Shell Lubricants organises 3rd Metals Technology Forum

Shell Lubricants, organised the 3rd Metal Technology forum in Bhubaneshwar, Jharsuguda and Jamshedpur. The main objective of the Lubricant Technology Forum was to discuss challenges and solutions in the metal and power sectors. In addition, the forum aimed at showcasing Shell Lubricants technology leadership and the holistic technical solutions offered by Shell Lubricants with a special focus on premium grease applications in steel plants. The previous two editions were held in Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar in 2013.

The event witnessed over 90 participants from different metal and power customers like Bhushan Power & Steel, Steag Energy, Tata steel, Bhushan Steel, Jindal Stainless steel, Tata Refractory, and Jindal Steel amongst others.  The forum provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss their lubrication challenges and requirements. The key trends discussed included next gen solution for open gear lubrication, long drain engine oils for off Highway equipments, solution and challenges in metal and power industry (grease application).

The sessions at the technology forum were led by Ian Martin, Global Key Account & Competence Development Manager, Greases. Other Shell experts who addressed the forum included Ajay Agarwal, Technical Team Leader, India, Umesh Dwivedi, BDM- Grease, India and Vaibhav Verma, LTA- P&M, India. The forum was preceded by visits to a few key metal customers which in turn helped the technical team to customize the technical optimum solutions for their challenges. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ian Martin, Global Key Account & Competence Development Manager, Greases “The Annual Metals Technology Forum held in Gobi Desert, China and key locations in East India in 2014 is part of our sustained efforts at Shell of continuously striving for leveraging technology for developing new products and solutions for our customers. The focus this year was on understanding the key challenges in the HRM and pellet sections of the steel plant.”

Mr. Akhil Jha, Vice President Technical (Lubricants), Shell India Markets Private Limited said, “We organized Technology Forum for metals and power customers in the Eastern India with an objective to showcase our technology & premium value proposition in this sector.  The event was organized at three places and was attended by all major metals customers in the region. The discussion in the forum focused on specific applications where Steel Mills can benefit from Premium products & services from Shell to reduce downtime & maintenance cost, increase oil & equipment life and increase system reliability & efficiency of their machineries.”

Mr. Sushil Singh, VP Projects, Bhushan Power & Steel Limited, one of the customers who attended the forum said, “The Metals Technology Forum is a unique initiative started by Shell Lubricants which provides a common platform for the senior Production /Technical Managers of Integrated Steel Plants & the R&D Team of Lubricants Manufacturers to discuss the key application challenges faced by the Steel Industry in critical areas like HSM, CRM, HRM and the feasible lubrication solutions for the same.”

Another customer, Mr. Mukesh Dubey, Vice President, Bhushan Steel Limited said, “Shell has been a pioneer in organizing the technology forums and I have been part of the previous editions as well. The discourse at the Metals Technology Forum gives a fresh perspective to ideas. In addition, the case studies discussed by Shell experts during the forum, have indeed helped us to understand the product & technology better. We are looking forward to the next year’s forum.”

Shell Lubricants conducts similar technology forums in other parts of the world with the objective of understanding the next generation requirements of the Steel Industry. Recently, Shell China team conducted a Technology Forum / Steel networking event for the Production & Technical Managers of Integrated Steel Plants in Gobi Desert.

To further strengthen partnerships with customers in India, Shell Lubricants plans to continue with this initiative in Maharashtra and Karnataka states next year.