Overview :
CSIR-NEERI has been working since January 2018 for developing new and improved formulations for reducing emissions from fireworks. CSIR-NEERI developed new formulations for reduced emission light and sound emitting crackers (SWAS, SAFAL, STAR) with 30% reduction in particulate matter using Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) as oxidant. Two of the representative samples are given below for illustration:
- A new formulation of light-emitting cracker named ‘STAR Z’ uses 32% potassium nitrate, 40% aluminum powder, 11% aluminum chips, and 17% proprietary additives to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 to 30% as short term target
- Similarly, a new formulation of sound emitting cracker named ‘SWAS’ uses 72% proprietary additive, 16% potassium nitrate oxidizer, 9% aluminum powder, and 3% Sulphur to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 to 30% as short term target
- New formulations based on new oxidizers ,fuel and additives singly or in combination to achieve to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 emissions reduction more than 50% is in progress with encouraging leads
Besides the new formulations, CSIR-NEERI led team along with fireworks manufacturers examined and assessed the possibilities of improvements in conventional formulations based on Barium nitrate to meet the stipulated norms of green crackers. Two of the options being pursue are given below for illustration:
- An improved formulation of light emitting cracker with reduced usage of chemicals and use of CSIR’s additives ( Fe2O3) has been developed for in-situ sequestration of Barium.
- An improved formulation of light emitting cracker with reduced usage of chemicals and partial substitution of Barium nitrate with potassium nitrate and strontium nitrate.
Novel features:
- Knowhow based on novel concept of exploiting exothermic heat of materials (zeolite, clays, silica gel, lime and Al) for bursting of crackers
- Shows matching performance in sound (100-120dBA) with commercial crackers
- Overcomes issues of particulate and gaseous emissions
- PM reduction by more than 80% for peroxide based crackers
- PM reduction by 30% for water based crackers
- Significant NOx and SOx reduction envisaged
- Reduction in cost due to avoidance of KNO3 and S
Other activities:
- First of its kind emission testing facility developed for testing emission from source (fireworks)
- Presently two types of emission testing facility (static and dilution method type) are available with the institute
- Raw materials characterisation facility launched to ensure usage of raw materials of uniform acceptable quality with tripartite arrangement (MoEF, CSIR & Fireworks )
Beneficiaries:
National Mission like reduction in particulate matters & SDG Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages & Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all are being targeted through this innovation. Targeted beneficiaries are as follows:
- Urban and Rural population in specific children
- Fireworks /fire displays manufacturers
- Fireworks /fire displays workers
- Slum dwellers and Street vendors
- Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- PHDs, Municipal corporations other Government departments like explosives etc
