Discussion on “the operation of a large electrically driven reversing rolling mill.” (Sykes) Pittsburgh, Pa., April 26, 1912. (see proceedings for May, 1912)

R. A. Black: The discussion has been on electrically operated rolling mills. A question comes to my mind as to the comparative cost of electrically operated versus steam operated mills. This is one thing that electrical engineers are facing now, the question of which pays. I heard the superintendent of a large steel mill say recently that this subject has never been taken up and thoroughly discussed, and that he had never been able to find any comparison of the cost of operating an electrical mill and a steam driven mill. Is it better? Is it cheaper? Does it pay to operate electrically? Which is the more flexible? Can you turn out steel as quickly and as economically with electric as with steam operated mills?