UditVani, Jamshedpur: The two-day national symposium on “Remaining Life Assessment of Engineering Components (RLA-2026),” organized by CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur, concluded on April 10 with a compelling valedictory session that underscored the growing importance of advanced diagnostics, data integrity, and collaborative innovation in extending the service life of critical industrial assets.
Bringing together experts from industry, academia, and research institutions, the symposium served as a dynamic platform for in-depth discussions on the assessment and management of high-value infrastructure such as boilers, turbines, pipelines, and refinery components.
Over the course of two days, deliberations focused on creep and stress rupture-based evaluations, corrosion management strategies, risk-based inspection protocols, and emerging methodologies in RLA. Delegates also gained hands-on exposure through laboratory visits showcasing the state-of-the-art facilities at CSIR-NML.
A key highlight of the concluding session was the panel discussion on “Engineering Longevity: R&D Led Life Extension of Plant Components,” moderated by Dr.-Ing. J.K. Sahu.
The panel featured distinguished experts including Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Dr. K.K. Sahu, A. Samanta, Dr. S.K. Nath, and K. Sateesh.
Panelists emphasized that the integration of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), microstructural analysis, and AI-driven data analytics is pivotal for accurate life prediction. Concerns were raised regarding the quality and consistency of RLA reports, with industry experts stressing that even minor data inaccuracies can significantly impact operational safety.
The need for increased inspection frequency, improved data quality, and optimized downtime was strongly advocated.
The discussion also highlighted challenges in material performance, particularly in hard coating technologies, which often suffer premature failure due to weak bonding and spallation under harsh operating conditions.
Addressing the skill gap in this specialized domain, the panel proposed structured academic interventions, including certificate courses and Industrial PhD (iPhD) programs through the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world industrial challenges.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury commended the enthusiastic participation of delegates and reaffirmed CSIR-NML’s commitment to advancing research in structural integrity and life assessment technologies.
The organizers expressed satisfaction with the symposium’s success, noting its role as a premier national forum fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration in the field of Remaining Life Assessment.
