Training for Oil Analysis Program Success

By Jeff Walkup, Vice President Sales & Marketing

As a former end-user industry professional, years ago I realized that there’s an endless list of condition monitoring technologies and methodologies at a person’s disposal. If the truth be told, it can be confusing, daunting, and intimidating to the uninitiated.?Depending upon your own individual training, practical experience, and competency levels with each specific methodology, which of the following list would you choose first and more importantly why or when?

• Used Lubrication Oil & Grease Analysis to include, SEM, Online Sensors etc.
• Coolant and Cooling Systems Testing
• Vibration Analysis
• Motor Circuit Analysis
• Ultrasonics
• IR Thermography & Temperature Measurements
• Radiography
• Laser Interferometry
• Electromagnetic Eddy Current

This list is far from exhaustive. If you’re familiar with any of the above, you’d know that each comes with its respective strengths and weakness based upon the application and the desired result. Some will swear by Oil Analysis as it’s been tried, tested, and proven for decades. Likewise, others will gravitate to the more technology forward condition monitoring options like vibration, IR Thermography or use a combination of methodologies. Others, however, may not even know where to start!

Whatever technology or methodology you subscribe to, an important aspect of getting the most from your condition monitoring and maintenance program is training. Understanding the applications, implications, and insights gained from different types of testing and analysis help you decide which type of methodology works best for you. Plus, if you add in industry certification training such as Machinery Lubrication Technician Level I (MLT I), you can gain credibility, confidence, and competence in your role.

Training Delivery Options

Let’s face it, our world has changed, and COVID has played a considerable role in a maintenance professional’s ability to travel and receive in-person training. Fluid Life has addressed this and now have multiple pathways for you to increase you and your team’s learning capabilities.

• In-Person – in-person training can be completed either on-site (private session for a specific organization) or at one of our Fluid Life training locations (Private or Public).
• Distance Learning – online learning can be done via free pre-recorded webinar sessions, live webinar training (public or private), or on-demand pre-recorded sessions via a learning management system.

Training Offerings

Fluid Life offers a variety of certification and non-certification courses to assist you in your journey toward condition monitoring excellence.

Certification Courses:

• Machine Lubricant Analyst / Machine Lubricant Technician Level I (MLA I / MLT I) – in person (private on-site or at a training facility), distance learning (live webinar (public or private) or on-demand (public))
• Machine Lubricant Analyst Level II (MLA II) – this course is not offered as a public session. Currently available as in-person (on-site or at a training facility) or distance learning (private)
• For attendees wishing to challenge any of the ICML exams, registration for these exams can be purchased through Fluid Life

Non-Certification Courses (Distance Learning)

• Infrared Thermography distance learning courses for optical gas imaging, inspection of electrical systems, inspection of mechanical systems, inspection of electro/mechanical systems and inspection of petrochemical facilities. Courses are hosted by the Infraspection Institute.
• Webinars on-demand – recorded webinar events for on demand viewing including data interpretation, contamination control, and sample registration.
• myLab Tutorials – on-demand myLab usage guides.

We know there are many paths to maintenance success. Let 2022 be the year you make huge progress! We can help you get there! Take advantage of these opportunities by contacting one of our training professionals today.

Originally posted on www.fluidlife.com January 18, 2022