Russula has been awarded a major contract by Morgan Construction Co. for a project at Siderurgica del Bajio, SA de CV (Sibasa), Mexico.

The entire project comprises of a completely new rod outlet for Sibasa’s existing rolling mill in Guanajuato, Mexico. Russula will serve as the electrical and automation sub-supplier, providing to Morgan a complete system of motors, drives and automation.

The new Morgan No-Twist Mill (NTM) will be powered by a 6000kW, 850/1550rpm synchronous motor fed by a medium voltage frequency converter. Two new Morgan miniblocks will be powered by 1150kW AC motors fed by frequency converters. Additionally, there are numerous AC and DC auxiliary motors and drives, including twelve 265kW units for the Stelmor cooling fans.

The automation system includes Controllers with I/O units for local and remote control, HMI system and High Speed Data acquisition system. In addition, new control desks and floor stations will be provided. Russula is also supplying the required sensors and motor control centers.

Automation functions will include mill cascade speed control, loop and tension control, and shear control, including length measurement. Russula will also provide pinch roll and laying head control, including front end orientation, as well as control for the Stelmor cooling conveyor and the reforming end. Russula is also responsible for training, installation supervision and commissioning, and spare parts.

The equipment will be delivered February 2006, with startup is scheduled for September 2006.

Siderurgica del Bajio is part of the Grupo Villacero of Monterrey, Mexico. Grupo Villacero also includes Sicartsa, Simisa and Metaver in Mexico and Border Steel in the USA.

Russula is an independent engineering company with major facilities in Spain, Brazil and the United States, specializing in the automation and drive systems for rod and bar mills. This project represents the 28th major revamp or upgrade by Russula in the past 3 years and is the 5th major project in collaboration with Morgan, during the same period.