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

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This ICML course covers lubricant fundamentals, including base oils, additives, and synthetic lubricants, along with their roles in machine reliability. Participants learn best practices in oil sampling techniques, procedures, and contamination control for different equipment. The program explores lubricant degradation mechanisms, key oil analysis tests, and result interpretation for effective condition monitoring. It also develops skills in wear analysis, contamination detection, and prepares participants for ICML MLA II certification.

Duration:

35 hours

Schedule:

days

Delivery:

Audience:

Maintenance Engineers
Reliability Engineers
Lubricant Analysts
Lubrication Engineers

Objectives:

Develop expertise in the field of lubricant-analysis-based machinery condition monitoring
Learn about lubricant health monitoring
Develop knowledge and skills on lubricant contamination measurement and control
Be able to conduct oil analysis tests and gain knowledge in result interpretation.
Prepare for ICML Level II Machine Lubricant Analyst: MLA II (ISO 18436-4, II) certification exam. The exam and the associated certification are provided by ICML. Baker Hughes can provide a proctored environment for either the paper-based or online exam.

Required Prerequisites:

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

Recommended Prerequisites:

None

Additional Requirements:

Prerequisites: · 24 months of relevant experience · MLA I certification or grandfathering

Program:

Day 1

Role and functions of lubricants
Base oils: functions & key properties
Additives: surface‑active vs bulk‑oil active
Synthetic lubricants: types & application conditions
Oil analysis within RCM & CBM

Day 2

Objectives of effective oil sampling
Equipment‑specific sampling (gearboxes, engines, hydraulics, circulating systems)
Sampling methods: non‑pressurized & pressurized systems
Managing sampling interference (cleanliness, flushing, operating conditions)
Sampling frequency, procedures & sample handling

Day 3

Lubricant failure mechanisms: oxidation, thermal degradation, additive depletion
Effects and causes of lubricant degradation
Key lubricant tests: viscosity, VI, AN/BN, FTIR, RPVOT, spectroscopy, RULER, MPC, Air release and Foam stability.
Interpreting lubricant condition trends.

Day 4

Particle, moisture, fuel, glycol, soot & air contamination.
Effects of contamination on machines & lubricants
Common wear mechanisms
Wear detection methods (ICP, particle counts)
Ferrograms, filtergrams & basic wear debris morphology.

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.

Would you like more information or want to register for the course? We can help to facilitate the best training experience for you and your team with onsite, classroom, remote learning, and other options available.

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