. If you are purging a tank before hot work, extraction is usually the priority — pulling flammable vapours out and away from the workspace. If you are keeping a confined space breathable for workers over a longer duration, supply (blowing fresh air in) may be more appropriate. Because a unit can run as either a blower or an exhauster, one unit can often cover both roles across a project, reducing how much equipment you need to mobilise.
Ducting size is the next consideration. Larger ducting moves significantly more air — stepping up from 30cm to 40cm ducting increases rated airflow by more than 35% — but also takes up more space at the entry point, so balance airflow requirements against physical access constraints. Also check the electrical supply available: the standard unit runs on 110VAC or 230VAC and is rated for both 50Hz and 60Hz, which matters if you are moving equipment between regions with different grid standards.
Finally, think about how many entry points or confined spaces you are working across on a single site. Because the unit is lightweight at 22kg and stackable for transport, many contractors keep two or three units in rotation so ventilation can run continuously across multiple tanks or vessels without waiting for a single unit to be repositioned.
Renting vs Buying an Ex Air Mover in the UAE and GCC
Ventilation fans see heavy use during shutdowns and turnarounds, which makes hire an attractive option for contractors who only need extra units during peak periods. Daly Middle East stocks the unit locally for both hire and purchase, so short-term projects are not left waiting on import lead times. Facilities that run confined space entry programmes year-round, on the other hand, often find it more economical to own a core fleet of units outright and supplement with hire equipment only during larger campaigns.
Ex Air Mover FAQs
Can the unit be used for both dust and gas atmospheres?
Yes. The standard model is certified for Zone 1 and 2 gas atmospheres, while the dust-rated variant adds Zone 21 and 22 certification.
Does the unit work as both a supply and extraction fan?
Yes, it is designed to operate as either a blower (supply) or an exhauster (extraction), depending on how it is configured.
How much airflow does the unit deliver?
With 40cm ducting fitted, it delivers up to 2,683 CFM at 50Hz or 3,048 CFM at 60Hz, suiting larger confined spaces.
Is the unit durable enough for offshore use?
Yes. It carries an IP66 ingress protection rating, operates from -40°C to +55°C, and uses an anti-static housing built for demanding offshore and marine environments.
Can I hire a unit for a single shutdown?
Yes. Daly Middle East offers hire options for the unit alongside outright purchase, which suits one-off shutdowns and turnarounds.
How many units does a typical confined space job need?
This depends on the volume of the space and how quickly the atmosphere needs to be purged — our team can help size the right number of units for your specific job.
Need a unit for an upcoming shutdown or turnaround? Contact Daly Middle East for stock availability and a tailored quote.