Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst (ISO 18436-4, I)

Body Of Knowledge:
The Level I MLA Body of Knowledge is an outline of concepts that a candidate shall have in order to pass the
exam, in accordance with ISO 18436-4, Category I, Annex A.
References from which exam questions were derived can be found in the Domain of Knowledge.

I. Maintenance Strategies (10%)

A. Why machines fail
B. The impact of poor maintenance on company profits
C. The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance
D. Lube routes and scheduling
E. Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness.
F. Equipment tagging and identification.

II. Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals (18%)

A. Fundamentals of tribology
B. Functions of a lubricant
C. Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
D. Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
E. Mixed-film lubrication
F. Base-oils
G. Additives and their functions
H. Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.
I. Grease lubrication
1. How grease is made
2. Thickener types
3. Thickener compatibility
4. Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications.

III. Lubricant Selection (10%)

A. Viscosity selection
B. Base-oil type selection
C. Additive system selection
D. Machine specific lubricant requirements
1. Hydraulic systems
2. Rolling element bearings
3. Journal bearings
4. Reciprocating engines
5. Gearing and gearboxes
E. Application and environment related adjustments.

IV. Lubricant Application (18%)

A. Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume.
B. Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies.
C. When to select oil; when to select grease.
D. Effective use of manual delivery techniques.
E. Automatic delivery systems.
1. Automated deliver options.
a) Automated grease systems
b) Oil mist systems
c) Drip and wick lubricators
2. Deciding when to employ automated lubricators.
3. Maintenance of automated lubrication systems.

V. Lube Storage and Management (10%)

A. Lubricant receiving procedures.
B. Proper storage and inventory management.
C. Lube storage containers
 D. Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices.
E. Maintenance of automatic grease systems.
F. Health and safety assurance.

VI. Lube Condition Control (10%)

A. Filtration and separation technologies.
B. Filter rating.
C. Filtration system design and filter selection.

VII. Oil Sampling (10%)

A. Objectives for lube oil sampling
B. Sampling methods
C. Managing interference
1. Bottle cleanliness and management
2. Flushing
3. Machine conditions appropriate for sampling

VIII. Lubricant health monitoring (10%)

A. Lubricant failure mechanisms
1. Oxidative degradation
a) The oxidation process
b) Causes of oxidation
c) Effects of oxidative degradation
2. Thermal degradation
a) The thermal failure process
b) Causes of thermal failure
c) Effects of thermal degradation
3. Additive depletion/degradation
a) Additive depletion mechanisms
b) Additives at risk for depletion/degradation by the various mechanisms.
B. Testing for wrong or mixed lubricants
1. Baselining physical and chemical properties tests
2. Additive discrepancies
C. Fluid properties test methods and measurement units - applications and limitations.
1. Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445)
2. Absolute (Dynamic) Viscosity (ASTM D2893)
3. Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270)
4. Acid Number (ASTM D974 et al)
5. Base Number (ASTM D974 et al)
6. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis
7. Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (ASTMD2272)
8. Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

IX. Wear Debris Monitoring and Analysis (4%)

A. Common machine wear mechanisms
Terms And Conditions
Candidates should arrive 15 minutes prior to the examination start time. Note: Photo ID IS REQUIRED.
Exam session is 3 hours long. If a candidate is tardy, no extra time will be allowed. If tardiness exceeds 30
minutes, exam package may be re-assigned to a waiting candidate. Candidates shall print and sign their
names on the response card (name only) before answering the exam questions. Answers (only one per
question) shall be marked on the response card provided. If more than one answer is marked per question,
that question will be automatically voided.

Candidates shall refrain from smoking, eating, drinking or chewing gum and may not leave the room at
anytime during the examination. ICML will consider requests for special arrangements from Candidates with
medical conditions or disabilities, if received via registrations@lubecouncil.org, up to two weeks prior to the
exam date. Any candidate who violates the policies or engages in, or is an accessory to, fraudulent conduct
or any other unethical behavior shall be excluded from the examination. Candidates excluded for unethical
behavior must wait at least 12 months before reapplying.

The exam is closed book. Candidates are only allowed pencils, erasers and a basic, non-programmable
scientific calculator. Use of electronic devices is not permitted in the examination room. Cell phones, pagers,
laptops, etc. need to be left with the proctor during examination and will be returned upon completion of the
exam.
Foreign candidates may be allowed an English dictionary, which shall be inspected by the proctor prior to the
examination.

In the event a candidate has a problem with an exam question, a notation describing the problem should be
made on the side of the referenced question. By not making a notation, the candidate is waiving his/her
right to appeal.

Upon completion of the exam, candidates shall, in the presence of the proctor, place all exam related
materials in the return envelope provided within their individual exam packages, seal it, sign across the seal,
and return the same to the proctor. After being accounted for, candidates shall leave the testing area. All
persons who take any ICML examination agree to maintain the confidentially of the examination content and
to never disclose examination content to others. No copying or removal of any materials related to the
examination is allowed. In the event of breach of security ICML reserves the right to apply score cancellation
procedures.

Candidates will receive results in pass/fail format along with information of general content areas of
deficiency. Re-testing is allowed for failing candidates, with one month waiting period. Passing candidates
will be shown, along with company name, in ICML’s online list of certified professionals. As a professional
certified by the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML), you pledge to honor your profession
with behavior becoming of a professional, and adhere to ICML’s Code of Ethics:

 Serve employers, clients, the industry and the public at-large with honesty and integrity.

 Alert clients of business activities or interests that might impair their judgment or impartiality.

 Advise clients or employers honestly, providing their true professional opinion regardless of the
circumstances or possible personal consequences.

 Strictly comply with non-disclosure requirements set forth by clients or employers

 Not accept payment from multiple clients for the same work unless agreed to by all parties.

 Employ their skills to reduce safety and environmental risks and improve the productivity and
profitability of equipment under their observation.

 Earnestly promote the advancement of the machinery lubrication profession.

 Exercise dignity and modesty when discussing their work or accomplishments.

  Claim credit only for their own work and give credit accurately and freely for the accomplishments
of others.

 Endeavor to advance the skills and interests of individuals in their employ or under their
supervision.

 Compete fairly.

The certificate is renewable every three years from the date of issue, granted no significant work
interruption has occurred.

In the event exam start time is delayed over 30 minutes due to proctor arrival or exam room issues,
candidates may decline to take the exam and request it voided and an alternative exam session
coordinated. In such case, the candidate shall note his/her exam envelope with the reasons for his/her
request to appeal and hand it, along with all exam materials, to the proctor. Failure to take such measures
prior to the end of the examination session will constitute waiving of the right to appeal based on exam
session circumstances.