Lesson 1Standards and terminology: ISO cleanliness codes, ASTM, NLGI, DIN/ISO references relevant to maintenanceThis section explains key lubrication standards and terms used in industry, like ISO cleanliness codes, ASTM and DIN/ISO tests, and NLGI grades, to help with clear communication and specs in maintenance work.
ISO particle cleanliness code structureASTM test methods for lubricantsDIN and ISO viscosity classificationNLGI grease consistency numberingReading lube labels and data sheetsLesson 2Lubrication regimes: boundary, mixed, elastohydrodynamic, hydrodynamicThis section describes boundary, mixed, elastohydrodynamic, and hydrodynamic lubrication regimes, linking film thickness to surface roughness, load, and speed, and showing how to pick lubricants and practices based on the regime.
Stribeck curve and key parametersBoundary lubrication characteristicsMixed lubrication in real contactsEHL in rolling element bearingsFull hydrodynamic film conditionsLesson 3Lubricant base stocks: mineral, PAO, ester, PAG — properties and selection criteriaThis section looks at main lubricant base stocks like mineral, PAO, ester, and PAG, comparing their properties, oxidation stability, seal fit, and cost to guide choices for different industrial jobs.
API mineral base oil groupsPAO synthetics: strengths and limitsEster fluids: benefits and cautionsPAG fluids and water-mixable typesMatching base stocks to applicationsLesson 4NLGI consistency for greases and how consistency affects pumpability and film formationThis section explains NLGI grease grades, how cone penetration shows hardness, and how consistency affects pumping, channeling, and film in bearings and central systems under different temps and speeds.
Cone penetration and NLGI gradesConsistency vs pumpability in linesChanneling and grease distributionEffect on film thickness in bearingsTemperature impact on consistencyLesson 5Contamination effects: particulate, water, and incompatible lubricants — consequences and limitsThis section shows how dirt, water, and wrong mixes ruin lubricants and parts, covering failure types, cleanliness goals, water limits, and ways to check, stop, and fix contamination on the job.
Particle-induced wear mechanismsWater contamination sources and limitsEffects of mixing foreign lubricantsCleanliness targets and ISO codesFiltration and dehydration practicesLesson 6Viscosity fundamentals: viscosity, viscosity index, ISO VG, SAE grades, temperature effectsThis section builds understanding of viscosity, VI, ISO VG and SAE grades, and temp-viscosity links, teaching how to choose and check right viscosity for bearings, gears, and hydraulics.
Dynamic vs kinematic viscosityViscosity index and its significanceISO VG grades and selection rulesSAE engine and gear oil gradesTemperature–viscosity charts and toolsLesson 7Additives: anti-wear (ZDDP), EP, antioxidants, rust/corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam, detergentsThis section details common additives like anti-wear, EP, antioxidants, rust inhibitors, anti-foam, and detergents, explaining what they do, limits, and impact on lubricant choice and lifespan.
Anti-wear and EP chemistry basicsOxidation control and antioxidantsRust and corrosion inhibitor rolesAnti-foam and air release additivesDetergent and dispersant actionsLesson 8Basic lubricant compatibility and mixing rules (base oil and thickener compatibility)This section covers lubricant mixing rules, focusing on base oils and grease thickeners, reading charts, mixing risks, and safe switchover to avoid sludge, softening, or seal issues.
Base oil family compatibility basicsGrease thickener compatibility matrixRisks of mixing incompatible lubricantsFlushing and changeover best practicesUsing OEM and supplier guidanceLesson 9Principles of friction, wear, and lubrication mechanismsThis section introduces friction and wear basics, like adhesive, abrasive, fatigue wear, and how lubrication forms films to separate surfaces and lengthen part life.
Types of friction in machine elementsAdhesive, abrasive, and fatigue wearSurface roughness and contact areaRole of lubricant films in protectionRelating wear modes to field symptomsLesson 10Types of lubricants: oils, greases, solid lubricants, and their general usesThis section sorts oils, greases, solids, explaining differences, typical uses, and how method, speed, load, environment pick the right form for machines.
Liquid oils and circulation systemsGreases for bearings and couplingsSolid lubricants: MoS2 and graphiteDry-film and boundary lube coatingsSelecting form based on duty cycle
