Lesson 1Standards and terminology: ISO cleanliness codes, ASTM, NLGI, DIN/ISO references relevant to maintenanceThis lesson explains essential lubrication standards and terms used in industry, like ISO cleanliness codes, ASTM and DIN/ISO tests, and NLGI grades, helping with clear communication and specs in maintenance programmes.
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 lesson describes boundary, mixed, elastohydrodynamic, and hydrodynamic lubrication regimes, relating film thickness to surface roughness, load, and speed, and how knowing the regime guides lubricant choice and operations.
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 lesson reviews main lubricant base stocks like mineral, PAO, ester, and PAG, comparing their properties, oxidation stability, seal compatibility, and cost to aid smart selection for various industrial uses.
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 lesson covers NLGI grease grades, how cone penetration measures hardness, and how consistency impacts pumpability, channeling, and film formation in bearings and systems under different temperatures 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 lesson looks at how particles, water, and wrong lubricants harm oils and parts, covering failure modes, cleanliness goals, water limits, and ways to check, prevent, 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 lesson builds knowledge on viscosity, viscosity index, ISO VG and SAE grades, and temperature effects, teaching how to pick and check the 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 lesson details lubricant additives like anti-wear, EP, antioxidants, rust inhibitors, anti-foam, and detergents, explaining their roles, 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 lesson covers lubricant compatibility, focusing on base oils and grease thickeners, reading charts, mixing risks, and safe switchover to prevent 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 lesson introduces friction and wear basics, like adhesive, abrasive, and fatigue wear, and how lubrication forms protective films to keep surfaces apart and extend 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 lesson sorts oils, greases, and solid lubricants, explaining differences, typical uses, and how method, speed, load, and environment guide lubricant form in industry.
Liquid oils and circulation systemsGreases for bearings and couplingsSolid lubricants: MoS2 and graphiteDry-film and boundary lube coatingsSelecting form based on duty cycle
