The course aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills for successfully pass the ICML certification exam. As a minimum, following objectives will be achieved:

• Understanding the importance of lubrication: Participants will learn about the critical role of lubrication in machinery performance and maintenance. They will understand how lubricants reduce friction, prevent wear, dissipate heat, and protect against corrosion.
• Knowledge of lubricant properties: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of lubricant properties, including viscosity, viscosity index, oxidation stability, additive packages, and base oil types. They will learn how these properties influence lubricant performance and selection.

·         Lubrication Management: Discuss lubrication management best practices, including storage and handling of lubricants, and lubricant selection.

·         Sampling Techniques: Teach proper sampling techniques, including sampling point selection, sample bottle preparation, and sample collection methods to ensure representative and accurate results.

• Lubricant analysis techniques: Participants will learn various techniques used for lubricant analysis, such as viscosity measurement, acid number determination, water content analysis, particle counting, and spectroscopy (such as infrared analysis and elemental analysis).
• Implementing an effective lubrication program: Participants will gain knowledge about developing and implementing an effective lubrication program within their organization. They will learn about best practices for establishing proper lubrication schedules and oil change intervals.
• Safety and environmental considerations: Participants will be made aware of safety protocols and environmental regulations related to lubricant handling and disposal. They will learn how to handle lubricants safely and responsibly to minimize health risks and environmental impact.

A machinery lubricant analysis course is beneficial for a wide range of professionals who are involved in machinery maintenance, reliability, and lubrication. The course is typically attended by:

1. Maintenance Engineers: Maintenance engineers who are responsible for the overall health and performance of machinery can benefit greatly from attending the course. They will learn how lubricant analysis can help identify potential issues, optimize maintenance schedules, and improve machinery reliability.
2. Reliability Engineers: Reliability engineers focus on maximizing the reliability and availability of machinery. By attending the course, they can enhance their understanding of lubrication principles, lubricant analysis techniques, and how to integrate lubricant analysis into their reliability strategies.
3. Lubrication Technicians: Technicians involved in lubrication activities, such as oil sampling, lubricant application, and oil analysis, can gain valuable knowledge and skills from the course. They will learn how to perform effective lubricant analysis tests, interpret results, and make informed decisions regarding lubrication practices.
4. Maintenance Planners/Schedulers: Maintenance planners and schedulers who develop maintenance plans and schedules can benefit from understanding the role of lubricant analysis in optimizing maintenance activities. They will learn how to use lubricant analysis data to develop predictive maintenance plans and determine optimal oil change intervals.
5. Operations and Production Managers: Operations and production managers who oversee the performance and efficiency of machinery can benefit from attending the course. They will gain insights into the importance of lubrication, how lubricant analysis can improve machinery performance, and how to integrate lubricant analysis into their operational strategies.
6. Condition Monitoring Professionals: Professionals involved in condition monitoring programs, such as vibration analysts or thermographers, can expand their knowledge by adding lubricant analysis to their skillset. Understanding lubricant analysis complements other condition monitoring techniques and provides a more comprehensive picture of machinery health.

 Module 1: Maintenance Strategies (10%)

·         Why machines fail

·         The impact of poor maintenance on company profits

·         The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance

·         Lube routes and scheduling

·         Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness.

·         Equipment tagging and identification.

 Module 2: Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals (18%)

·         Fundamentals of tribology

·         Functions of a lubricant

·         Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)

·         Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)

·         Mixed-film lubrication

·         Base-oils

·         Additives and their functions

·         Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.

·         Grease lubrication

o   How grease is made?

o   Thickener types

o   Thickener compatibility

o   Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.

 Module 3: Lubricant Selection (10%)

·         Viscosity selection

·         Base-oil type selection

·         Additive system selection

·         Machine specific lubricant requirements

o   Hydraulic systems

o   Rolling element bearings

o   Journal bearings

o   Reciprocating engines

o   Gearing and gearboxes

·         Application and environment related adjustments.

Module 4: Lubricant Application (18%)

·         Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume.

·         Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies.

·         When to select oil; when to select grease.

·         Effective use of manual delivery techniques.

·         Automatic delivery systems.

o   Automated deliver options.

§  Automated grease systems

§  Oil mist systems

§  Drip and wick lubricators

·         Deciding when to employ automated lubricators.

·         Maintenance of automated lubrication systems.

Module 5: Lube Storage and Management (10%)

·         Lubricant receiving procedures.

·         Proper storage and inventory management.

·         Lube storage containers

·         Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices.

·         Maintenance of automatic grease systems.

·         Health and safety assurance.

Module 6: Lube Condition Control (10%)

·         Filtration and separation technologies.

·         Filter rating.

·         Filtration system design and filter selection.

Module 7: Oil Sampling (10%)

·         Objectives for lube oil sampling

·         Sampling methods

·         Managing interference

o   Bottle cleanliness and management

o   Flushing

o   Machine conditions appropriate for sampling

Module 8: Lubricant health monitoring (10%)

·         Lubricant failure mechanisms

o   Oxidative degradation

§  The oxidation process

§  Causes of oxidation

§  Effects of oxidative degradation

o   Thermal degradation

§  The thermal failure process

§  Causes of thermal failure

§  Effects of thermal degradation

·         Additive depletion/degradation

o   Additive depletion mechanisms

o   Additives at risk for depletion/degradation by the various mechanisms.

·         Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants

o   Baselining physical and chemical properties tests

o   Additive discrepancies

·         Fluid properties test methods and measurement units - applications and limitations.

o   Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445)

o   Absolute (Dynamic) Viscosity (ASTM D2893)

o   Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)

o   Acid Number (ASTM D974 et al)

o   Base Number (ASTM D974 et al)

o   Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis

o   Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (ASTMD2272)

o   Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

 Module 9: Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis (4%)

·         Common machine wear mechanisms