Article

A major step forward in safety. 

 

 

A first of its kind for Cosun Beet Company and Mourik Industry

On January 21, Diet Wolfert of Cosun Beet Company received a robot dozer from Mark van der Knaap, Mourik, a world first. This jointly developed dozer is the only one of its kind to meet both the ATEX21 standard and strict food safety requirements. The robot dozer fully automates the process of emptying sugar silos, marking a major step forward in safety. 

Tackling Sugar Dunes 
A typical sugar silo stands 35 meters tall with a diameter of 35 meters. Sugar flows out through 50 openings, but over time, "sugar dunes" form between them. These dunes must be cleared every two years to prepare the silo for inspection. 

Eliminating Human Entry 

Traditionally, clearing the silo required manually pushing the sugar dunes toward the openings—a physically demanding and hazardous task. Due to safety regulations, human entry into sugar silos is no longer allowed. However, meeting these requirements while adhering to strict food safety standards posed a significant challenge. 

Diet explains: “We explored solutions with several parties, but Mourik truly understood our needs. Their expertise, combined with their approach to safety, gave us confidence. That’s how this innovation journey began, leading to our pilot project.”  Mark adds: “We started by modifying an existing dozer for clearing operations. Based on our pilot’s findings, we developed a robust 400-kilogram dozer that meets ATEX21 standards and all food safety regulations.” 

 

 

Mourik truly understood what we needed

Diet Wolfert, Cosun Beet Company —

The final result is a testament to teamwork and innovation. Diet reflects: “It was an intensive process with many challenges—from solving complex ATEX compliance issues to selecting the right lubricants for the hydraulic system. Every detail had to meet stringent standards.” Mark agrees: “We tackled this challenge together, learning from and with each other, always focused on a clear goal.” 

 

Setting a New Industry Standard 

At a recent European safety conference for sugar producers, Cosun presented the robot dozer. Several companies have already expressed interest, as the dozer not only enhances safety but also reduces operational costs. 

 

About the Robot Dozer 

Equipped with cameras and hydraulic power, the robot dozer effortlessly moves thousands of kilograms of sugar. Operators control it via a console linked to a specially designed control unit, which allows them to monitor the process remotely. This innovation makes silo cleaning safer, cleaner, and significantly reduces the physical strain on workers. 

 

Contact

Mark van der Knaap

Mark van der Knaap

Business Unit Manager P&T Cleaning
Mourik Industry B.V. Nieuwesluisweg 110
3197 KV Botlek-Rotterdam
THE NETHERLANDS