Forside Solutions Solution for fuel Handling

Solution for fuel handling

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Safe handling of fuel during F-35 maintenance

During maintenance of F-35 aircraft, it is necessary to remove and extract fuels such as JP-8, which are highly flammable. Traditional methods – such as manual draining using containers, the use of non-explosion-proof pumps, or improvised suction solutions – often involve risks such as static discharge, spark generation, and inadequate vapor control. These risks increase the likelihood of explosions and pose health hazards to technical personnel.

Highly specialized industrial vacuum cleaners for fuel handling in military aviation environments

To manage the extraction of jet fuels such as JP-8 during maintenance of the F-35 and similar platforms, Tiger-Vac has developed a system of ATEX-certified, explosion-proof industrial vacuum cleaners, specifically designed for use in ATEX-classified areas such as hangars, depots, and internal fuel tank access points.

These systems have been developed in close cooperation with the aerospace industry and the U.S. Air Force, and meet the requirements for use in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups E, F, and G – areas with a high risk of ignition due to vapors, dust, and static electricity.

Two of the most widely used models in this context are:

SS-55 DMB and EXP1-55 DMB – equipped with activated carbon filtration for adsorption of fuel vapors, and a Dead Man Brake to ensure operator safety and prevent unintentional movement.
CD-IT EX (CFE) (HY-C) – built with a height-adjustable hydraulic cart and constructed from non-sparking materials such as stainless steel and aluminum.

All systems are equipped with HEPA H14 filtration (99.995% efficiency at 0.3 µm), which effectively captures harmful particles – including combustion residues, metal dust, and aerosols from fuel additives – substances that can be both lung-damaging and potentially carcinogenic.

Tiger-Vac also integrates additional features such as:

Activated carbon filters for removing VOCs and odors
Static discharge and grounding systems to prevent spark generation
Reflective tape and high-visibility markings for use in tight, dark workspaces

These machines are not designed based on theoretical ideal conditions – they are built for the opposite: spills, confined access, hot components, residual vapors, and the risk of human error. With a Tiger-Vac unit, both the risk of ignition and operator exposure to hazardous substances are minimized – without compromising mobility or ergonomics.

Safety and compliance with standards

Tiger-Vac’s industrial vacuum cleaners are not the result of random decisions made in a sales department. These are not machines created in laboratories or offices – they are tested and refined in real-world environments where a single error can cost lives. They are the outcome of more than 20 years of close collaboration with engineers, technicians, and operators in the aviation industry – including direct input from maintenance crews working around advanced fighter jets like the F-35.

In this environment, compromise is not an option. That’s why every system meets the relevant international safety standards, including:

NFPA 30 4-2.1 – standard for the handling of flammable and combustible liquids
ATEX and IECEx certifications – documented suitability for explosive atmospheres where vapors and aerosols from substances like JP-8 are present

These certifications are not just checkboxes in the documentation – they are a guarantee that the equipment can be safely used in the highest-risk areas in and around fighter aircraft, where any ignition source could have fatal consequences for both personnel and equipment.

Tiger-Vac’s solutions are therefore not only technically approved – they are operationally proven in the real world.

Results and benefits

The implementation of Tiger-Vac’s explosion-proof vacuum systems in the maintenance of F-35 aircraft has led to the following:

Increased safety: Reduced risk of explosions and health hazards for technical personnel.
Efficient collection: Fast and safe removal of fuels and solvents from the aircraft’s systems.
Standards compliance: Ensures that maintenance procedures meet international safety and environmental regulations.

These benefits have made Tiger-Vac’s systems a natural part of the F-35 program’s maintenance routines – with proven impact on safety, operations, and compliance.

Focus pages

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Links – EU directives

Rules for equipment in explosive atmospheres

Work environment and zones

Non-electrical equipment in Ex zones

Design without ignition sources

Vacuum cleaners in environments with hazardous dust

Classification and approval of chemicals

Labelling and warnings for chemicals

Links - USA/Canada

NFPA70 (National Electrical Code)

NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code)

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

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