Blast Breaker®

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Award-Winning, Sustainable and Efficient treatment for waste Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion (ANE).

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Blast Waste is Costly, Risky and Hard to Manage.

ANE remains a 5.1 oxidiser and retains Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN) classification even when stored with water.

Blast Breaker® Changes That.

Our award-winning agent breaks down ANE mixtures, separating the phases so they can be treated, recycled, and compliantly removed.

The Results:

  • Reduced disposal costs

  • Lower compliance risks

  • Safer handling and transport of regulated waste streams

Proven Applications:

  • Trucks and isotainers containing residual ANE

  • Treatment of individual IBCs

  • Hopper and hose washouts

  • Blasting sites and explosive depots

  • Bulk ANE disposal projects

  • Underground blasting operations

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Whether you’re dealing with different blends of ANE, varying suppliers, complex formulations, or the challenges of underground operations.

Blast Breaker® is engineered to perform reliably across every application. Delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective waste separation.

Engineered for Every Blast

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How Blast Breaker® Works

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1. Breaking Down the Barrier

High-grade ammonium nitrate emulsion (ANE) is engineered to resist water. Blast Breaker® is a specialised demulsification agent that permanently breaks the emulsion and prevents it from re-forming.

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2. Phase Separation

Once treated, the waste naturally separates into two distinct layers:

  • Hydrocarbon layer – fuel oil and hydrocarbons lifted from the solution.

  • Aqueous layer – water phase containing dissolved nitrate salts.

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3. Recycling Pathways

Instead of being discarded as hazardous waste, both layers can be recycled:

  • Hydrocarbon layer → Sent to local refiners, where it’s processed into new lubricating oils.

  • Aqueous layer → Transformed into compost through local partners, returning nutrients to broad-acre pastures and supporting local agriculture.

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4. Compliance and Safety

This process converts a regulated SSAN emulsion and washings into manageable, recyclable streams, reducing disposal costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and making onsite storage & transport safer for every operator.

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FAQs

  • Blast Breaker® is used to break down and separate Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion (ANE) waste, making it safe for onsite storage, transport and disposal. It’s especially effective for washouts, residuals in MPUs, IBCs or isotainers, and bulk waste treatment.

  • Yes. Blast Breaker® is engineered to process to a variety of blends, formulations, and suppliers.

  • Because ANE contains ammonium nitrate and a hydrocarbon fuel source, it remains classified as a Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate, even when mixed with water. This makes disposal regulated and subject to strict controls.

  • Absolutely. PCS supplies Blast Breaker® to clients across Australia and can assist with application advice, SDS documentation, and delivery to site.

  • Absolutely. Blast Breaker® has been tested and proven in underground environments, maintaining compliance and efficiency.

  • Once treated, product can be stored on site as wash water, removing the need for an explosives storage licence.

  • To remove SSAN classification AN must be in a homogeneous solution with water. ANE washings will remain a separate layer without the addition of Blast Breaker® meaning that it can still be used as an explosives precursor.

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Ready to simplify your ANE waste disposal?