17th Lubricating Grease Conference, February 12-14, 2015: MLI Conference Update

The National Lubrication Grease Institute (NLGI- India Chapter) organized the 17th Lubricating Grease Conference from 12th-14th February at the Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort, Mahabalipuram. The conference was attended by over 250 delegates from across the world. 29 papers were presented across three days on various technical subjects.

The event commenced with an inauguration ceremony by Mr. R Satyanarayana, Chief Superintendent, Madras Atomic Power Station, followed by a welcome address by Dr. R.K Malhotra, President, NLGI India Chapter.

The first session on “Frontiers of Grease Technologies” was chaired by Dr. A.K Bhatnagar & Mr. J.Bhatia. The session included talks on sustainability and the role of grease in our new world economy. The evening was followed by a cultural programme and dinner.

Day two of the conference began with the technical session on “Grease Manufacturing Processes & Formulation” and was chaired by Mr. J.L. Raina & Mr. Anoop Kumar. The session included talks on Solid Oil Bearings and its breakthrough innovation in bearing lubrication by Mr. Mahantesh M. Patil from SKF India Ltd. The talks were followed by Q&A sessions with the audience.

The post lunch session on “Base Fluids for Lubrication Greases” was chaired by Mr. R. Suresh & Mr. A.K Bhan. This session’s first speaker, Mr. Mehdi Fathi-Najafi from Nynas AB spoke on Blends being Friends or Foes. Other topics included, Impact of Rheology on Tribological Properties. The evening session was followed by a great live performance and musical night.

The valedictory function was held on day 3, with the best paper awarded to Dr. Frederik Wolf of Anton-Paar and Mr. A.K. Harinarian of IOCL R&D. The event proved to be a good learning and networking experience, and we look forward to the 18th NLGI India Conference.