ISO 18436-4 Category I – Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA I)

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A comprehensive ICML course on machinery lubrication, covering tribology, lubricant selection, and application practices. Learn lubrication systems, storage, handling, and contamination control techniques. Develop skills in oil sampling, condition monitoring, and interpreting lubricant analysis results. Prepare for ICML MLA I (ISO 18436‑4) certification to enhance machine reliability.

Duration:

32 hours

Schedule:

days

Delivery:

Audience:

Maintenance engineers and technicians
Reliability engineers
Lubricant analysts
Lubrication engineers

Objectives:

Learn the fundamental concepts of machinery lubrication.
Learn the fundamentals concepts of effective of oil sampling.
Learn the basics of lubricant analysis and result interpretation.
Understand the importance of lubricant analysis in machine reliability.
Prepare for ICML Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst: MLA I (ISO 18436-4, I) certification exam

Required Prerequisites:

None

Recommended Prerequisites:

None

Additional Requirements:

12 months of experience in lubricant analysis–based condition monitoring.

Program:

Day 1

Maintenance strategy and machine failure
Tribology and functions of lubricants
Lubrication regimes (HD, EHD, mixed)
Base oils, additives, oil & grease fundamental

Day 2

Viscosity, base oil & additive selection
Machine‑specific lubricant requirements
Environmental & application adjustments
Lubricant application methods
Oil vs grease, quantities & relube intervals

Day 3

Manual and automatic lubrication
Single‑point & centralized systems
Lube storage, handling & safety.
Selection, operation & basic maintenance

Day 4

Contamination & filtration control
Filtration system selection
Oil sampling practices
Lubricant health monitoring & testing
Viscosity, Viscosity Index, Acid Number (TAN)
Base Number (TBN), FTIR, RPVOT, Elemental Analysis
Wear debris monitoring

Day 5

ICML Exam: The certification exam consists of 100 multiple‑choice questions administered over three hours. A score of 70% is required to pass.

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