Summary
This intensive one-day course provides engineers with the essential skills to confidently interpret and act upon lubricant analysis data
Lubricant analysis is fundamental for the reliability of systems, yet confusing lab reports often prevent decisive action. This gap has measurable consequences: 80% of hydraulic failures stem from detectable contamination but missed early warnings, which increase downtime and risk. Furthermore, studies indicate that over 90% of oil changes are suboptimal, resulting in unnecessary costs. This course provides delegates with the skills to interpret report data and make strategic maintenance decisions.
This practical course demystifies key tests such as viscosity, ICP, PQ Index, particle counting, AN/BN, and water content.
Participants will:
• Learn how to interpret critical results and understand their practical implications for equipment health.
• Using real-world case studies, gain experience in diagnosing emerging faults, justifying extended oil drain intervals, and implementing targeted maintenance actions that enhance machinery reliability and safety.
By the end of the course, delegates will be equipped to overcome data challenges and inaccuracies and progress to decisive action, transforming lubricant analysis into a powerful tool for enhancing machinery health, save costs and extend longevity. The course also serves as a primer for professionals exploring options to pursue ISO 18436 certification.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for maintenance and reliability professionals who make decisions based on lubricant-analysis results, including:
• Maintenance and reliability engineers
• Condition-monitoring and tribology specialists
• Fleet, plant and production managers
• OEM field-service and warranty engineers
• Asset-integrity and rotating-equipment engineers
• Lubricant suppliers, distributors and technical support staff
• Engineering consultants seeking CPD in fluid-analysis best practice
How will I benefit?
After the course you will be able to:
• Confidently interpret lab reports to draw conclusions and actionable steps.
• Learn where, when and how to take accurate, consistent samples that reflect true machine health.
• Spot problems like fuel dilution, coolant leaks, dirt ingress and wear metal spikes before failure.
• Justify extended oil drains.
• Use trending data to back up condition-based maintenance, cutting costs without compromising reliability.
• Understand core lab tests like an expert - Viscosity, ICP metals, PQ index, AN/BN, ISO 4406 particle counts—learn how they work and what they mean for your machines.
• Diagnose wear and contamination early to make smarter and faster maintenance decisions with confidence
• Learn how to reduce downtime and costs, improve productivity and efficiency, as well as act proactive rather than reactive in maintenance.
Mapped against UK- SPEC competencies:
B and
E
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Design and development of processes, systems, services and products - For Chartered Engineers: ‘Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of mechanical engineering problems’
For Incorporated Engineers ‘Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to design, develop, manufacture, construct commission, operate, maintain, decommission and re-cycle mechanical engineering processes, systems, services and products’
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Professional commitment - For Incorporated and Chartered Engineers: ‘Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment’
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Adam Cutler
Adam has over 15 years’ experience in oil analysis and lubrication and is a member of the BINDT working group. He has trained companies in 100+ countries and is recognised globally as an expert, even appearing on National Geographic.
In-house and bespoke training
Tell us your team's CPD needs and we'll come to you with a specialised training programme, customised for your engineering sector.
Contact our advisors if you need help finding the most appropriate training for your team.