John Tittelfitz Leads Breakthrough in PFOS Destruction with Exotron-Line™ Thermal Systems

Michigan, US, 30th June 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, John Tittelfitz, President of Exotron, is spearheading a critical breakthrough in environmental safety with the advancement of the Exotron-Line of Thermal Destruction Systems. Working in close partnership with BMS and CHE, Tittelfitz has personally overseen a series of cutting-edge tests targeting Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), a harmful pollutant found in sewage sludge, industrial waste, and contaminated soils. These trials confirm a significant leap forward in safely eliminating one of the most persistent chemical threats to human health and the environment.

PFOS belongs to the larger family of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” due to their extreme resistance to breakdown. The carbon-fluorine (C–F) bond that forms the backbone of these compounds is the strongest in organic chemistry, rendering most conventional treatment methods ineffective. However, under the direction of Tittelfitz and through recent joint studies with SGS Analytical Laboratories in Orlando, thermal destruction has now proven to be the only reliable solution.

At the core of this success is the Exotron-Line thermal system, which was purpose-built for PFAS destruction. Recent testing results were conclusive: when applying the proprietary process developed by CHE and BMS, the system achieved 100% PFOS elimination across a variety of waste forms, including solids, sludges, and aqueous streams.

Unlike other technologies that only reduce PFAS concentrations or transfer the problem to another medium, the Exotron system destroys the CF₂ molecular chains, leaving no toxic residue. The process operates under tightly controlled high-temperature conditions where PFOS decomposition follows predictable, first-order kinetics. These reactions depend on the molecular structure, particularly the number of CF₂ segments. Higher temperatures are required as the PFAS chains grow longer, but the system efficiently adjusts to these demands.

“This is not just lab work,” says Tittelfitz, who has personally guided the hands-on implementation of this equipment. “We’re in the field, tackling the real-world PFOS issue where it’s most critical, at wastewater facilities and treatment plants where biosolids are generated.”

PFOS in biosolids poses a serious environmental threat. When sewage sludge is used as fertilizer or soil amendment, these chemicals can leach into groundwater, contaminate crops, and enter the food chain. The EPA has raised strong concerns and is actively evaluating risks linked to using PFOS-contaminated biosolids. The findings from the Exotron-Line trials offer an immediate and tangible solution to a problem regulators and communities have struggled with for decades.

John Tittelfitz, who has more than 30 years of experience in high-temperature process systems, views this milestone as part of a broader mission. His leadership at Exotron reflects a commitment to technical excellence and responsible stewardship of natural resources. With previous innovations in biochar production from wood waste and sustainable pyrolysis systems, Tittelfitz has consistently pushed for scalable solutions that bridge industrial needs with ecological integrity.

CHE, a longtime developer and private label manufacturer of thermal destruction technologies, and its affiliate BMS, have played an essential role in bringing this vision to life. The group offers a wide range of systems, including custom thermal oxidizers, scrubbers, NOx reduction systems, and pyrolysis process units. Their shared goal is to bring flexible, robust solutions to some of the most difficult environmental challenges, none more urgent than PFOS contamination.

As more municipalities and industries face mounting pressure to meet stricter PFAS regulations, the Exotron-Line system positions itself as a ready-now solution. Beyond meeting regulatory compliance, it also provides a path to long-term environmental safety by ensuring that PFOS is not just moved, diluted, or buried, but eliminated.

Looking ahead, Tittelfitz is focused on deploying this technology at a larger scale. Plans are underway to collaborate with local governments, utilities, and private operators to bring full-scale Exotron-Line units online nationwide.

“Solving this problem takes more than just technology,” Tittelfitz adds. “It takes commitment. I’ve made it a personal priority to help lead this effort, and we now have proof that thermal destruction works. We’re not waiting for someone else to act.”

Through the success of the Exotron-Line thermal systems, John Tittelfitz and his team are delivering not just a technical solution but a clear path forward for the safe treatment of PFOS and other harmful PFAS compounds, helping protect communities, restore trust in environmental safety, and move toward a cleaner future.

To learn more visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntittelfitz