Executive Summary

Training the next generation of lubrication professionals is a high priority in all areas of the industry. When it comes to oil analysis, training that incorporates both laboratory and field work is considered to be the most effective. Other important training strategies include certification courses, mentorship, attending conferences and sharing articles on lubrication fundamentals—all resources that responders report seeking through STLE membership. 

Q. How are you preparing or training the lubrication problem solvers and oil analysts of tomorrow? 

Start from the very basis of the lubrication science. Review the chemistry basis especially. In a way, be sure the trainee understands the science from scratch. 

We follow different concepts according to the sensitivity of machinery: aviation, turbine systems, transformers. We follow strictly as per ASTM/MIL/ISO/IEC/IEEE requirements in the laboratory except sampling procedure at site. Automotive: we use a special sampling procedure, which will subsequently be fitted to the sensor to find the main analysis, tending and recommendations. Marine: we use debris meters such as PQI, DF and ferrous at site. All other tests are maintained at our lab. Training the lubrication program: we will provide customized training to customers and affiliates based on the machinery type and application. 

We train our oil analysis technician by experiences from both the lab and the field. 

Our program managers follow up with customers after problematic samples are received to gain insight into the issues that our clients are facing. These program managers also participate in onsite lubrication program assessments to better understand the challenges that are faced or that may become tomorrow’s issues. Several of our analysts are involved in STLE and more closely in ASTM. 

Teach them lubrication fundamentals and practical knowledge of oil analysis. 

By courses and technical information. 

Training and getting them certified to be able to assess the conditions and all areas of the assets to get good samples and run the correct testing. 

Where should oil analysis training begin? 
In the laboratory 17% 
In the field 13% 
Both 70% 
Based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers. 

I am training myself to be more knowledgeable and capable of answering future questions. 

Training, learning different techniques and preparing different scenarios to predict common issues. 

In house and in the field. 

A series of short working meetings on solving a given topic seldomly conducted online. 

Giving them exposure to testing, report interpretation and customer interaction. The largest part of training the analysts of tomorrow is providing the understanding of test result combinations and correlations, i.e., wear metals, dirt ingress and coolant contamination. 

Going back to the basics may not be sexy, but it is a process that will produce the most efficient progress. 

We utilize both our in-house lab as well as our partner lab for doing normal trending analysis. We provide testing for our customers to help with their reliability programs, which include both oil/grease analysis, thermography and vibration analysis. It is important to do training with our customers so that they know the proper way of taking representative samples and filling out the submittal forms properly. Rather than just sending the sample results back to the customers and expecting them to understand the results, we review each one and work directly with the customers with the samples that have issues to understand what it is saying, how critical it could be, what could be the root causes as well as the next steps. As most companies are aware of reliability engineering practices, many are not yet at a level to utilize them properly and don’t see the ROI unless they invest in training their people. Documenting the cost savings obtained from these programs is important to show to management—however, it is not always easy to do. With more data being available in the customer’s databases, it makes it easier to show the before and after data that can provide the cost savings, increased production, equipment reliability and unscheduled downtime. It is always great to see more companies utilizing these programs and obtaining the results that can impact their own profits. 

On-the-job training is the best. 

Formal training courses are important to get a knowledge base. However, it should be complemented with mentoring with experienced lubrication engineers and maintenance professionals in the field. 

The concept of the remote workforce does not appear to hold true for those who perform oil analysis in a laboratory. In what ways does your company allow your oil analysts to work remotely? 
Our oil analysts do not work remotely. 55% 
Analytical data reviews and report generation are handled remotely. 38% 
Our oil analysts are only in our laboratories to perform needed tests. All other functions are performed remotely. 25% 
Based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers. Total exceeds 100% because respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer. 

Online, face to face, white papers and case histories. 

Staying up to date with training sessions and webinars, via STLE Industry Insights, attending STLE conferences and STLE Local Section events as well as reading TLT. Aside from STLE, I also attend other conferences and read technical articles via social media or email subscriptions. 

A degree in chemistry or biology helps one understand the testing taking place in the laboratory. A mechanical background allows for the review of the test data from the laboratory to be applied to the mechanical system sampled. The analyst in mechanical systems allows for a finer detailed review of the oil test data by being able to determine if there is an anomaly in the component sampled and to make corrective action comments and/ or recommendations to the sampler. Mechanical system knowledge allows for better consulting with customers to resolve their issues. Understanding data from mechanical systems and data accessions systems helps assist in a finer review of the test data. Computer-assisted flagging test data and recommendations are more consistent than humans. The computer is limited to the guidelines and comments that have been imputed for the interpretation of the laboratory data related to a given component. Standard sample test data may be reviewed remotely or by computer programs. Samples requiring additional special testing are better reviewed in the laboratory setting as a general rule.

I share some of the articles I have read in the magazine. 

In-house training, webinars and offsite training programs when available. Developing technical laboratory solutions to improve testing accuracy and efficiency to enhance the ability of tomorrow’s analysts to get the result right, the first time. In-field experience for the team understanding where the oil is applied and what the machine/component does, oil analysis training both internally and externally, evaluation work on extended oil drains, reviewing oil sensor technology, back end of oil sensor technology and data analytics. 

Introduction of sensors to the customer for remote data analyses. 

I work for a lubricant association. We train field representatives and laboratory staff. There is one session about oil analyses. Additionally, there is a course where we discuss “solving problems.” In most cases, the trainings are in German. 

By using all available resources. 

With tribology study—about lubricants, lubrication, oil analysis (both fresh and used oil), evaluation of lubrication by oil analysis trends and by control on in-service oil. 

Our company has a comprehensive qualification guide and extensive training program for lubrication engineers and oil analysts. 

While my company does not have an official training matrix in place, most of this is done through internal methods. It is often difficult to find a degreed chemist to work as an oil analyst. 

If you cannot find a chemist, what other college majors might you focus on? 
Biology 47% 
Physics 47% 
Mathematics 21% 
Computer technology 14% 
Humanities 1% 
No degree required 36% 
Based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers. Total exceeds 100% because respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer. 

We train our oil analysts on the test methods first, then gradually train them on the meaning behind the tests as they get more comfortable. 

Teaching the basics and best practices. 

Training is ongoing. 

Hands on in the lab and in cooperation with the costumers, i.e., design/testing departments. 

It is important to constantly keep updating with trends with the evolution of lubricants, in addition to holding a certification that validates our knowledge and refreshes the fundamentals. 

First of all, it is very difficult to find people interested in lubrication. Training is done in house, and we promote training at institutions/associations and service providers. 

Editor’s Note: Sounding Board is based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers. Views expressed are those of the respondents and do not reflect the opinions of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. STLE does not vouch for the technical accuracy of opinions expressed in Sounding Board, nor does inclusion of a comment represent an endorsement of the technology by STLE.