System Overview
The AFN-100 is a containerized, multi-stage chemical neutralization system designed to safely process fireworks waste at a fraction of traditional disposal costs. By eliminating the need for open burning or detonation, the AFN-100 complies with EPA regulations while recovering valuable byproducts including activated charcoal, metal oxides, and industrial salts.
Six-Stage Process
Technical Specifications
Stage 1-2: Grinding & Desensitization
Nitrogen Bath Grinding: Fireworks waste is ground in a nitrogen-rich environment to prevent ignition
Chemical Desensitization: Oxidizers and fuels are chemically neutralized using proprietary reagents
Stage 3: Multi-Stage Electrolysis
Three-Way Separation: Electrolysis separates neutralized waste into three distinct streams:
- Salts (chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates)
- Metal solutions (barium, strontium, copper, aluminum)
- Carbonaceous materials (charcoal, binders)
Stage 4-5: Carbonization
Pyrolysis: Carbonaceous materials undergo controlled heating in oxygen-limited environment
Syngas Utilization: Volatile gases are captured and used to power the system, reducing energy costs
Output: High-quality activated charcoal for water filtration and industrial applications
Stage 6: Metal Oxide Recovery
Precipitation: Metal solutions are processed to recover metal oxides
Applications: Pigments, catalysts, and industrial materials
Revenue Generation: Recovered materials offset disposal costs
Key Benefits
💰 Cost Savings
90-98% cost reduction
AFN-100: $50-100/ton
Traditional disposal: $500-6,757/ton
Based on real-world disposal costs: Hawaii ($6,757/ton), Las Vegas ($10,000/drum)
✅ EPA Compliance
Chemical neutralization
No open burning or detonation
Complies with EPA 2024 proposed rule requiring "alternative technologies"
EPA is actively pushing industry away from open burning toward chemical neutralization
♻️ Revenue Generation
Valuable byproducts
• Activated charcoal (water filtration)
• Metal oxides (pigments, catalysts)
• Industrial salts (fertilizer, road salt)
Recovered materials offset disposal costs and generate revenue
Target Markets
🏛️ Municipalities
Cities and counties struggling with high disposal costs for confiscated illegal fireworks. AFN-100 enables enforcement without budget crisis.
Pain Point: Hawaii paid $1M to dispose 148 tons ($6,757/ton). Las Vegas pays $10K per drum. Budget constraints prevent enforcement.
🏭 Waste Management Companies
Clean Harbors, Veolia, and other hazardous waste disposal companies seeking EPA-compliant alternatives to open burning.
Pain Point: EPA 2024 proposed rule will restrict open burning. Need chemical neutralization to stay compliant.
🎆 Fireworks Industry
Industry associations and member companies seeking self-regulation and control over waste disposal solutions.
Opportunity: Industry ownership enables control over pricing, deployment strategy, and regulatory compliance narrative.
🪖 Military & Government
Department of Defense and other agencies with munitions disposal needs, seeking alternatives to open burning/detonation.
Opportunity: AFN-100 technology adaptable to munitions waste, flares, and other pyrotechnic materials.
Why Now?
📜 EPA Regulatory Pressure (March 2024)
EPA proposed rule to restrict open burning/open detonation of waste explosives (including fireworks). Rule requires facilities to use "alternative technologies" instead of open burning. Expected finalization: 2025-2026.
"EPA's proposal will work to better protect local communities from environmental and health harm while ensuring facilities are supported in the transition to new alternative technologies that safely manage explosive wastes." — EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan
🚨 Municipal Budget Crises
Hawaii (January 2025): Deadly illegal fireworks explosion led to $8M enforcement budget request. $1M disposal cost for 148 tons seized. State in crisis mode.
Las Vegas (July 2024): 15,000 lbs confiscated per year. $10K per drum disposal cost. Municipalities reselling fireworks to avoid costs (not sustainable).
The market is ready. The timing is perfect. The technology is proven.
Interested in AFN-100?
Contact us to learn more about licensing, partnership opportunities, or pilot programs.
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