Envisioning a New Era: NLGI India

NLGI-INDIA CHAPTER ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

Gurugram NCR March 3–5, 2023

NLGI–INDIA CHAPTER ENVISIONING A NEW ERA 25TH LUBRICATING GREASE CONFERENCE, GURUGRAM, INDIA, 2023

Gurugram NCR March 3–5, 2023

©NLGI-IC, 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this book, i.e. text or pictures may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

Content curated and collated by Ms Honey Chhabra Consultant B.R. Chawla Heritage Publishers, Delhi Published by NLGI-India Chapter Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. R & D Centre, Sector 13 Faridabad 121 007, India E-mail: nlgi.ic.1997@gmail.com Content Developers Dotconverse Office No.12, 3rd Floor, Varun Towers Sector 20B, Faridabad 121001, Haryana +91 9560366870, +971585077643 www.dotconverse.com Photos NLGI-IC archives, Shutterstock.com, Unsplash.com and Rajinder Arora Designed by ISHTIHAAR 511 Surya Kiran, 19 KG Marg New Delhi 110001 info@ishtihaar.com +91 9810018857 Printed at Nutech Photolithographers B-25/3, Okhla Industrial Area Phase - II New Delhi 110020

Contents Message from the Hon’ble Minister Shri Hardeep S Puri

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Message from the Chairman Indian Oil Coprn.

6

Message from the Armed Forces

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Message from the President NLGI-IC

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Message from the Organizing Chairman

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All About Industrial Lubricants and Greases

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The Beginning of NLGI India Chapter

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History of Greases

14

Message from the President NLGI US

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Exploring New Frontiers Moving Towards Net Zero

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Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future

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Lubricating Greases: Indian Scenario

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About the Grease

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Circular Economy

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NLGI-India Chapter Meets: A Map

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NLGI-India Chapter: The 25-year Journey

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NLGI-IC Conferences since 1999

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Key Numbers

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Reliving the Past: Bringing back memories of the years gone by The NLGI-IC Lifetime Achievement Awards

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The NLGI-IC Long Service Awards

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The NLGI-IC Best Paper Awards

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Messages from Ex-Presidents of NLGI-IC

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Messages from Chairman ELGI

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Looking at the Future: Sustainable and environment-friendly practices Moving Towards Net Zero: The 25th NLGI Lubricating Grease Conference 116 Reducing Carbon Footprint in the Lubricant Industry

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Message from Chairman & Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.

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“While affordable traditional energy resources are essential for meeting the base load requirements, new sources of energy which are cleaner, sustainable, and innovative, are critical for combating the menace of climate change. Unless we survive the present, we will not be able to go into the cleaner & Greener world. We have to

India is undertaking an ambitious

make sure that our transition

journey of the energy transition to

entails surviving the present and

achieve net carbon zero by 2070.

cushioning future price volatility.

I urge all the participants of 25th

We are actively conscious of

NLGI-India Chapter conference

the need to facilitate energy

to work coherently and deliver

transition and in the interim

your best for achieving India’s

insulate consumers. India’s

ambition of Net Zero. From now

energy transition, therefore, is

onwards, all of us should aim for

extraordinary not just in terms of

‘Sustainability & Net Zero’.

”

scale and coverage but also in creating hope and a blueprint for the world’s developing nations who are facing similar challenges.

SHRI HARDEEP S PURI Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Government of India

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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All About Industrial Lubricants and Greases Greases and lubricants play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of mechanical systems.

They reduce friction and wear between moving parts, help dissipate heat and protect machinery from corrosion and rust.

G

reases and lubricants are substances used to reduce friction and wear between moving parts in machinery and equipment.

They are essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of mechanical systems.

Greases are lubricants that have been thickened with a thickener, typically a soap, to create a semisolid consistency. They are used to lubricate bearings, gears, and other parts that are subject to heavy loads and slow speeds.

They are also used in applications where a lubricant must stay in place, such as in the lubrication of wheel bearings on vehicles.

Greases are generally made from a base oil and a thickener, and may also contain additives such as anti-wear agents, rust inhibitors, and extreme pressure agents.

Lubricants, on the other hand, are liquids that are used to lubricate parts that are subject to high speeds and/or low loads. They are used in applications such as engines, gearboxes, and other high-speed machinery. Lubricants are made from base oils, which may be mineral, synthetic, or bio-based, and may also contain additives such as detergents, dispersants, and anti-wear agents.

Both greases and lubricants are designed to reduce friction and wear between moving parts in mechanical systems. They do this by providing a lubricating film between the surfaces of the parts, which reduces the amount of direct contact and the resulting friction and wear. Lubricants also help to dissipate heat, which is generated by the friction of the moving parts.

There are many different types of greases and lubricants available, each designed for specific applications and operating

conditions. For example, there are lubricants for high-temperature applications, such as in engines, and lubricants for lowtemperature applications, such as in refrigeration systems. There are also lubricants designed for specific types of machinery, such as gear lubricants for gearboxes, and hydraulic oils for hydraulic systems.

Greases and lubricants play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of mechanical systems. They reduce friction and wear between moving parts, help dissipate heat, and protect machinery from corrosion and rust. The selection of the right lubricant or grease depends on the specific application and operating conditions, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or an expert in the field.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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The Beginning of NLGI India Chapter

NLGI’s Mission is to provide resources relevant to the needs of the global grease community.

NLGI’s Vision is to be recognized as the premier source of support to consumers, researchers, manufacturers, suppliers, marketers, and other key stakeholders of the worldwide lubricating grease industry.

T

he National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI), a beacon of excellence and a paragon of industry innovation, was founded in 1933 with the grand vision of fostering the advancement and proliferation of lubricating grease-related endeavours in the United States. As a non-profit trade association, NLGI has stood the test of time and has emerged as a bastion of knowledge and a hub for collaboration in the industry.

In 1936, the organization underwent a name change, and in 1951, it expanded its operations to countries worldwide, making it an international entity. With over 400 corporate members spread across 50 countries, the philosophy of NLGI has been successful in bringing together experts from different facets of the grease industry, including production, marketing, raw materials, equipment, packaging, additives, and testing. The organization provides its members with guidelines and resources to help advance research and product development, leading to continued growth in the field.

In 1993, an effort was made to establish a local chapter of NLGI in India.

This was eventually realized in September 1997, when the first general body meeting to form NLGI-India was held at Indian Oil Bhavan in Mumbai.

The meeting was attended by a large number of participants representing various companies involved in the manufacture and marketing of grease and raw material suppliers. A resolution was passed to form the NLGIIndia chapter, and an executive committee was constituted, electing Dr. A.K. Bhatnagar, Director of Research and Development at Indian Oil Corporation, as President and Mr. V.N. Sharma, General Manager at Balmer Lawrie & Co., as Secretary. Other members of the committee were Mr. K. Ramachandran, General Manager Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Mr. N.R. Bhoopatkar, Chief Executive Officer, Apar Ltd., Mr. M.F. Sait, Senior Manager (R&D) from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., and Dr. K.P. Naithani, Senior Research Manager from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. The NLGI-India Chapter, as an affiliate of NLGI USA, is a non-profit society with the following objectives: • To act as an information center for grease-related issues • To disseminate information regarding developments in the grease industry in India and abroad through seminars, education courses, workshops, and news bulletins • To promote research and development in grease technology by funding basic research projects • To conduct grease market surveys and round-robin tests • To assist the government on grease and environmental-related issues.

In conclusion, the establishment of the NLGI-India Chapter has provided a platform for professionals in the lubricating grease industry to collaborate, share information, and advance the field through research and development efforts.

History of Greases

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NLGI-India Chapter

A

ccording to the historical accounts, it is said that as early as 2400 B.C. grease-like substance, oil and water were used as lubricant to reduce friction. In a painted wall relief of an Egyptian Pharaoh’s tomb dated to around 2400 B.C., a worker is seen pouring lubricant (in this case, water) for moving statues. Chariots from another Egyptian Pharaoh’s tomb dated

to around 1400 B.C. are found with what seems an early form of grease derived from animal fat on the axle. While there are evidence showing the use of natural asphalt, most of the lubricating oil used in these times was based on animal or vegetable fat. It was only in modern times when grease formulated with petroleum, lubricating oil came into use. Calcium grease using mineral oil, animal fat and limestone was invented in the U.S in 1845. In the year 1938, lithium grease was invented and rapidly came into wide use as multi-purpose grease. The world’s first urea grease was invented in the U.S. in the year 1952.

Grease is a solid or semi-solid lubricant formed as a dispersion of thickening agents in a liquid lubricant. Lubricating greases can be considered to typically be a stable dispersion of a discontinuous phase in a continuous phase. This stable dispersion results in the non-Newtonian rheology that distinguishes a lubricating grease from a Newtonian fluid. The discontinuous phase is the thickener and is primarily responsible for that grease-like rheology. The continuous phase is the base oil (or blend of base oils). So, the greases generally consist of soap emulsified with mineral or vegetable oil. Although there are many ways to classify lubricating greases, the most common way is according to the thickener that is used. Grease thickeners can be broadly separated into two categories: soaps and non-soaps. Soap-based thickeners are generally the acid-base reaction products of a metal-containing base and an organic acid, usually a carboxylic acid. Soap thickeners can be further divided into simple soap and complex soap thickeners. Non-soap thickeners are usually formed by other types of chemical reactions or by incorporation of a solid entity.

A common feature of greases is that they possess a high initial viscosity, which upon the application of shear, drops to give the effect of an oil-lubricated bearing of approximately the same viscosity as the base oil used in the grease. This change in viscosity is called shear thinning. Grease is sometimes used to describe lubricating materials that are simply soft solids or high viscosity liquids, but these materials do not exhibit the shear-thinning properties characteristic of the classical grease. For example, petroleum jellies such as Vaseline are not generally classified as greases.

Greases are applied to mechanisms that can be lubricated only infrequently and where a lubricating oil would not stay in position. They also act as sealants to prevent ingress of water and incompressible materials. Grease-lubricated bearings have greater frictional characteristics because of their high viscosity.

The demand for lithium has boomed in recent years, particularly with the global push towards electric vehicles (EVs). What was once an element with limited applications, lithium’s use in rechargeable batteries has caused an explosion in demand. Since 2021, the price of lithium carbonate has increased more than 400% and it continues to move up. The supply is not keeping up with demand, as the global shift to electric vehicles continues to push demand. Shortage of lithium has increased the cost of lithium greases exponentially. Now, every grease manufacturer is working on the improvement of non-lithium greases and establish their performance against most popular lithium grease. In near future there will be gradual shift in the demand of lithium greases and market shares of non-lithium greases will increase.

Message from the President Hello Friends and Delegates,

I

am very pleased to note that NLGIIndia Chapter (IC) is organising its 25th Lubricating Grease Conference on New Frontiers in Grease Industry: Moving Towards Net Zero from 3–5 March 2023 at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Gurugram, India.

Celebrating NLGI-IC’s Silver Jubilee, it’s both a very proud and nostalgic moment for me as I have seen this organization growing from day one like my own child and reaching such heights is an extraordinary achievement. I congratulate each and every one involved in this remarkable journey. I vividly recall this Chapter started in 1997 with a humble beginning and HQ at my small office in the Indian Oil R&D Centre with little financial support from NLGI. The majority of the burden was then shouldered

by Indian companies both from the public and private sectors. Since then, this organization has become not only financially independent but also one of the best societies in the world and a must-go place for everybody involved in the field of lubricating greases.

Lubricating greases, though comparatively small in terms of total lubricant volumes, is indispensable with regard to lubrication and as per industry estimates and the majority of roller bearings are still grease lubricated. In some industries, it’s even considered a wedge product due to its merits and unique characteristics. Off late, the lubricating grease industry is going through unprecedented challenges due

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to availability issues and the exponential rise in lithium prices. As per the latest NLGI production survey, lithium greases still constitute approximately 70% of the entire global grease production and in the case of India, it’s around 84% (where lithium for manufacturing lithium greases is pretty much imported). Therefore, there is a pressing need to look for lithium alternates, and this Conference is just the right forum to exchange useful ideas and resolve such complex issues.

Incidentally, NLGI-India Chapter’s 25th anniversary coincides with NLGI’s 90th anniversary and we have some great plans to celebrate this special occasion during our Annual Meet scheduled from 4–7 June 2023 in San Diego, California. I take this opportunity to invite you all to join the special event.

This Silver Jubilee Conference is being organized by Mr. Sudhir Sachdeva (under the aegis of Siddharth Grease & Lubes Pvt. Ltd.), who is not only a founder member of NLGI-India Chapter but also very passionate about greases. I am sure this will be a memorable Conference and I wish all the success to him and NLGI-IC Board.

With regards,

Dr Anoop Kumar President, NLGI (Sr. Staff Scientist, Chevron Products Company Division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.)

Exploring New Frontiers

New Frontiers in Grease and Lubricant Industry

MOVING TOWARDS NET ZERO Dr. Deepak Saxena CTO Lubes, Siddarth Grease & Lubes

TO HELP DELINEATE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EMISSION SOURCES, IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY, AND PROVIDE UTILITY FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLIMATE POLICIES AND BUSINESS GOALS, THREE “SCOPES” (SCOPE 1, SCOPE 2, AND SCOPE 3) ARE DEFINED FOR GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING PURPOSES.

S

ustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. – United Nations

The above-mentioned concept has guided all organizations that develop products as sustainability

becomes a priority. In the case of lubricant/grease manufacturing and marketing organizations, it is important for technology and product management teams across the board to keep sustainability in mind as it comes under scrutiny from governments, original equipment manufacturers and consumers.

To measure sustainability profiles, lubricant/grease formulators must perform life cycle assessments to ensure products are being sourced, produced, and handled in a responsible and efficient manner that minimizes the carbon footprint while preserving and protecting natural resources.

Sustainable manufacturing is the creation of manufactured products through economically-sound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources.

To help delineate direct and indirect emission sources, improve transparency, and provide utility for different types of organizations and different types of climate policies and business goals, three “Scopes” (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3) are defined for GHG (Green House Gases) accounting and reporting purposes.

Organizations shall separately account for and report on Scopes 1 and 2 at a minimum.

Scope 1 Direct GHG emissions occur from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization, for example, emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc. and emissions from chemical production in owned or controlled process equipment.

Scope 2 accounts for GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by an organization. Purchased electricity is defined as electricity that is purchased or otherwise brought into the organizational boundary of the organization. Scope 2 emissions physically occur at the facility where electricity is consumed.

Scope 3 is an optional reporting category that allows for the treatment of all other indirect emissions. Scope 3 emissions are a consequence of the activities of the organization, but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the organization. Some examples of Scope 3 activities are using products and services by end-consumers.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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The lubricant/grease manufacturing and marketing organizations may aim to net zero on emissions generated by all our operations by 2050 to meet the dream of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi ji. One has to set the target to reduce absolute emissions by a certain year, compared to 2016 levels and prepare a roadmap to achieve net zero with regard to Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by adopting different measures. Some important activities which have a direct bearing on GHG emissions are listed below.

A large and growing number of manufacturers and marketing organizations are realizing substantial financial and environmental benefits from sustainable business practices.

Sustainable manufacturing is the creation of manufactured products through economicallysound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources. Sustainable manufacturing also enhances employee, community, and product safety.

Organizations are treating “sustainability” as an important objective in their strategy and operations to increase growth and global competitiveness. This trend has reached well beyond the small niche of those who traditionally positioned themselves as “green,” and now includes many prominent businesses across many different industry sectors. In many cases, these efforts are having significant results. There are several reasons why organizations are pursuing sustainability: • Increase operational efficiency by reducing costs and waste.

• Respond to or reach new customers and increase competitive advantage.

• Protect and strengthen brand and reputation and build public trust.

• Build long-term business viability and success • Respond to regulatory constraints and opportunities.

Organizations move forward along the path to sustainability by improving performance and reducing their resource footprint. Ways that organizations progress further on the path to sustainability include:

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• Address sustainability in a coordinated, integrated, and formal manner, rather than in an adhoc, unconnected and informal manner.

• Focus on increased competitiveness and revenues rather than primarily focusing on cost-cutting, risk reduction, and improved efficiency.

• Use innovation, scenario planning, and strategic analysis to go beyond compliance.

• Integrate sustainability across business functions • Focus more on the long term.

• Work collaboratively with external stakeholders.

• Identify, calculate, reduce, and mitigate the GHG emission under Scope 1 and 2 through one or more following measures: • Energy efficiency in operations using low-carbon energy resources and renewable energies.

• Using technologies for carbon offset and removal from the atmosphere.

• Improving the machine operations and making them. energy efficient and reducing machine downtime.

• Reduce the generation of waste and recycling of waste material.

• Use recycled/reclaimed base stocks.

• Use biodegradable/renewable raw materials for production.

• Use real-time oil condition monitoring.

• Use virtual assistant for quick service and improving the uptime of machines etc.

• Develop and market lubricants and greases with low carbon/renewable raw materials for reducing life cycle emission of a particular product and get benefit in Scope 3.

• Develop and market fuel/energy efficient automotive/industrial lubricants and greases for reducing consumption of fuel/energy resources and overall reduction in carbon emission under Scope 3.

By adopting above methodology, lubricant / grease manufacturing and marketing organizations will be moving towards sustainable future and achieve NET ZERO status in next 20 to 30 years.

The basic feature of lubricating grease is sustainability, through reduced friction enabling energy savings as well as protecting and extending lifetime of mechanical elements that contribute to reduction of raw material consumption. Now our industry must advance our sustainability agenda – see the change and be the change!

JOHAN STURESON

CEO / Managing Director Axel Christiernsson International AB Sweden

Lubrication Industry’s Role in Combating Global Warming

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR A GREENER FUTURE TO COMBAT USE OF FOSSIL FUELS, REDUCE EMISSION, AND GREEN HOUSE GASES, THE LUBRICANT INDUSTRY HAS BEEN WORKING TO DEVELOP MORE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY LUBRICANTS. THESE “GREEN LUBRICANTS” ARE FORMULATED WITH BIODEGRADABLE OR SYNTHETIC BASE OILS AND CAN ALSO CONTAIN ADDITIVES THAT ENHANCE THEIR PERFORMANCE WHILE REDUCING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

T

he lubricant sector plays a substantial role in

Furthermore, many traditional lubricants are derived

exacerbating global warming as a result of

from non-renewable resources such as mineral oil,

the copious energy and resources needed to

which are significant contributors to greenhouse

produce and convey lubricants, as well as the

gas emissions. One of the primary ways the

byproducts generated during lubricant utilization. Over

lubricant industry exacerbates global warming is

10 million tons of mineral lubricants and hydraulic

through producing and transporting lubricants. The

fluids pollute the environment yearly. In Europe,

manufacture of lubricants requires an abundance

various industries consume an average of 5 million

of energy, which often originates from fossil fuels

tons of lubricants, of which 40% directly pollute the

such as coal and natural gas. These fossil fuels are

natural environment (Theo Mang, Kirsten Bobzin,

chief sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and the

Thorsten Bartels, Lubricants, Industrial Tribology,

energy required to produce lubricants results in a

10.1002/9783527632572, (281-477), [2010]).

considerable carbon footprint. Moving from fossil to

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ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

25

renewable energy sources would cut down the energy

in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind

losses due to friction in energy production by more

power to minimize their reliance on fossil fuels. They

than 60%. (Kenneth Holmberg and Ali Erdemir, The

are also implementing recycling programs to reduce

Impact of Tribology on Energy Use and CO2 Emission

waste and conserve resources.

globally, (14), [2019]).

To sum it all up, here are several ways that the

Additionally, the transportation of lubricants

lubricant industry can reduce its impact on global

also results in emissions, as lubricants must be

warming:

transported from production facilities to the point of use. The international shipping industry accounts for approximately 2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (International Energy Agency [IEA], 2021; International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2020b; Wang et al., 2021).

• Developing more environment-friendly lubricants: This can be achieved by using biodegradable or synthetic base oils and additives that enhance their performance while reducing their environmental impact.

Moreover, lubricants are used in a wide range of industries which contribute to global warming. For example, in the automotive sector, lubricants are used in engines to reduce friction and wear. However, the combustion of fossil fuels in engines also results in carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gasses. The same is valid for industrial machinery and equipment that rely on lubrication for smooth operation. Another way the lubricant industry exacerbates global warming is through the disposal of used lubricants.

Traditional lubricants are not biodegradable and often end up in landfills or the environment, where they can negatively impact the ecosystem. They can also contaminate water sources, causing harm to aquatic

The move towards sustainable lubrication will benefit not only the environment but also the industry and society as a whole.

life. To combat these issues, the lubricant industry has been working to develop more environment-friendly lubricants. These “green lubricants” are formulated with biodegradable or synthetic base oils and can also contain additives that enhance their performance while reducing their environmental impact. For example, biodegradable lubricants made from vegetable oil can be decomposed in the environment without causing harm.

On the other hand, synthetic lubricants are made from synthetic base oils such as polyalphaolefins

• Investing in renewable energy sources: Many

(PAOs) or esters, which have a higher viscosity index

lubricant manufacturers are investing in renewable

than mineral oil-based lubricants. This means they

energy sources such as solar and wind power to

can maintain their lubricating properties over a more

reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

comprehensive temperature range, thus lowering energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to developing green lubricants, the industry is also taking steps to reduce emissions while producing and transporting lubricants. For example, many lubricant manufacturers are investing 26

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• Implementing recycling and re-refining programs: These programs can help reduce waste and conserve resources.

• Increasing energy efficiency: Lubricant manufacturers can implement energy-efficient

technologies and practices to reduce their energy

In conclusion, the lubricant industry plays a significant

consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

role in global warming due to the large amounts

• Promote the use of electric and hybrid

of energy and resources required to produce and

vehicles: Lubricant manufacturers can promote

transport lubricants. The global demand for lubricants

the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, which have

reached a high in 2020 when demand reached 37

lower emissions than traditional gasoline-powered

million metric tons. By 2028, the worldwide lubricants

vehicles.

demand is expected to reach 38.1 million metric tons.

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Lubricant manufacturers can invest in CCS technology to capture carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

• Developing sustainable transportation

(N. Sönnichsen, Global lubricant demand 2000-2028, [2022]). With increasing demand, more greenhouse gasses are released, thus furthering the industry’s impact on global warming.

This is in addition to the emissions generated during

solutions: Lubricant manufacturers can develop

the use of lubricants. However, the industry is taking

sustainable transportation solutions, such as using

steps to reduce its impact by developing more

electric vehicles and trains, to reduce emissions

environment-friendly lubricants, reducing emissions

during transportation.

during the production and transportation of oils, and

• Providing education and awareness: Lubricant

implementing recycling and re-refining programs. This

manufacturers can educate their customers and

move towards sustainable lubrication will benefit not

the public about the environmental impact of

only the environment but also the industry and society

lubricants and promote the use of sustainable

as a whole.

lubricants.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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LUBRICATING GREASES INDIAN SCENARIO Dr. T. Singh Senior Vice President NLGI-IC

T

he lubricating greases are composed of three components: oil, thickener, and additives.

The base oil and the thickener are the major components in grease formulations. The thickener is often referred to as a sponge that holds the lubricant (base oil plus additives), which provides the lubrication.

Lubricating grease by and large has played a significant role in the advancement of modern industry. The history of lubricating grease goes back to the hoary past, may as old as beyond 1400 BC. The documented evidence indicates that the first use of grease perhaps has been in automotive industry in lubricating wheels of chariots etc. At that point of time, the concept of use of greases would have been based on vegetable oil-based products. The use of mineral oil-based products was triggered only after Colonel Drake drilled the first oil well in 1859. This revolutionized the total industrial sector. The use of lubricating grease in automotive and industrial sectors is quite substantial.

As per ASTM D 288 (American Society for Testing and Materials), the lubricating grease can be defined as “A solid to semifluid product of dispersion of a thickening

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agent in liquid lubricant. Other ingredients imparting special properties may be included”.

Lubricating greases basically consist of base oil (70 95%), thickener (3 - 30%) plus performance additives (0 – 10%). Both base oils as well as thickeners influence the properties of lubricating grease.

Performance additives are used to boost the certain desired properties of greases.

Indian Grease Scenario Indian Grease Market: Grease Consumption %

45% Automotive

55% Industrial

As per our estimate Indian grease market is around 150 TMT in organized and unorganized sectors. The thickener wise breakup is – Lithium 70%, Lithium Complex 5.1%, Sodium 3.5%, Non-Soap (Polyurea and Clay Based) 1.5%, Aluminium and Aluminium Complex 2.5%, Calcium, Calcium Complex and others 14.9% and Calcium Sulphonate 2.5%.

Thickener-wise breakup 5.1% Lithium complex

2.5% Aluminum

14.9% Calcium & others 2.5% Calcium sulphonate

70% Lithium

1.5% Non-soap 3.5% Sodium

at elevated temperatures, thus requiring a frequent relube interval.

Additives: Additives can play several roles in lubricating grease. It is used from 0 - 10% by wt. in grease composition. These primarily include enhancing the existing desirable properties, suppressing the existing undesirable properties, and imparting new properties. The most common additives are oxidation and rust inhibitors, extreme pressure, antiwear, and friction-reducing agents.

Friction modifier, such as molybdenum disulfide (Moly) or graphite is used in greases to reduce friction and wear without adverse chemical reactions to the metal surfaces during heavy loading and slow speeds in boundary lubrication conditions.

Greases are most often used instead of liquid lubricants when it is required to stay in place, particularly where frequent re-lubrication may not be feasible. As such, satisfactory performance of the grease requires the following functions: • To provide reduced friction and wear on contact surfaces • To act as a seal to prevent ingress of contaminants

Grease Composition: The lubricating greases are composed of three components: oil, thickener, and additives.

Base Oil: The base oil may be either mineral oil or synthetic fluid and it constitutes 70-95% by wt of the grease composition. Most grease produced today use mineral oil as their fluid components. In temperature extremes (low or high), a grease that utilizes a synthetic base oil will provide better stability.

Thickener: The thickener (3 -30% by wt) in combination with the selected lubricant, will produce the solid to semifluid structure. The primary type of thickener used in current grease is metallic soap.

These soaps include lithium, aluminum, sodium, and calcium.

The complex thickener-type greases are used because of their high dropping points and excellent load-carrying abilities. Complex greases are made by combining the conventional metallic soap with a complexing agent.

Non-soap thickeners, such as Bentonite and silica aerogel are used for high-temperature applications, and they do not melt at high temperatures. The non-thickener may be able to withstand the high temperatures, but the used base oil oxidizes quickly

• Withstand a certain amount of contamination without suffering performance deterioration • Resist leakage or throw-off from the surface to be lubricated • Prevent rust and corrosion • Resist structural deterioration during prolonged use • Acts as carrier for solid lubricants However, as greases are essentially “semi-solid” in nature, they will not provide the same degree of cooling or cleaning as provided by liquid lubricants.

There are many different lubrication requirements and demands placed on greases such as operating temperatures – high or low or wide range, must function under various speeds – slow to extremely fast, varying amount of loads and should act as sealant to environmental contaminants.

Modern grease’s ability to meet these critical requirements generally depends on following key characteristics such as: Consistency

The degree to which the grease resist deformation under the application of force

Shear Stability

The ability of the grease to resist changes in consistency during mechanical working

Oil Separation

The ability of the grease to release oil in controlled manner, ensuring proper lubrication

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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ABOUT THE GREASE Dr. E Sayanna Chief Technology Officer, Siddharth Grease & Lubes Pvt Ltd

L

ubricating grease is a vital engineering component of any and every moving machinery.

Grease accounts for around 4% of the total lubricants, and around 80% of bearings are grease-lubricated. Grease lubrication has clear advantages over oil lubrication because of its semisolid nature; it does not leak easily, has excellent sealing properties, and protects bearing surfaces from corrosion. An added advantage of the semisolid nature of grease is that solid lubricants like molybdenum disulfide, graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc., can be uniformly dispersed in grease. Its disadvantages are

recirculation and filterability constraints and limited cooling ability.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines lubricating grease as “A solid to a semi-fluid product of the dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. Other ingredients imparting special properties may be included.” As the definition indicates, the lubricating grease is composed of three components: oil, thickener, and additives. The base oil, thickener, and additive package are the components in grease formulations and, as such, exert considerable influence on the behavior of the grease.

Adding the proper grease to your maintenance routine

COMPLEX GREASES ARE MADE BY COMBINING CONVENTIONAL METALLIC SOAP WITH A COMPLEXING AGENT. SINCE LAST YEAR, THE MOST WIDELY USED GREASES HAVE BEEN LITHIUM AND LITHIUM COMPLEX GREASE BASED. STILL, THE INDUSTRY IS FORCED TO LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES DUE TO THE UNPRECEDENTED AND OUTRAGEOUS LITHIUM PRICE ESCALATIONS.

guarantees that your facility is operating at peak performance.

Over 90% of the thickeners used worldwide are soap-based, and thickeners are produced from an acid-base reaction.

The primary thickener used in current grease is based on metallic soaps. These soaps include lithium, aluminum, clay, polyurea, sodium, calcium, and some mixed soaps. Complex thickener-type greases are high-performance products due to their improved thermo-mechanical properties. They are selected because of their high drop points and excellent loadcarrying abilities.

Complex greases are made by combining conventional metallic soap with a complexing agent.

Since last year, the most widely used greases have been lithium and lithium complex grease based. Still, the industry is forced to look for alternatives due to the unprecedented and outrageous lithium price escalations. The lithium crisis is basically due to the diversion of lithium usage more and more towards batteries for electric vehicles, etc. This has prompted new and innovative approaches and alternatives to grease research worldwide. India supplies the major soap thickener component, fat/fatty acids, to all the global grease makers; it solely depends on lithium imports for grease manufacture. Due to the skyrocketing price of lithium, formulators have been forced to think outside the box and look at non-lithium greases, as well as other thickeners being introduced.

There has been a significant shift from lithium greases to non-lithium greases to help Indian customers meet their grease requirements within the operational budget before the lithium price spike. The scope for export of these greases has increased due to the performance credentials of some of the cheaper nonlithium greases innovated in India.

Non-soap thickeners are also gaining popularity in special applications such as high-temperature environments and specialty applications. Bentonite and silica aerogel are thickeners that do not melt at high temperatures.

Chemistry plays a key role in grease technology, and physicochemical process parameters are essential. The grease structure is the most important characteristic determining its stability under mechanical shear and stress. The type of open or pressure reactor, agitation, heating/cooling rate,

process time, mode of thickener dispersion into the matrix, additives doping sequence, etc., are the major process parameters for the grease structureproperty relationship. Given the above, grease-making is conventionally considered an art and a science akin to household cooking. The advent of advanced, sophisticated process equipment is gradually shifting from art to science.

The global grease industry has very cohesive networking in the form of annual conferences, technical events, education courses, working groups, round-robin testing protocols, etc. The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) of the USA has been providing outstanding service to the grease industry since 1933. Balmer Lawrie & Co is the pioneering company that introduced grease in India and produced many grease technologists who are instrumental in spreading grease technology in India.

Dr. A.K. Bhatnagar, a visionary and former Director (R&D) of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., with his foresight, took the initiative of starting a Chapter of NLGI USA in 1997 by pooling the major lubricant and grease manufacturers.

The NLGI India Chapter organized its first grease Conference in 1999 at Nainital, the famous hill station in the Himalayas. Subsequent events were organized in exotic locations of the multicultural and picturesque Indian subcontinent.

NLGI India Chapter has decided to celebrate its 25th Conference as a memorable mega event by organizing it in a Metro City venue for the first time.

To commemorate and recapitulate the entire journey of the NLGI India Chapter in the last 25 years, a Coffee Table Book is being brought out, which can be treasured by all the delegates as a precious souvenir of the Chapter.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

37

It’s now over 25 years since the

I must acknowledge that having

idea of an NLGI-India Chapter was

come to almost all of the meetings,

conceived by folks a lot smarter

the NLGI-India Chapter members

than me but I was there at the

have set an exemplary standard

beginning and what seemed

for all of us with their dedication

impossible at one point to achieve

and excellence on how to conduct

has not only been achieved but

meetings, always exceeding the

excelled at over the years.

highest standards they set for

It feels just like yesterday since NLGI

themselves.

India started working closely with

I am full of pride and joy on what

NLGI headquarters, but this unique

was created initially in order to

Chapter has been an essential part

serve the grease industry locally

of our parent organization’s journey

and has since ballooned into a

and success.

Conference that is a must attend for all global leaders in the grease industry. I salute everyone involved in the NLGI-India Chapter’s success.

This year is the 25th anniversary year, and I wish to extend my heartiest best wishes and congratulations to everyone at NLGI India on this auspicious occasion.

RAJ SHAH Director, Koehler Instrument Company, USA

My First was the Second!

The Second lubricating grease conference was held in Goa, January 28-29, 2000, in which I had the privilege to participate for the first time, and since then in many more, very often by presenting technical papers.

In my eyes, at year 2000, the NLGI-IC was a baby with some potential areas, but today it looks like a mature adult. We know that the success story, of the NLGIIC, is pure result of thousands of working hours by lots of dedicated fellows. Hence, my sincere gratitude to all these friends! This couldn’t be achieved if it wouldn’t be for your hard work.

On the personal level, thanks to all these events, I got the opportunities visiting numerous beautiful and historical places in India, learned from the presentations and discussions around, but ultimately its inevitable not being impressed by a tremendous hospitality and the rich culture that my Indian fellows introduced me to! Best wishes for the years ahead.

MEHDI FATHI-NAJAFI Nynas AB – Sweden

CIRCULAR ECONOMY DR. R. K. MALHOTRA Former Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Director General, FIPI

THE USE OF BIO-DEGRADABLE LUBRICANTS CAN HELP TO MAINTAIN THE ENVIRONMENT AND REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF MINERAL OILS. BIODEGRADABLE LUBRICANTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO DEGRADE NATURALLY BY THE ACTIONS OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS, SUCH LUBRICANTS MUST MEET THE ISO 9439 OR OECD 301 STANDARDS.

C

orporate leadership teams presently are grappling with an unprecedented number of challenges, including global supply shortages, geopolitical tensions, and inflation. At the same time, the climate issues, stringent targets for move towards net-zero and control on the unsustainable resource consumption of fossil fuels and of the precious materials demand immediate attention. At current consumption rates, humanity is using the equivalent of 1.75 times the earth’s natural resources each year not only to fulfil the needs but also the greed of mankind.

For sustainable growth now we need to think and act differently. We need to quickly change from Linear economy (Extract/Produce, Use and Dump waste) to Circular economy i.e. to adopt the concept of the 7 R’s; Rethink, Redesign, Reduce, Renting, Reuse, Renewables and Recycle.

The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is a resilient system that is good for business, people and the environment. It decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and is underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials.

40

NLGI-India Chapter

It is based on the following principles: • Reduce Resource Consumption or Better Utilization of same.

• Keep Products and Materials in use. (Repair or Rebuilt and Use) • Regenerate Natural systems (Use Renewables or Recycle Waste) For companies, it means reducing resources use, conserving materials, renting rather than owning i.e. sharing resources, using renewables, extending a product’s lifetime through repair and reuse, and ultimately recycling.

Circular disruption is underway in many industries, with innovative business models. As the leadership teams become more aware that they are vulnerable to circular disruption, the more time they will spend preparing for it.

Besides the threat of disruption, leaders need to also recognize that well-designed circular products and business models can boost growth, cut costs, and build resilience, all while preparing the enterprise for a low-carbon future. They need to view circularity as a prerequisite for being best in class in the future.

And as more and more businesses embrace circular business models, the benefits to society will multiply.

Initiatives by the industry will help not only the company but the country as well in boosting its GDP as well to achieve Net Zero targets ahead of schedule.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY Today, the “sustainability” and “Net Zero” are on the top of the minds of every Industry, so the demand for products leading to circular economy are also growing in every industry including the lubricant and grease industry. Globally billions of gallons of lubricants are sold annually. Most of the used lubricants (60% or higher) get dumped in the ground, rivers, lakes, etc. causing harm to the environment, polluting water bodies including underground water harming the environment. The use of re-refined used oils in place of mineral base oils and plant based bio-synthetic based oils and bi-degradable lubricants can play an important role towards sustainability and circular economy.

RE-REFINED LUBRICANTS AS BASE OILS Re-refining of used lubricants to get back the base oils have been around for long, but there were several doubts raised about their capability to produce high quality finished lubricants. However, due to technological advances, the quality of re-refined base oils as available today are much better, so is the demand in view of the wish to move towards circular economy. The use of such base oils for lubricants production offer low carbon intensive solutions and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The quality of re-refined base oils can still vary depending upon the used oils sources and the technology deployed. It is therefore important that the quality of re-refined oils be tested with similar yardstick as for virgin base oils, so that the finished lubricants, should offer the similar performance.

As more companies commit towards achieving Net Zero, the demand of such re-refined base oils will grow. The global re-refined base oil demand is expected to reach 8.8 billion dollars by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during 2022-2027.

According to the API, re-refining consume 50% less energy and also lead to 50% saving in emissions than that required for refining crude oil to produce base oil, besides use of less virgin oil for lubricants production.

In addition to the above, re-refining help in resolving the problem of disposal of used lubricants.

As more and more countries adopt regulations to encourage circularity and sustainability and industry also further commits itself to the cause of environment, the market for rerefined oils will grow rapidly.

VEGETABLE OILS AND RENEWABLE HYDROCARBONS DERIVED BASE OILS Vegetable oils can be used as lubricants in their natural form as they have excellent lubricity which is fast superior to mineral oil. Vegetables oils also have very high viscosity index, higher the VI the smaller the relative change in viscosity with temperature. These oils also have very high flash point but on the negative side they have poor oxidation stability and high pour point. Synthesizing to form esters allow the oils to perform in very high temperatures or in very cold temperature far above or below the vegetable oils.

A new category of plant based renewable oils are emerging as an alternative to mineral base oils. Such oils called as Biosynthetic or Sustainable Base Oils are called Estolides which are oligometric esters based on special fatty acids with an additional functional group.

Estolides cover a wide range of viscosity and can have properties that vary within a wide spectrum range. In general Estolides have better properties than esters, like oxidation stability, resistance to hydrolysis, anti wear etc.

BIO-DEGRADABLE LUBRICANTS Most biodegradable lubricants use vegetable oils and synthetic esters but Poly alkylalane glycols (PAGs) and also the renewable hydrocarbons are also growing.

Esters and PAGs are miscible between each other and interchangeable with mineral based lubricants.

The use of bio-degradable lubricants can help to maintain the environment and reduce the consumption of mineral oils. Biodegradable lubricants have the ability to degrade naturally by the actions of biological organisms, such lubricants must meet the ISO 9439 or OECD 301 standards. These standards state that a lubricant should degrade by more than 60% within 28 days to classify as biodegradable.

Additionally, lubricant must be of low toxicity.

The re-refined base oils, vegetable oils and their esters, renewable hydrocarbon based bio-synthetic oils and bio-degradable lubricants can help the move towards Circular Economy.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

41

2018

Amritsar Conference venues across India since 1999

Since its inception in 1999, NLGI India has been orchestrating Chapters

2014

Chandigarh

across the nation, offering a forum for industry

2001

experts to disseminate their proficiency and

Jodhpur

acumen pertaining to lubricating greases, as well as fostering camaraderie with contemporaries in the field. The inaugural

2004

Conference location for NLGI’s India Chapter was

Pune

held in Nainital in 1999.

With over two decades of historicity, NLGI India

2000 2010

has persisted in arranging Chapters in various locations across the

Goa

nation, highlighting India’s affluent cultural diversity.

The 25th Conference is being held in Gurgaon,

2005

providing a great opportunity for delegates from around the world to

Cochin 2013

familiarize themselves with the latest advancements in lubricating grease technology, industry trends, and best practices.

Kovalam

INDIA CHAPTER MEETS 2023

Gurugram

2009 1999

Mussoorie Nainital 2003 2012

2019

Agra 2017

Jaipur

Guwahati Varanasi 2020

Indore

2007

2008 2016

Aurangabad

Bhubaneswar

2006

Lonavala

2022 2002

Hyderabad Vizag

Bangalore 2011 2015

Ooty

Mahabalipuram

2021

VIRTUAL/ ONLINE

*Map not to scale. International/state boundaries are only indicative. We do not take any responsibility for the correctness of the same.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

43

NAINITAL The inaugural Conference set NLGI-IC in motion in this beautiful hill town February 10–12

1999

JODHPUR At the glorious and charming city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan February 14–16

2000

AGRA In the city of the monument to love and Mughal grandeur January 16–18

2001

2002

January 28–29 at the pearl of the west coast with endless stretches beaches GOA

2003

2004

January 21–23 in the Maratha city steeped in history and culture PUNE

January 16–18 at the Garden City and the Silicon Valley of India BANGALORE

NLGI-IC: THE 25-YEAR JOURNEY VIZAG The oldest port city in India known for its picturesque beaches August 26–28

2022

INDORE

AMRITSAR A prominent pilgrimage site for followers of Sikhism February 1–4

Bicentennial Conference held at the central Indian economic hub February 1–3

2021

2020

In the pandemic year, the Conference was held virtually April 16–17 VIRTUAL

2019

World famous for its fine tea, a city on the banks of mighty Brahmaputra February 7–10 GUWAHATI

GURUGRAM DELHI NCR Millennium City Gurugram is also known as the Cyber City of India March 3–5

2023

2018

2017 An ancient city on the banks of Ganga, the spiritual capital of India.

February 2–4 VARANASI

COCHIN The city that blends Indian and Portuguese heritage February 3–5

2005

BHUBANESWAR The capital city of Odisha known for its Hindu temple architecture February 1–3

2006

2007

A city of vibrant culture and delicious food January 19–21

2016

2008

CHANDIGARH Picturesquely located modern city at the foothills of Shivalik hills February 2–4

2015 The seaside ancient coastal temple town and a World Heritage Site February 12–14 MAHABALIPURAM

2009

2014

2010

The decennial Conference amid paradisical beaches and a vibrant nightlife January 28–30 GOA

At the city of architectural heritage and illustrious textiles Jan 31–Feb 2 AURANGABAD

HYDERABAD

LONAVALA A breathtaking vista of panoramic views amid Westren Ghats February 5–7

MUSSOORIE The Queen of Hills is renowned for its verdant landscape February 19–21

JAIPUR The Pink City known for its arts, crafts, and jewellery February 2–4

2013

A tourist haunt known for its serene backwaters February 7–9 KOVALAM

2012

2011

Famous for its tea gardens and a salubrious climate February 3–5 OOTY

NLGI-India Chapter conferences have now become a focal point for grease related industry experts and users to promote their business interest in this part of the world.

NLGI-IC is celebrating its Silver Jubilee with its 25th Conference at Grand Hyatt, Gurugram from March 3 to 5, 2023. Industry captains from PSUs and private industries will be in panel discussions and technocrats will deliver Plenary lectures on future trends in Grease industry related to ‘achieving sustainability and carbon neutrality in the industry’. The Conference theme is ‘New Frontiers in Grease Industry – Moving towards Net Zero.’

THE FOUNDATION Nainital, Uttarakhand 1st NLGI Lubricating Grease Conference, 1999 NAINITAL Nainital is a picturesque hill station located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas and is known for its serene ambiance, natural beauty, and charming colonial-era architecture. The town is situated around Naini Lake, considered the city’s heart and a popular spot for boating and picnics. The city also offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a popular destination for trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. The city is also home to several historical and religious sites.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW The First NLGI Conference was held under the guidance of president Dr. A.K. Bhatnagar, Director of the Indian Oil R&D Centre. His leadership and expertise Colourful boats in Naini Lake, Nainital

46

NLGI-India Chapter

1

in the field of lubricant research and development contributed significantly to the event’s success. Under his vision and direction, the First NLGI-IC Conference was held, attracting dignitaries worldwide. Thus, this Conference marked the beginning of an annual custom of NLGI-India Chapter conferences.

TECHNICAL DISCUSSION AND KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THE CONFERENCE The idea for the formation of the India Chapter was seeded when the then President-elect of NLGI, USA, visited India in November 1995. After that, in the NLGI Annual meeting held at Scottsdale in October1996, the NLGI Board invited the Indian Oil and Balmer Lawrie representatives to participate in the NLGI Board Meeting when discussing the formation of India Chapter was taken up. Subsequently, with the

support and encouragement of NLGI, the efforts of Indian Oil and Balmer Lawrie, and the help from other Indian companies, the India Chapter became a reality in 1998. Dr. A.K. Bhatnagar presented a keynote paper on ‘lubricating grease—a fertile area for technological excellence.’ A comprehensive review on the corrosion–Rust and Beyond was provided by Ms. Maureen E Hunter of King Industries. Prof. M.C. Dwivedi dealt with vegetable oil-based greases. Mr. Rolf Peter Heckler of Fuchs covered his experience with biodegradable greases. A case study of Ti-complex greases at TISCO, Jamshedpur, was presented by Mr. C.M. Misra. Dr. SSV Ramakumar presented on the durability studies of automotive gear oils. A paper on

Railway wheel flange lubrication – a new approach was covered by Dr. Deepak Saxena. Dr. Rajesh Shah of Koehler Instrument provided details of the new test development of a novel thin film oxidation test for the evaluation of greases. A paper on Saponification for lithium grease made easier was presented by Mr. A.T. Polishuk of Lithchem International. Discussions were held on the ways and means of rationalizing grease specification to combine many grades into a single product, which would help user industries to reduce their product inventories and costs. A case study on the investigation of pressure drop during grease transmission in the pipeline was narrated by Mr. A.K. Misra of SAIL RDCIS.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

47

GOING AHEAD VIRTUALLY Virtual 23rd NLGI Lubricating Grease Conference, 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE DURING THE PANDEMIC COVID-19 pandemic brought the whole world to its knees, stopping all movement, restricting travel, meetings and get-togethers. The year 2021 was the first time that NLGI-IC annual conference was held in the virtual world by connecting the delegates across the globe digitally. The Conference provided a platform for industry experts to present their research and share knowledge on lubricating greases and related technologies. The Conference covered a wide range of topics, including the latest advancements in grease technology, best practices, and regulatory

23

updates. Attendees participated in Q&A sessions and connected with other industry professionals.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW Dr. SSV Ramakumar was Conference President in the 23rd NLGI Lubricating grease Conference 2021.

He is a distinguished research and development professional with a distinguished career in the hydrocarbons sector. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the field, receiving several prestigious awards for presenting the best research papers at international conferences. The Conference

was well led under his leadership and its main agenda was the latest grease industry trends, focusing on technology, sustainability, and how advancements could be made virtually.

TECHNICAL DISCUSSION AND KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THE CONFERENCE This virtual Conference attracted over 300 global delegates online and six sponsors. There were 9 technical sessions by industry stalwarts which went on for 12 hours. The Conference also witnessed 28 papers from scholars in the virtual Conference.

Dr. Deepak Saxena welcomed all the delegates to the Conference. The President of NLGI-IC, Dr. SSV Ramakumar, delivered a lecture on the theme of the Conference, emphasizing the need to popularize the use of HPM grease in the Indian industry. The Conference was inaugurated by Mr. Snehasis Samaddar, VP & Head of CESC. During the Conference, Dr. Gareth Fish of Lubrizol presented the development

of high-performance greases for electric vehicles, and Dr. T. Singh provided an NLGI Grease production survey. Dr. E. Sayanna of SGL discussed post-COVID recovery and the future readiness of the grease industry. Mr. Puneet Verma of Lubrizol also spoke on the impact of Covid on the lubricant industry and solutions for recovery. Mr. George Diloyan of NIS Inc provided details on developing high-performance grease substituting MoS2. Representatives from Vanderbilt, Ducom Instruments, and Quality Speciality Chemicals gave business talks and presented their products and services. Dr. Sathwik Chatra of SKF covered the running behaviour of greaselubricated rolling bearings, their processes, and their characterization. Mr. Joe Kaperick of Afton Chemical explained a case study of the grease lubrication of a wind turbine. Representatives of oil and steel industries gave field trial studies, and Mr. S. Murali of Balmer Lawrie presented the utilization of FTIR in the characterization of greases.

The virtual Conference provided a platform for industry experts to present their research and share their knowledge on lubricating greases and related technologies. Its main agenda was to discuss the latest trends in grease industry, focusing on technology, sustainability, and how advancements could be made virtually.

KEY NUMBERS Twenty-five years of NLGI India conferences have attracted delegates from around the globe to present papers and exhibit their products and services. These conclaves have been instrumental in catalyzing the expansion and evolution of the lubricating grease industry, both in India and on a global scale. Let us examine some of the notable statistics from previous conferences.

94

5351

591

146

Number of Delegates

Number of papers presented

Number of technical sessions

476

525

253

Number of sponsors

Number of exhibition stalls

Hours spent on technical sessions

149

15

16

37

Leisure time spent in hours

Long Service Awards

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Best Paper Awards

NLGI-India Chapter

Reliving the Past Bringing back memories of the years gone by

The NLGI-IC Lifetime Achievement Awards NLGI’s Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon individuals who have dedicated a large part of their career, expertise, and service to advancing the lubrication industry through their constant pursuit of research, innovation, and education.

The NLGI-IC Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to the recipient’s dedication and commitment to the field of lubrication and grease technology and serves as a symbol of their contributions to the industry.

It is a recognition of their tireless efforts to improve the lubrication technology and the benefits it brings to the global economy and society.

Dr. A.K. Bhatnagar, 2006

Mr. V.N. Sharma, 2007

Mr. D.S. Chandavarkar, 2008

Mr. N.R. Bhoopatkar, 2009

96

NLGI-India Chapter

Mr. T.L. Nanda, 2010

The NLGI-IC Long Service Awards The Long Service Award (NLGI-IC) is an honor given by

significant contributions through their work, research,

the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) and

or leadership. The award is presented at the annual

the International Council for Machinery Lubrication

NLGI Conference, and recipients receive a plaque and

(ICML) to individuals who have made significant

recognition in industry publications. The Long Service

contributions to the lubricating grease industry. The

Award is considered a high honor in the lubricating

award recognizes those who have demonstrated a

grease industry and is a testament to the recipient’s

long-term commitment to the industry and have made

dedication and expertise in the field.

Dr. K.P. Naithani, 2007

Mr. A.K. Bhan, 2008

Dr. J.L. Raina, 2009

Dr. Anoop Kumar, 2010

Dr. T. Singh, 2011

Mr. A. Chatterjee, 2012

Dr. Y.P. Rao, 2013

Dr. E. Sayanna, 2014

Mr. K. Ravi, 2015

Mr. Cherian P. Kavalam, 2015

Mr. Viren Nanavati, 2017

Dr. Balaram Ghosh, 2019

Mr. R.N. Ghosal, 2016

Mr. S. Murali, 2022

98

NLGI-India Chapter

Dr. Deepak Saxena, 2022

The NLGI-IC Best Paper Awards The National Lubricating Grease

Winning an NLGI Best Paper Award

Institute (NLGI) annually recognizes

is a significant achievement and an

outstanding research papers on

acknowledgment of the author’s

lubricating grease through the NLGI

expertise in the field.

Best Paper Awards.

The awards are open to researchers,

The awards are given to the authors

scientists, and engineers working

of papers that demonstrate originality,

in the lubricating grease industry,

significance, and technical excellence

and it is considered a great honor

in the field of lubricating grease

to be recognized by the NLGI for

technology.

contributions to the field.

A panel of industry experts judges the

The year-wise winners of the Best

papers, and the awards are presented

Paper Awards are listed here below.

at the annual NLGI conferences.

Best Paper Awards were given to the authors during NLGI-IC Conferences over the years

Dr. Rakesh Sarin, IOCL, 2000

Dr. D.K. Tuli, IOCL, 2001

Dr. Rakesh Sarin, IOCL, 2002

Dr. Anoop Kumar, IOCL, 2003

Dr. Anoop Kumar, IOCL, 2004

Dr. G.S. Kapur, 2005

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

99

Looking at the Future Sustainable and environment-friendly practices

MOVING TOWARDS NET ZERO Gurugram, Haryana 25th NLGI Lubricating Grease Conference, 2023

N

LGI-IC, a premier association in the lubricating grease industry, welcomes you to its momentous Silver Jubilee, the 25th Conference, at the Grand Hyatt, Gurugram. The theme of this Conference is “New Frontiers in Grease Industry – Moving towards Net Zero”. This years’ theme highlights the need for the grease industry to embrace new technologies and practices that help us move towards Net Zero emissions. Our venue for this year’s Conference affirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The hotel is GRIHA-certified, meaning it has the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.

The 25th NLGI-IC Conference will commence with the inaugural session beginning with the arrival of our Chief Guest, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Honorable Minister Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India. The reception of the Chief Guest will set the tone for the Conference proceedings. Opening ceremony includes traditional lighting of the lamp followed by the recitation of Saraswati Vandana.

25

The welcome address will be delivered by Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), Indian Oil and President of the NLGI-India Chapter. This will be followed by the release of Conference Souvenir and the unveiling of a Coffee Table Book which emphasizes ‘Going Green’ theme. Adding further to our commitment will be the announcement of a donation to Soroptimist – Delhi Chapter towards plantation of trees at the Mahila Kendra in Dera Mandi, Delhi.

The Honorable Minister will then deliver the inaugural address which will be followed by a vote of thanks and gratitude from Mr. Sudhir Sachdeva, the Conference Chairman and Managing Director of Siddharth Grease & Lube Pvt. Ltd. The opening day would begin with a panel discussion on ‘Global Grease & Lubricant Industry: Scenario and Future Outlook’, which will offer a unique opportunity to learn from industry heads and experts working in reputed companies. The discussion will provide a platform for an exchange of ideas on the current and future scenario of the grease and lubricant industry.

The plenary session, “The Burning World Issues of Global Warming & Sustainability” will feature a lecture

by Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI. Her lecture will address the carbon neutrality in the hydrocarbon industry.

The panel discussion, “Greases & Gear Oils for Future Auto Mobility” will bring together CTOs, Directors, and heads of technology as they share their insights on the latest greases and gear oils advancements and what it holds for the future of automotive industry The event will be followed by giving away Lifetime Achievement Award, Long Service Awards, felicitation of past presidents of NLGI-IC, and a cultural program culminating in a networking dinner. This will be an opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by industry leaders and experts.

The second day of the Conference will start with plenary sessions on ‘Sustainability’. This would include a talk on the energy scenario and its impact on the grease & lubricant industry which will be followed by a tea break and a talk by Mr. Nithya Shanti, a professional life coach.

The other sessions include various talks exploring new opportunities in the industry. The technical session on grease would include comparative studies and presentations on composition & performance.

Later in the day, we include the felicitation of exhibitors and sponsors, followed by a cultural program and a gala dinner. The families of the participants will get an opportunity to explore Akshardham Temple, Central Vista, the new Parliament House, Amrit Udyan, and the popular restaurants at Pandara Road, Delhi.

On the Valedictory Sunday there would be a talk on ‘Grease Composition’, followed by a technical session.

The day would conclude with a valedictory program which would include issuance of Conference summary, concluding remarks, distribution of Best Paper Awards, an address by the chief guest, and a vote of thanks.

The closing ceremony would offer an opportunity for delegates and their families to enjoy the lucky dip contest and a raffle draw.

The colours of spring and its fragrance will float in the Silver Jubilee celebration of the NLGI-IC Conference, with the announcement of Holi, the festival of colour.

Participants and delegates will come together, with flowers in hand, to participate in the Holi Milan which will be followed by Delhi Street Food Festival which will conclude the joyous celebrations.

With that, the NLGI-IC Conference will come to an end with the promise of meeting again a year later. The grand finale will be a fitting tribute to the success and growth of the NLGI-IC which will set the tone for the coming 25 years.

ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT IN THE LUBRICANT INDUSTRY Strategies and Best Practices ONE OF THE CRUCIAL WAYS THE LUBRICATION INDUSTRY IS MAKING PROGRESS TOWARD A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT IS BY FORMULATING MORE SUSTAINABLE LUBRICANTS. THESE LUBRICANTS ARE PRODUCED FROM RENEWABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS, SUCH AS VEGETABLE OILS, AND CAN SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE THE NUMBER OF GREENHOUSE GASES EMITTED DURING PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION.

T

he global lubricant market was valued at USD 164.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 187.9 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2022 to 2027 (MarketAndMarkets, Lubricants Market by Base Oil, Product Type, EndUse Industry, Region - Global Forecast to 2027, [2022]). With the growing demand, the lubrication industry is making commendable strides towards attaining a lower carbon footprint and mitigating its environmental impact.

Lowering the carbon footprint, in this context, refers to the equilibrium between the number of greenhouse gasses discharged and the quantity sequestered from the atmosphere. This results in no overall

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enhancement of atmospheric greenhouse gasses. Like many other sectors, the lubrication industry bears the responsibility of working towards a sustainable future, and it is undertaking various measures to realize this objective.

One of the crucial ways the lubrication industry is making progress towards a lower carbon footprint is by formulating more sustainable lubricants.

These lubricants are produced from renewable and biodegradable materials, such as vegetable oils, and can significantly decrease the number of greenhouse gases emitted during production and utilization.

Furthermore, some companies utilize carbon capture technology to capture and store carbon emissions

during production. This decreases emissions and creates an opportunity for the captured carbon to be used in other industries or for carbon offset projects.

Another way the lubrication industry successfully lowers its carbon footprint is by implementing more efficient and sustainable production processes. For instance, many companies are now utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power their production facilities. This not only reduces emissions but also helps to diversify the energy mix and supports the growth of renewable energy.

STEPS TAKEN BY COMPANIES TOWARDS REDUCING EMISSIONS Many companies are implementing recycling and waste reduction programs to decrease the amount of waste generated during production. This not only

helps to reduce emissions but also helps to conserve resources and keep costs down. In addition to these efforts to lower emissions, the industry is actively making progress by investing in carbon offset projects.

These projects, such as reforestation and clean energy projects, aim to remove or mitigate the same amount of greenhouse gasses the company emits.

This not only helps to offset emissions but also helps

to promote sustainable development and biodiversity.

The lubrication industry is also making strides by promoting sustainable consumption of lubricants.

Many companies are now offering used oil collection and recycling services, which can significantly reduce the amount of waste oil in landfills.

Also, companies provide more education and resources to help customers make more sustainable choices when purchasing lubricants. This not only helps to reduce emissions but also helps to promote a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled. Overall, the lubrication industry is making significant progress towards lowering emissions.

The industry has been able to minimize emissions, conserve resources and promote sustainable development through the development of sustainable lubricants, sustainable production processes, carbon

offset projects, and sustainable consumption.

However, the industry will need to continue innovating and collaborating to achieve the ultimate goal of reducing its carbon footprint. The lubrication industry collaborates with governments, organizations, and other sectors to achieve common goals. For example, many companies are joining initiatives such as RE100, which aims to accelerate the transition to renewable ENVISIONING A NEW ERA

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The theme of the NLGI-IC Silver Jubilee Conference is “New Frontiers in Grease Industry – Moving towards Net Zero,” which highlights the need for companies in the grease industry to embrace new technologies and practices that can help them move towards a net-

For details contact:

NATIONAL LUBRICATING GREASE INSTITUTE-INDIA CHAPTER Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. R & D Centre, Sector 13 Faridabad 121 007 Haryana India E-mail: nlgi.ic.1997@gmail.com

Design: ISHTIHAAR

zero carbon footprint.