IET SYLN were invited to the annual visit to Tata Specialty Steels at their Stocksbridge Works nr Sheffield. The topic this year was about the installation of a 4.7MW cyclocoverter by GE during December 2015. This replaced the old system installed back in 1989.

Paul Buckley who was the Project Manager for Tata, gave us an historical overview on rolling mill evolution and this was followed by a techical presentation from the supplier GE about the new unit.

Tata laid on a site tour of the Billet Mill where this equipment has been installed to see the mill in operation, rolling steel from the soakers down the 40" and 42" mills, scarfer and saws onto walking beam cooling beds at the end on the mill. We also had the opportunity to see the main control room where all the mill drive systems are controlled from, using camera technology installed throughout the mill area's for operators to manipulate the steel down the production line.

GE gave an excellent technical presentation about cycloconvertor technology which would have graced any classroom course on the subject.

Mr John Rains gave a wind up review of the evening  having been with Stocksbridge works during the period on which many of the current systems were installed.

The IET SYLN once again thanked Tata for the opportunity to visit their operations and wished them well for the future.