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One of Europe’s largest sugar factories is located in Vierverlaten, where up to 30,000 metric tons of sugar beets are processed daily during the harvest season. In this large-scale, seasonal production environment, continuity is crucial: downtime is not an option, because the supply of sugar beets continues uninterrupted.
The production process consists of a large number of interdependent subprocesses: from washing to cutting, extraction, evaporation, and crystallization. Although the process seems straightforward at first glance, the many steps, varying media, and harsh conditions present a complex technical challenge. Furthermore, sustainability and efficiency play a key role. Waste streams such as sugar-containing wash water and beet fibers are converted into biogas, which is then reused in the production process. This makes the facility not only complex but also innovative.
In this dynamic environment, reliable process instrumentation is essential. Previous experiences with less sustainable processes led to malfunctions and unplanned downtime. Cosun Beet therefore needed robust, low-maintenance measurement solutions that continue to function under all conditions.
To ensure maximum reliability, Cosun Beet opted for a wide range of VEGA instrumentation. Hundreds of sensors have now been installed at the plant for pressure and level measurements in all stages of the process. Ceramic pressure sensors, including the VEGABAR 82 from the VEGA PRO series, are a key component of the solution. These sensors are known for their exceptional robustness and wear resistance, which is essential in applications involving abrasive media such as lime slurry. Thanks to the hard ceramic diaphragm, the sensors remain stable and accurate, even under harsh conditions.
Various radar sensors are also used, such as the VEGAPULS 6X. These utilize high-quality radar technology and ensure reliable level measurements in tanks, silos, and process vessels, regardless of the presence of steam, vapor, or foam.
VEGA sensors are easy to integrate into existing systems and are used in a wide range of subprocesses: from beet intake to the storage of concentrated juice and the final product. Thanks to the broad product portfolio, the right measurement method can be selected for every application, such as non-contact radar for tanks containing liquids, guided radar for complex process media, vibration switches for level detection, and pressure transmitters for process monitoring. The robust stainless steel designs ensure that the sensors can withstand intensive maintenance and mechanical stress.
Cosun Beet handles engineering, installation, and maintenance entirely in-house. This allows for the in-depth integration of VEGA technology into the organization. Thanks to many years of collaboration, extensive knowledge has been built up, both internally and at VEGA. This results in efficient implementation and rapid problem-solving for new applications. Standardization on VEGA sensors plays an important role in this. By limiting the number of different sensor types, spare parts are easier to manage and the system’s reliability is further enhanced.
In addition to the hardware, the partnership with VEGA is also of great value. Cosun Beet can count on expert advice and practical support for specific measurement challenges. One example is a radar measurement that was initially disrupted by water vapor. By adjusting the sensor configuration, a reliable solution was ultimately achieved.
Our long-standing relationship and dedicated points of contact ensure direct communication and a high level of trust. This contributes to rapid implementation and consistent performance of the measurement system.
The combination of robust sensors, broad applicability, and expert support makes VEGA a natural partner for Cosun Beet. In a factory where nothing can go wrong, VEGA provides the reliability needed to keep production running day and night, even during the busiest harvest periods.
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Measurement technology for the highest reliability in every application VEGA develops and manufactures instrumentation for level measurement, level detection, pressure and software for connecting to control systems. Production processes today are becoming increasingly complex, which is why it is important that the measurement techniques used to control and monitor processes become increasingly simple and intuitive. For VEGA, this [...]
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