Russula North America recently announced successful completion of the drives and control upgrade project at Celsa UK in Cardiff, Wales.

Within 24 hours of the start-up, the medium section mill was operating at the reheat furnace’s maximum push rate.

Scope of the project comprised new automation (ABB AC800M), new HMI (RSView), new drives (ABB DCS600), operator desks, high-speed data acquisition system (iba). Russula was also responsible for commissioning and training.

Goals of the upgrade included reduction of set-up time using a modern recipe handling system; reduction in the number of out-of-section bars at product changes; and achievement of tighter tolerances with improved tension and loop control.

There were no significant mechanical changes made during this shutdown.

Russula is an independent systems integrator specializing in the upgrading of drive and automation systems for rod and bar mills. Russula has offices in Wisconsin, Spain and Brazil.