You have the option of booking the entire course or selecting individual modules.
Please note that all video content is currently only available in English.
If you would prefer to prepare for the MLA/MLT I exam with a German-language course, we recommend our range of seminars in German, for example: MLA/MLT I – Machine Monitoring through Oil Analysis (for beginners) – 3 days.
Module 1: Maintenance and lubrication
This module combines oil analysis and professional lubrication with maintenance. Professional lubrication leverages the benefits of oil condition monitoring and contamination control to proactively support maintenance.
It contains the following videos:
- Maintenance and lubrication
Video length: 5 minutes
Target group: Importance of lubrication for economical operation
- Why machines fail
Video length: 7:30 minutes
Target group: Information about life cycle-related failures and how to prevent them.
- The right strategy
Video length: 15 minutes
Target group: How proactive maintenance improves the reliability of your machines.
- Excellent lubrication
Video length: 11 minutes
Target group: Seven important points for excellent lubrication
Module 2: How lubrication works
This module explains the basic principles of lubrication. In this way, it provides important knowledge for the selection of lubricants. The chapter on wear mechanisms builds a bridge between oil monitoring methods and the machine elements to be monitored. It contains the following videos:
- Role and functions of lubricants
Video length: 7 minutes
Objective: To learn about the general and specific roles and functions of a lubricant
- Friction and wear
Video length: 6:54 minutes
Objective: To understand the nature of friction and how our lubricants should deal with it.
- How lubrication works
Video 1 Length: 5:30 minutes
Video 2 Length: 10:30 minutes
Objective: To understand the rules of hydrodynamic lubrication and the famous Stribeck diagram.
- What we can learn from Mr Stribeck
Video length: 8 minutes
Objective: To improve lubrication based on Mr Stribeck’s findings.
- Viscosity and lubrication
Video length: 11:15 minutes
Objective: To understand the general rules for selecting viscosity.
- EHL – what’s behind it
Video length: 8:08 minutes
Objective: Understanding the special conditions of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL).
- Wear mechanisms in brief
Video length: 10:44 minutes
Objective: Understanding the causes of wear on various machine parts and ways to prevent it
Module 3: Important properties of a lubricant
Important properties are necessary to ensure quality control, enable the selection of the right lubricant and provide information about rules and possible restrictions regarding storage and handling.
The most important properties are published in technical data sheets or safety data sheets. It contains the following videos:
- Overview
Video length: 4:10 minutes
Objective: To familiarise yourself with the most important properties of a lubricant and their purpose
- Viscosity + influence of temperature and pressure
Video length: 24:33 minutes
Objective: To familiarise yourself with viscosity, its dependence on temperature and pressure, and its specification according to international standards.
- Density, specific gravity and API gravity.
Video length: 7:28 minutes
Objective: To learn what density-related properties tell us about lubricants, lubricant base stocks and crude oil.
- Behaviour of lubricants at low temperatures
Video length: 8:06 minutes
Objective: To learn what common properties at low temperatures tell us about the lubricant.
- Behaviour at high temperatures
Video length: 9:31 minutes
Objective: To learn what common properties in connection with high temperatures say about the lubricant.
- Finishing and other properties
Video length: 12:45 minutes
Objective: To learn what colour, sulphur and ash content reveal about the composition of the lubricant.
- The colour of lubricants
Video length: 9:11 minutes
Objective: To learn what the colour and colour changes reveal about the lubricant.
Module 4: Mineral oil or synthetic oil – what's the difference?
Base oils are the backbone of lubricants. It is therefore important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various base oil types and to know when one type of base oil is more suitable than another. In addition, the principle of additive technology is crucial to understanding how base oil and additives work together successfully. In practice, questions regarding miscibility (compatibility) cannot be answered without knowledge of the fundamentals of base oils and lubricant additives. The following videos are included:
- Base oils – Introduction and overview
Video length: 16:11 minutes
Objective: To acquire knowledge about the general composition of mineral oils and their limitations. An overview of synthetic base oils is provided in comparison to mineral oils. Learn about the most important types of base oils, which are explained in the following chapters of this video training course.
- Part I: From mineral oils to synthetic hydrocarbons
Video length: 21:35 minutes
Objective: To acquire knowledge about the different compositions and properties of mineral oils after various stages of hydrogen treatment (API groups I to III) and fully synthetic hydrocarbons (PAO). Familiarise yourself with where these base oil types should and should not be used.
- Part II: Esters, polyglycols and others
Video length: 18:26 minutes
Objective: Learn about the general composition of esters, polyglycols, silicones and PFPE fluids. Compared to mineral oils, an approach is given for these synthetic base oils and where they should or should not be used.
- Why water and oil do not mix
Video length: 6:46 minutes
Objective: To understand the general significance of polarity in relation to the miscibility and compatibility of substances.
Module 5: Lubricant additives
Today, almost all lubricants contain additives to improve their performance. The principle of additive technology is crucial for selecting the right lubricant. In practice, questions regarding miscibility (compatibility) cannot be answered without knowledge of the fundamentals of base oils and lubricant additives. This module contains the following video:
- Lubricant additives – introduction and overview
Video length: 18:18 minutes
Objective: Information about the general purpose of lubricant additives, how they work and which additives are used in which types of lubricants.
Module 6: Lubricating greases
A lubricating grease is a thickened oil. It has lost its ability to flow away from the lubrication point due to gravity. In this module, we explain the general composition, advantages and disadvantages of lubricating greases compared to oils, and how the components of a lubricating grease interact in general lubrication. In a brief overview, we provide information about the special properties of different types of thickeners and the most important selection criteria for lubricating greases. We cover the last point in more detail in the video training course ‘Bearing lubrication’. It contains the following videos:
- Lubricating greases – basics
Video length: 16:11 minutes
Objective: To learn about the general composition of a lubricating grease in comparison to a lubricating oil and to familiarise yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of greases compared to oils. Details will be explained in the following chapters of this video training course.
- Lubricating greases – How they work
Video length: 12:22 minutes
Objective: To learn about the general functioning of greases in comparison to lubricating oils and the interaction between base oil, thickening agents and additives. Details on the specific properties of the various thickening systems are explained in the following chapters of this video.
- Lubricating greases – Thickeners
Video length: 11:37 minutes
Objective: Learn more about the various properties that the thickening agent imparts to the fat.
- Lubricating greases – Important properties
Video length: 31:39 minutes
Target group: One of our first modules explained the most important properties of oils. Here you can learn more about the most important properties of fats and their significance.
- Standardised fat types
Video length: 10:47 minutes
Objective: You will learn about the standardisation of fat types and how to apply this in practice. You will learn more about the limitations of common DIN or ISO standards in order to avoid errors when selecting or comparing greases based on standard codes.
- Lubricating greases – relubrication
Video length: 10:32 minutes
Objective: To learn about the most important criteria for relubrication, calculating the relubrication quantity and the relubrication interval for grease lubrication of bearings.
- Compatibility of lubricating greases
Video length: 11:17 minutes
Objective: To learn about the causes and consequences of fat intolerance and the general criteria for assessing or checking tolerance.
Module 7: Bearing lubrication
Bearings appear to be relatively simple machine elements. Bearings are required practically everywhere where something rotates. These can be small machines or large production facilities that operate only intermittently or around the clock under a wide variety of environmental conditions. This leads to a wide variety of different bearing types and designs. If a single bearing fails, the resulting costs can quickly exceed the value of the bearing by a hundred to a thousand times or more. Therefore, proper maintenance and lubrication are crucial! This module contains the following videos:
- Introduction to bearings
Video length: 24:46 minutes
Objective: Learn about the tasks and functions of bearings and find out when plain bearings or roller bearings are preferable.
- Plain bearing (sliding bearing)
Video length: 13:38 minutes
Objective: Learn about the different types and designs of plain bearings and use examples to find out which machines they are used in.
- Lubrication of plain bearings
Video length: 17:46 minutes
Objective: Learn the rules of lubricant film formation in plain bearings and familiarise yourself with the most important influencing factors.
- Rolling bearings
Video length: 09:50 minutes
Objective: To learn about the different types and designs of roller bearings and, using examples, find out in which machines they are used.
- Oil lubrication of roller bearings
Video length: 24:41 minutes
Objective: To learn about the mechanism of lubricating film formation and the most important parameters influencing the selection of oil.
- Grease lubrication of rolling bearings
Video length: 26:03 minutes
Objective: Learn how greases work in rolling bearings and how to select the right grease.
- Assembly of roller bearings
Video length: 5:56 minutes
Objective: Learn about the various mounting techniques for roller bearings and find out how you can prevent bearing failures.
Module 8: Gearbox lubrication
Gears change motion parameters such as speed, direction of rotation or torque. Different gear types and designs have different lubricant requirements. Operating and environmental conditions must also be taken into account. Neutral ISO, DIN or ASTM standards define the common minimum requirements for gear oils, while OEM approvals or OEM recommendations define the specific requirements of a particular gearbox or machine. This module contains the following videos:
- Gearboxes: terms, function, and types
Video length: 19:48 minutes
Objective: Learn the general terms used in transmission technology and the different characteristics of the most important types of transmissions.
- Lubrication of gearboxes
Video length: 10:53 minutes
Objective: Learn about the role and function of gear oil and the most important properties to consider when selecting it.
- Lubrication of industrial gearboxes
Video length: 22:12 minutes
Objective: To learn about the most important neutral gear oil standards for industrial gearboxes and their significance.
- Gearboxes for the automotive and off-road sectors
Video length: 28:52 minutes
Objective: To learn about the different requirements for transmissions in transport and off-road machines, the most important neutral standards and OEM specifications for selecting transmission oil.
Module 9: Lubrication of combustion engines
Highly efficient combustion engines are one of the cornerstones of our mobility. Due to the combustion process, engine oil has to perform additional tasks that gear oils or hydraulic fluids, for example, do not have to perform. At the same time, they work under demanding conditions. This module provides a better understanding of these special properties and shows how they can be taken into account when selecting the most suitable engine oil. It contains the following videos:
- Combustion engines: Lubrication
Video length: 14:41 minutes
Objective: Learn about the functions of combustion engine oil and find out how base oil and additives work together to fulfil these functions.
- Internal combustion engines: Neutral specification systems
Video length: 20:04 minutes
Objective: To familiarise yourself with the system of important international motor oil specifications such as API, ACEA and ILSAC and learn how to work with them.
- Combustion engines: OEM approvals
Video length: 08:06 minutes
Objective: To familiarise yourself with the system of important OEM engine oil specifications.
Module 10: Hydraulic fluids
Hydraulic fluids transmit force, lubricate the components of the system and are also involved in controlling the system. In order to accommodate different system designs, operating and environmental conditions, and maintenance requirements, selecting the right type of fluid is crucial. The use of ISO or DIN standards is the first step. This module contains the following videos:
- Hydraulic fluids: Basics
Video length: 10:09 minutes
Objective: Learn about the functions of hydraulic oil and how base oil and additives work together to fulfil these functions.
- Hydraulic fluids: types and their properties
Video length: 36:37 minutes
Objective: Learn about the functions of hydraulic oil and how base oil and additives work together to fulfil these functions.
Module 11: Turbine oils
Turbine systems supply mechanical, thermal or electrical energy. The turbine oil must primarily lubricate the turbine bearings and, if necessary, the gearbox. Gas, steam and water turbines exert different thermal loads on the oil. In some systems, the lubrication system and the hydraulic control system are separate, while in others they are not. In order to accommodate different system designs, operating and environmental conditions, and maintenance requirements, selecting the right type of turbine oil is crucial. The first step is to apply ISO or DIN standards, followed by the specifications of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Professional monitoring of the oil condition, including varnish monitoring, and special oil cleaning techniques are important for reliable operation. This module contains the following videos:
- Turbines: Types and main functions of turbine oil
Video length: 16:08 minutes
Objective: Learn about the functions of turbine oil and how base oil and additives work together to fulfil these functions.
- Turbines: Oil requirements and turbine oil types
Video length: 15:08 minutes
Objective: Learn about the functions of turbine oil and how base oil and additives work together to fulfil these functions.
- Paint: Formation mechanism, influencing factors and reduction
Video length: 07:05 minutes
Objective: Learn about the mechanism of paint formation and the most important influencing factors that contribute to smooth and reliable operation.
Module 12: Compressor oils
Compressors compress gases such as air, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, other gases used in chemical plants, or refrigerants. The compressor type and design place individual demands on the compressor oil: different compression ratios, temperatures and, depending on the design, whether or not the compressed gas has access to the oil. This makes choosing the right oil more complex than in other areas. Oxidative and thermal stress, chemical reactions with the gas or gas contaminants, and oil dilution by the gas are just a few examples of the different oil ageing scenarios in various compressors. This module contains the following videos:
- Compressors: Types and common lubricant requirements
Video length: 06:38 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand various oil ageing processes in air, gas and refrigerant compressors, taking into account the type and design of the compressor.
- Compressor oil: Selection by type
Video length: 17:32 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand various oil ageing processes in air, gas and refrigerant compressors, taking into account the type and design of the compressor.
Module 13: Lubrication of wire ropes
Wire ropes are used in cable cars and a wide range of other industrial applications. In general, the correct viscosity is key to achieving good penetration depth, but also to preventing the lubricant from being centrifuged. When selecting the right lubricant, the type, speed, load characteristics, environmental conditions, system design, lubricant application and maintenance requirements must be taken into account. This module contains the following video:
- Lubrication of wire ropes
Video length: 09:25 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the tasks of a wire rope lubricant and the corresponding key properties of the lubricant to be selected. A brief introduction to lubricant application will be provided.
Module 14: Chain lubrication
Chains are used in a wide range of industrial applications. In general, the correct viscosity is crucial to ensure good penetration of all chain elements to be lubricated while preventing centrifugation of the lubricant. When selecting the right lubricant, the type, speed, load characteristics, environmental conditions, system design, lubricant application and maintenance requirements must be taken into account. This module contains the following video:
- chain lubrication
Video length: 10:07 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the functions of a chain lubricant and the key properties of the lubricant to be selected. A brief introduction to lubricant application will be provided.
Module 15: Oil sampling
Proper sampling ensures high-quality oil analysis results and reliable maintenance measures based on those results. Errors can be avoided by following simple rules. The decisive factors are the right timing, the condition of the machine, the location, the sampling method, the tools, the sample containers, the cleanliness principle for all sampling work and good information management. Written sampling procedures summarise this, and well-trained sampling personnel put them into practice. The module contains the following videos:
- Basics of sampling
Video length: 15:05 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of sampling. Learn about the importance of timing, machine condition, sampling equipment and containers, sampling points and methods, and proper information management.
- Sampling: The right time, the right sampling container.
Video length: 15:48 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of sampling. Learn about the importance of timing, machine condition, sampling equipment and containers, sampling points and methods, and proper information management.
- Sampling: locations and methods
Video length: 27:40 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of sampling. Learn about the importance of timing, machine condition, sampling equipment and containers, sampling points and methods, and proper information management.
- Sampling: Information management
Video length: 13:08 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of sampling. Learn about the importance of timing, machine condition, sampling equipment and containers, sampling points and methods, and proper information management.
Module 16: Monitoring the oil condition
The application of a well-designed oil analysis concept improves machine reliability, reduces maintenance costs and helps to conserve our natural resources:
1. Monitoring the oil condition prevents unnecessary oil changes, but also prevents the oil from being used longer than intended.
2. Wear particle monitoring detects abnormal wear of lubricated parts at an early stage.
3. Contamination control helps to extend the service life of the oil and the lubricated components.
Therefore, oil analysis offers far more possibilities than other techniques. This module contains the following videos:
- The concept
Video length: 07:32 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of an oil analysis programme. Learn more about the methods used to monitor the condition, wear and contamination of oil, which are provided by professional oil analysis..
- Monitoring of wear particles
Video length: 12:45 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of an oil analysis programme. Learn more about the methods used to monitor oil condition, wear particles and contaminants, which are provided by professional oil analysis.
- Methods for contamination control
Video length: 18:06 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of an oil analysis programme. Learn about the monitoring methods for oil condition, wear particles and contaminants provided by professional oil analysis.
- Oil condition
Video length: 45:56 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of an oil analysis programme. Learn about the monitoring methods for oil condition, wear particles and contaminants provided by professional oil analysis.
- Mixing and compatibility
Video length: 19:27 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of an oil analysis programme. Learn about monitoring methods for oil condition, wear particles and contaminants provided by professional oil analyses.
- Examples based on laboratory reports
Video length: 18:41 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the basic tasks and methods of an oil analysis programme. Learn about monitoring methods for oil condition, wear particles and contaminants provided by professional oil analyses.
Module 17: Contamination control
Contamination control is one of the key aspects of proactive maintenance. The application of a well-designed contamination control concept improves machine reliability, reduces maintenance costs, extends machine life and helps conserve our natural resources:
1. Avoid contamination during all stages of fluid handling, from incoming lubricants through storage and dispensing to operation.
2. Check the degree of contamination regularly by visual inspection, oil analysis or sensors. Respond immediately if necessary.
3. Install appropriate additional filtering depending on the sensitivity of the system, criticality, downtime and repair costs.
Proper contamination control improves the service life of the oil and the lubricated components! The module contains the following videos:
- The concept
Video length: 08:03 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of contamination control. Get info on the causes and effects of contamination, monitoring methods, strategies for reducing contamination, and the basics of oil filtration.
- Solid contaminants
Video length: 10:42 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of contamination control. Get info on the causes and effects of contamination, monitoring methods, strategies for reducing contamination, and the basics of oil filtration.
- Liquid contaminants
Video length: 15:17 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of contamination control. Get info on the causes and effects of contamination, monitoring methods, damage control strategies, and the basics of oil filtration.
- Filtration
Video length: 25:25 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of contamination control. Get info on the causes and effects of contamination, monitoring methods, damage control strategies, and the basics of oil filtration
Module 18: Storage and handling
Contamination control is one of the key aspects of proactive maintenance. The application of a well-designed contamination control concept improves machine reliability, reduces maintenance costs, extends machine life and helps conserve our natural resources:
1. Avoid contamination during all stages of fluid handling, from incoming lubricants through storage and dispensing to operation.
2. Check the degree of contamination regularly by visual inspection, oil analysis or sensors. Respond immediately if necessary.
3. Install appropriate additional filtering depending on the sensitivity of the system, criticality, downtime and repair costs.
Proper contamination control improves the service life of the oil and the lubricated components! This module contains the following video:
- Storage and handling
Video length: 27:36 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks involved in the storage and handling of lubricants.
Module 19: Lubrication application
Professional lubricant application means: the right lubricant, the right method, the right amount, the right time, the right conditions. Lubricant application can be manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic, for a single bearing or a complete system consisting of hundreds of lubrication points. Contamination or cross-contamination with other lubricants due to incorrect handling procedures must be avoided. Lubricant application begins with the initial filling of the machine or component, unless this is carried out by the manufacturer, and includes relubrication, oil changes and the disposal of lubricants. It is obviously an important component of lubrication to ensure reliable and effective lubrication of machines. This module contains the following videos:
- Basics
Video length: 05:17 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of lubricant application. Learn about the methods, tools and systems used in manual and automatic lubrication.
- Tools and systems
Video length: 27:11 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of lubricant application. Learn about the methods, tools and systems used in manual and automatic lubrication.
- Examples
Video length: 11:39 minutes
Objective: To learn about and understand the importance and basic tasks of lubricant application. Learn about the methods, tools and systems used in manual and automatic lubrication.
Module 20: Oil Analysis Reports
Professional oil analysis monitors the condition of the oil, the degree of contamination and the abrasion residues. In this way, it provides important information for improving the safety, reliability and effectiveness of lubricated equipment. This module demonstrates the power of oil analysis using sample reports from various industrial sectors and machines. It contains the following video:
- Oil analysis laboratory reports: Examples
Video length: 18:41 minutes
Objective: To learn about, understand and apply oil analysis in the operation and maintenance of lubricated equipment.
