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Certified Machine Lubrication Analyst (MLA) Level 1 course hero image
Reliability
Engineering

Certified Machine Lubrication Analyst (MLA) Level 1

Overview

The Certified Machine Lubrication Analyst Level I (MLA-I) course is a comprehensive five-day program designed to build foundational knowledge and skills for professionals responsible for lubrication and oil analysis in industrial settings. This training provides an in-depth understanding of lubrication fundamentals, lubricant selection and application, storage and management, oil sampling, and condition monitoring.

Through a blend of theory, real-world examples, and best practices, participants will learn how to implement effective lubrication strategies that minimize machine wear, prevent premature failures, and optimize maintenance costs.

The course is based on the ISO 18436-4 Category I standard and prepares participants for the ICML MLA-I certification exam.

Course Objectives

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

  • Explain the role of lubrication in asset reliability and failure prevention.

  • Recognize the financial impact of poor lubrication practices on equipment life and company performance.

  • Describe key tribology principles and lubrication regimes.

  • Identify the functions, types, and properties of lubricants, including oils and greases.

  • Choose lubricants based on viscosity, base oil, and additive requirements.

  • Match lubricants to specific machine types and operating environments.

  • Calculate lubricant volume, re-lubrication, and change frequencies.

  • Apply effective manual and automated lubrication delivery systems.

  • Establish contamination-free storage and handling procedures.

  • Maintain proper inventory, labeling, and safety practices.

  • Utilize filtration and separation technologies for contamination control.

  • Interpret filter ratings and design effective filtration systems.

  • Develop oil sampling plans and select correct sampling methods.

  • Ensure representative samples by following best practices in bottle cleanliness and flushing techniques.

  • Identify lubricant degradation mechanisms and their effects.

  • Understand and apply common laboratory test methods (e.g., viscosity, acid number, FTIR).

  • Recognize key wear mechanisms and their relationship to lubrication performance.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for professionals involved in machinery lubrication, maintenance, and reliability, including:

  • Lubrication Technicians

  • Maintenance Technicians and Supervisors

  • Reliability Engineers

  • Predictive Maintenance Specialists

  • Condition Monitoring Technicians

  • Plant Engineers and Maintenance Managers

  • Anyone responsible for managing or auditing lubrication programs

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 I – Maintenance Strategies
  • The role of lubrication in reliability-centered maintenance

  • Common causes of machine failure

  • Impact of poor lubrication on asset life and profitability

  • Creating and optimizing lubrication routes

  • Integration of oil analysis and condition monitoring

  • Equipment tagging and traceability systems

Module II – Lubrication Theory and Fundamentals
  • Tribology principles: friction, wear, and lubrication

  • Lubrication regimes: hydrodynamic, elasto-hydrodynamic, and mixed-film

  • Lubricant functions and classifications

  • Base oils and additive systems

  • Grease fundamentals: composition, thickener types, compatibility, and performance

Module III – Lubricant Selection
  • Selecting viscosity grades and base oil types

  • Additive selection criteria

  • Lubricant recommendations for key equipment:

    • Hydraulic systems

    • Bearings (rolling/journal)

    • Engines and gearboxes

  • Adjusting for operating and environmental conditions

Module IV – Lubricant Application
  • Lubricant volume and frequency calculations

  • Oil vs. grease selection criteria

  • Manual and automatic lubrication systems

  • Maintenance and troubleshooting of automatic systems

  • Case studies on application optimization

Module V – Lube Storage and Management
  • Best practices in receiving, labeling, and storing lubricants

  • Preventing cross-contamination and degradation

  • Safe handling of grease guns and lubrication devices

  • Inventory control and health/safety procedures

Module VI – Lube Condition Control
  • Filtration principles and contamination control

  • Filter ratings, design, and selection

  • Filtration system optimization

Module VII – Oil Sampling
  • Establishing objectives for oil analysis

  • Sampling location, frequency, and technique

  • Avoiding sampling errors: cleanliness, flushing, and conditions

  • Sample bottle handling and documentation

Module VIII – Lubricant Health Monitoring
  • Mechanisms of lubricant degradation: oxidation, thermal, and additive depletion

  • Identifying mixed or incorrect lubricants

  • Laboratory testing and interpretation:

    • Viscosity, Acid/Base Number, FTIR, RPVOT, AES

  • Practical applications of oil condition analysis

Module IX – Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis
  • Fundamentals of wear mechanisms

  • Correlating wear patterns with lubrication conditions

  • Introduction to particle analysis methods

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Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia

373 road 112, First Industrial Area, Unit No.: 1 Al Jubail 35717 - 7043 KSA

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