Repurposed Equipment Saves Tata Steel Significant Costs and Enhances Efficiency
Tata Steel’s Trostre packaging facility in Llanelli has achieved impressive savings and operational improvements through the repurposing of a vital piece of machinery from Port Talbot’s decommissioned Coke Ovens. The equipment, a tricanter, which was no longer needed at Port Talbot, has now been given a second life in Trostre’s waste management process. Affectionately named “Dai Canter” by the Trostre team, this tricanter has replaced an outdated and mechanically obsolete version, bringing significant operational benefits.
The Need for a New Tricanter at Trostre
Andrew Emmanuel, Area 2 Operations Manager at Trostre, outlined the critical challenge faced by the facility. The old tricanter, used for processing oily effluent, was no longer functional due to mechanical obsolescence. Replacing it became an urgent priority, as the costs associated with processing and disposing of oily effluent were substantial and rising. The outdated equipment was also failing to provide the efficiency necessary for optimal waste management, further increasing operational costs.
The solution came through collaboration with Tim Jenkins and the Morfa Coke Ovens team at Port Talbot, where the decommissioned tricanter had been sitting idle. Recognizing its potential as a perfect replacement for Trostre’s outdated equipment, a formal request was made to relocate the asset to the Llanelli site.
“Dai Canter” Delivers Impressive Results
Since its installation, the tricanter, now nicknamed “Dai Canter,” has far exceeded expectations. The machine performs waste management tasks with remarkable efficiency, especially in the processing of oily effluent. “Dai Canter” is capable of producing solids that are much drier compared to the previous tricanter, while the oil recovered has a water content of less than 4%, significantly improving the quality of the output.
This enhanced efficiency has led to a drastic reduction in offsite disposal costs. Additionally, the oil now has the potential for recycling, further contributing to Tata Steel’s sustainability goals. Water from the processing system is also redirected into the mill coolant system, which reduces both fresh water and steam usage. This improvement helps further reduce operational costs and supports the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
Cost Savings and Team Collaboration
The repurposing of the tricanter has already resulted in savings of over £150,000 for Tata Steel, demonstrating the substantial financial benefits of reusing and repurposing equipment. The project has also mitigated an operational risk, ensuring that Trostre’s waste management processes are now running more efficiently and safely.
The successful implementation of this project was a testament to collaboration and innovation across Tata Steel’s various teams. Rolling Departmental Mechanical Engineer Richard Jones led the initiative, with support from Trostre’s engineering department and contractor teams. Andrew Emmanuel praised the teamwork that made this achievement possible, emphasizing that the success of “Dai Canter” was the result of a shared commitment to finding effective, cost-saving solutions.
The Role of Tricanters in Waste Management
A tricanter is a specialized piece of equipment designed to separate two liquids of different densities and a solid. In the case of Trostre’s waste management system, it plays a critical role in processing oily effluent from the production process. By separating oil, water, and solids, the tricanter reduces waste disposal costs and increases the potential for recycling materials.
Through this initiative, Tata Steel has demonstrated that repurposing existing equipment not only reduces costs but also enhances sustainability efforts. By finding innovative solutions and promoting collaboration across departments, Tata Steel continues to lead the way in both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
