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.

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The symposium has drawn around 150 delegates from premier organisations including ONGC, Tata Steel, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, IIT Kharagpur, CSIR-CMERI, and Mahindra Defence Systems, among others.

The inaugural session was graced by G. Satheesh Reddy, Member of the National Security Advisory Board and former Chairman of DRDO, as the Chief Guest. The session was presided over by NML Director Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, along with symposium chairman Jitendra Kumar Sahu and convener Sumanta Bagui.

Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Chowdhury highlighted that nearly 60–70 per cent of industrial structural components in sectors such as petrochemicals, thermal power, and mining are currently operating beyond their designed lifespan.

He underscored the critical role of Remaining Life Assessment (RLA) in ensuring the safe and continued operation of such ageing infrastructure without risking catastrophic failure.

Dr. Sahu provided an overview of the symposium, emphasizing NML’s pioneering contributions to RLA in sectors like thermal power, aerospace, and oil and gas, particularly in assessing structural integrity and extending service life of critical components.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Reddy described RLA as a strategic discipline vital for India’s industrial ecosystem.

He stressed its importance in ensuring the safety and reliability of key assets such as boilers, turbines, and pressure systems.

He also highlighted emerging applications in the defence sector, including missiles and aircraft, where extending operational life without compromising safety is crucial.

Dr. Reddy further pointed to the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing predictive accuracy in life assessment models, while emphasizing the need for high-quality service data.

He also called for expanding RLA applications to electronic components, which are increasingly integral to modern engineering systems.

The symposium will feature technical sessions on creep and stress rupture-based life assessment, microstructure and data-driven modelling, advanced sensors and non-destructive testing tools, and recent advancements in RLA methodologies.

With participation from power, oil and gas, petrochemicals, aerospace, steel, and manufacturing sectors, the event is expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry. Organisers noted that such initiatives are crucial for improving industrial efficiency and ensuring the safe life extension of ageing assets in India.

The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Bagui.

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