Swedish demolition machinery firm Brokk has announced a new line of explosion-proof demolition robots called the Brokk Ex series, designed for use in environments where explosive gas may be present.
The robots of the Brokk Ex range are upgraded versions of Brokk’s existing line of remote-controlled demolition robots. Ranging in size from the 500kg Brokk 50 to the 11-tonne Brokk 800P, the robotic machines are mainly used in tunnelling and excavation work.
The Brokk Ex machines are compliant with EU directive ATEX 94/9/EC, meaning they can be used in environments where explosive gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but could occur for short periods of time. Brokk says the machines are particularly suited to work in the oil, gas and mining industries.
“This is an exciting new step for Brokk,” Brokk CEO Martin Krupicka says.
“We have received an increasing number of requests for explosion-proof machines, where customers want to take the unique compact and flexible performance of Brokk machines to these kinds of hazardous areas,” he says.
Brokk says the robots can be fitted with a number of different attachments including breakers, concrete crushers, metal shears, buckets, cutting heads, grapples, planers, drills and saws, making the machines suitable for a wide range of applications.
“This shows Brokk’s dedication to continue push the boundaries of what is possible to do with demolition robots,” Krupicka says.
“Over the last few years, we have added to the versatility of Brokk machines by introducing new attachments. Now we add a whole new area of operation.”