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Certified Machine Lubrication Analyst (MLA) Level 2 course hero image
Reliability
Engineering

Certified Machine Lubrication Analyst (MLA) Level 2

Advanced Competencies in Oil Analysis, Contamination Control, and Wear Debris Diagnostics for Machinery Reliability

Overview

The Certified Machine Lubrication Analyst Level II (MLA-II) program is an advanced five-day training designed for professionals who have foundational lubrication knowledge (MLA-I or equivalent experience) and seek to deepen their expertise in lubricant analysis, contamination control, and wear debris diagnostics.

This course builds on Level I principles and provides advanced techniques for oil sampling, lubricant condition assessment, contamination management, and wear particle analysis, helping participants make data-driven maintenance decisions that extend asset life and improve plant reliability.

The training aligns with the ISO 18436-4, Category II standard and prepares candidates for the ICML MLA-II Certification Exam.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand Advanced Lubrication Fundamentals

    • Explain the functions and interactions of base oils and additives.

    • Recognize when and why to use synthetic lubricants under varying operating conditions.

    • Analyze lubrication regimes and their relation to machine design and operating parameters.

  2. Integrate Oil Analysis into Maintenance Strategies

    • Apply oil analysis data within RCM and CBM frameworks.

    • Differentiate predictive, preventive, and proactive lubrication maintenance strategies.

  3. Perform Advanced Oil Sampling Procedures

    • Select and implement optimal sampling locations and techniques for various systems (gearboxes, engines, hydraulics).

    • Manage sampling frequencies, cleanliness, and handling procedures to ensure representative data.

  4. Monitor Lubricant Health Effectively

    • Identify and interpret lubricant degradation mechanisms including oxidation, thermal breakdown, and additive depletion.

    • Understand advanced oil testing methods, interpret lab results, and evaluate lubricant condition trends.

  5. Measure and Control Contamination

    • Detect, quantify, and mitigate common contaminants including particles, water, glycol, soot, fuel, and air.

    • Apply contamination control strategies and design improvements for long-term lubricant reliability.

  6. Perform Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis

    • Recognize different wear mechanisms and their root causes.

    • Conduct basic ferrographic and filtergram analyses to identify abnormal wear conditions.

    • Interpret atomic emission spectroscopy (AES/ICP) results and particle morphology for actionable insights.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for individuals involved in oil analysis, lubrication program management, and reliability improvement, including:

  • Lubrication Engineers and Technicians

  • Oil Analysis and Condition Monitoring Specialists

  • Reliability and Maintenance Engineers

  • Predictive Maintenance Supervisors

  • Plant and Equipment Inspectors

  • Professionals pursuing ICML MLA-II certification

Course Methodology

BK Management Team believe that learning is not only about acquiring technical skills, it is also about learning behaviors & Competencies that are desirable for work in plant operation & maintenance critical dimensions. Our holistic teaching develops our delegates' personal effectiveness to function both as an individual and as a team player. The course delivery & modes of instruction will incorporate theory, practical skills and Q&A sessions. To enhance learning outcomes, theory sessions will comprise classroom-based lecture that will intersperse with interactive discussions, scenario-based, case-study, group exercises, video clips, power point slides, learners' Guide and the application of various tools which will be provided to help in the delegates and participants of the learning’s objectives. With successful implementation of the learnt skills, they are bound to enhance Individual & Organizational growth. For online / Interactive Virtual sessions, Delegate should have a stable & good Internet connection on his laptop.

Course Outline

Module 1 – Lubricant Roles and Functions
  • Review of base oil and additive chemistry

  • Functions and classifications of surface-active vs. bulk additives

  • Introduction to synthetic lubricants: types, performance, and selection criteria

  • Lubrication regimes and transition between hydrodynamic, EHL, and boundary lubrication

Module 2 – Oil Analysis Maintenance Strategies
  • Overview of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and its role in lubrication programs

  • Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) fundamentals

  • Predictive and proactive lubrication strategies

  • Integrating oil analysis data with maintenance planning

Module 3 – Oil Sampling
  • Sampling objectives and data reliability

  • Equipment-specific sampling:

    • Gearboxes (circulating and splash-lubricated)

    • Engines and hydraulic systems

    • Multi-component circulating systems

  • Sampling techniques for:

    • Non-pressurized systems

    • Low- and high-pressure systems

  • Managing interferences: cleanliness, flushing, and condition stability

  • Sampling program management:

    • Setting optimal frequencies

    • Standardizing procedures

    • Documentation and labeling best practices

Module 4 – Lubricant Health Monitoring
  • Lubricant degradation mechanisms:

    • Oxidation, thermal degradation, and additive depletion

  • Identifying mixed or incorrect lubricants

  • Testing methods and interpretation:

    • Viscosity (ASTM D445, D2983)

    • Acid and Base Number (ASTM D974)

    • FTIR and RPVOT (ASTM D2272)

    • Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

  • Case studies on lubricant failure diagnostics

Module 5 – Lubricant Contamination Measurement and Control
  • Particle Contamination: causes, effects, measurement, and filtration techniques

  • Moisture Contamination: water states, measurement (ppm, % saturation), demulsibility, and control

  • Glycol Contamination: detection, causes, and corrective measures

  • Soot Contamination: identification, analysis, and mitigation strategies in engine oils

  • Fuel Dilution: testing methods and corrective actions

  • Air Contamination: foam stability and air release (ASTM D892, D3427); control techniques

  • Establishing contamination control targets and cleanliness codes (ISO 4406)

Module 6 – Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis
  • Common wear mechanisms and their identification:

    • Abrasive, adhesive, corrosive, fatigue, and cavitation wear

  • Techniques for detecting abnormal wear:

    • AES (ICP and arc-spark methods)

    • Wear particle density and trend analysis

  • Practical ferrography and filtergram preparation

  • Optical analysis and morphology classification

  • Effects of magnetism, lighting, and heat on particle interpretation

  • Case studies: wear pattern diagnostics and corrective actions

Module 7 - Certifiecation Exam

Participants who complete this program will sit for the ICML MLA-II Certification Exam

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