The Hindu : National : Aviation lubricant tests successful

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Aviation lubricant tests successful

Yogendra Kalavalapalli

HYDERABAD: India has successfully completed ground tests for one variety of indigenously developed synthetic aviation lubricant, and is on the verge of testing another variety, according to scientists at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) here. The premier research institute is involved in preparing base oil, the majority component of the lubricant, at its Rs.17-crore Synthetic Aviation Pilot Plant Project.

Significant development

The development is considered significant as the country is currently dependent on some global oil companies. The lubricant is necessary for all aircraft — civilian and military — and India is spending huge amounts of foreign exchange on buying it.

IICT scientists say it would take at least two more years for the country to take up commercial production.

There are two varieties of the lubricant being developed. One named ‘SVS 11 equivalent to OX27’ was tested for bearings and engine as prescribed by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, IICT Director J.S. Yadav said on Tuesday. The second variety, ‘SVS 21 equivalent to OX38,’ is expected to be tested by the end of the year.

Awaiting engines

“We have successfully completed ground tests for the lubricant and are awaiting aircraft engines from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to test how it performs in the air,” Dr. Yadav said.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently approved the supply of aircraft engines by the Indian Air Force for testing the developed lubricant.

Once India starts manufacturing the lubricant that has “stringent properties,” the costs would come down by 30 to 40 per cent, Dr. Vijay Kale, coordinator for Synthetic Aviation Lubricants, told The Hindu. The lubricants should handle extreme speed, temperature, and other stress without breaking down or forming deposits between the parts.

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