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Siderurgica del Mediterraneo (Sidmed) is embarking on a multi-million dollar modernisation of its Sagunto, Spain, cold finishing complex. Modernisation plans include installation of a digital process control system for its 80in tandem mill.
This system, designed and built by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, will replace existing automation and regulator control equipment that has been in use since the plant's opening in 1976. Additionally, existing automation equipment in Sidmed's pickle line will be upgraded. The new systems are being introduced to reduce plant downtime and to improve overall performance. This modernisation is in response to the increasingly stringent gauge specifications of European steel users, principally the auto manufacturers.
The Sidmed complex is a five-stand mill designed for high speed rolling of sheet products ranging in width up to 80in. It has a top speed of 1500m/min and an annual capacity of 1.2Mt. Each stand is equipped with long stroke hydraulic cylinders that provide fast response for roll gap control. Two payoff reels are used to minimise coil change time.
ORIGINAL CONTROL SYSTEM
When the mill began production in...