Course Overview

Machinery Lubrication Analysis – Level I (MLA I), Delivered By Jeruel, prepares maintenance professionals to master basic lubricant condition monitoring while meeting requirements for the ICML MLA I certification exam (ISO 18436-4 Category I). This comprehensive 24-hour program covers essential topics including lubrication fundamentals, tribology principles, proper lubricant selection, storage protocols, sampling techniques, and condition monitoring methods that directly impact equipment reliability and performance.

Designed specifically for hands-on maintenance personnel—including lubrication technicians, mechanics, millwrights, reliability engineers, and maintenance supervisors—this course delivers both practical knowledge and the documented training hours required for MLA I exam eligibility. Jeruel's expert instruction transforms technical concepts into actionable maintenance practices that participants can immediately implement to extend equipment life, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.

Learning Objectives

• Discover how proper lubrication strategies prevent machine failure and boost reliability. Learn to create effective lube routes, schedule maintenance, and use oil analysis to catch problems early. Well-maintained equipment can run up to 10 times longer than poorly maintained machines.
• Explore the science of lubrication from the ground up. Discover how lubricants work to reduce friction, the different lubrication regimes that occur between surfaces, and the composition of oils and greases. You'll learn about specialized additives that can transform base oils to handle extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
• Choose the right lubricant for each job. Match viscosity and base-oil properties to your specific equipment needs. Select additive systems that protect bearings, journals, gears, hydraulics, and engines under their unique operating conditions.
• Master lubricant application from start to finish. Calculate exact volumes needed, determine optimal relube frequencies, and choose between manual or automated delivery systems. Learn how to maintain automated systems for peak performance and reliability.
• Master lubricant storage and handling. Inspect deliveries, use proper containers, track inventory, maintain cleanliness, and follow safety protocols. Good practices prevent contamination and extend equipment life.
• Master lube condition control through effective filtration systems. Learn how to select the right separation technologies, understand filter ratings, and design systems that keep lubricants clean. Proper filtration can extend equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.
• Master oil sampling from start to finish: set clear objectives, use proper collection techniques, prevent contamination, and maintain accurate records. Proper handling can extend equipment life by years and prevent costly failures.
• Discover how lubricants break down through oxidation, thermal stress, and additive depletion. Learn to track oil health using key tests like viscosity measurements, acid/base numbers, and spectroscopy techniques. We'll explore FTIR analysis and RPVOT testing while acknowledging the limitations of each method.
• Discover how to identify machine problems through wear debris analysis. Learn to recognize common wear patterns and particles that signal potential failures. This foundational knowledge helps you catch issues before they become catastrophic breakdowns.