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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1272 New

Used Lubricating Oil Analysis and Condition Monitoring Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
26 Oct 2026
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Overview

The Used Lubricating Oil Analysis and Condition Monitoring Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical capabilities required to evaluate lubricant condition, identify machinery wear, and strengthen equipment reliability across oil and gas operations. Used Lubricating Oil Analysis and Condition Monitoring provides maintenance, inspection, reliability, and quality control professionals with a structured approach to interpreting oil analysis results, recognising contamination, assessing oil degradation, and applying findings to predictive maintenance decisions.

Lubricating oil performs a critical role in protecting rotating equipment, compressors, turbines, pumps, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, engines, and other machinery used throughout the oil and gas industry. Its condition directly affects lubrication performance, component protection, operating efficiency, and equipment service life. As lubricants circulate through machinery, they collect contaminants, experience chemical and physical changes, and carry evidence of component wear. Analysing these changes gives maintenance teams valuable information about the condition of both the lubricant and the equipment it protects.

Organisations that rely on routine maintenance schedules alone often lack sufficient insight into the developing condition of their machinery. Equipment can experience abnormal wear, lubricant contamination, additive depletion, and premature oil deterioration between scheduled maintenance activities. Without a consistent approach to used oil testing and lubricant condition monitoring, these conditions remain difficult to identify early. Maintenance teams then face greater uncertainty when deciding whether to change oil, investigate a developing fault, adjust operating conditions, or schedule equipment intervention.

This course addresses the practical skills gap between laboratory oil analysis results and operational maintenance decisions. It explains how to establish appropriate sampling practices, select relevant analytical tests, interpret laboratory reports, and correlate oil condition with equipment operating history. Participants develop an understanding of viscosity changes, oxidation, water contamination, particle contamination, additive depletion, and wear metal analysis. These indicators help maintenance teams distinguish normal lubricant ageing from abnormal conditions that require investigation.

The programme also examines the relationship between lubricant properties and machinery performance. Changes in viscosity influence the formation of protective lubricant films, while contamination can accelerate component wear and reduce lubrication effectiveness. Oxidation and thermal stress affect lubricant stability, and water ingress can contribute to corrosion, additive deterioration, and bearing damage. Understanding these relationships enables professionals to assess oil degradation in the context of equipment design, operating conditions, lubricant specifications, and maintenance history.

Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, this programme connects laboratory methods with practical asset management requirements. Participants examine how oil analysis data supports equipment condition assessment, maintenance prioritisation, lubricant replacement decisions, and investigation of recurring failures. The emphasis remains on actionable technical interpretation rather than simply recognising test results or laboratory terminology.

The course also strengthens the contribution of oil analysis to predictive maintenance strategies. Trend analysis, baseline measurements, alert limits, and condition-based interventions help organisations move towards evidence-led maintenance planning. When combined with vibration analysis, temperature monitoring, equipment inspections, and operating data, lubricant analysis provides an additional source of information for identifying developing machinery problems.

For oil and gas operators, contractors, maintenance service providers, and industrial facilities, effective lubricant analysis supports more informed decisions about equipment availability, maintenance expenditure, lubricant consumption, and machinery protection. Institute For Oil & Gas Training equips participants to integrate these practices into established quality control, maintenance, and reliability processes.

Objectives

  • Explain the role of lubricating oils in protecting machinery and maintaining operational reliability across oil and gas facilities.

  • Identify the principal causes of lubricant contamination, additive depletion, oxidation, and other forms of oil degradation.

  • Apply appropriate sampling practices to obtain representative lubricant samples for laboratory analysis.

  • Explain the purpose and application of common used oil testing methods.

  • Interpret viscosity, elemental analysis, water content, particle contamination, and other relevant oil condition indicators.

  • Use wear metal analysis to identify potential abnormal component wear and determine appropriate follow-up investigations.

  • Distinguish between normal lubricant ageing, external contamination, and indicators of developing machinery faults.

  • Evaluate laboratory reports against lubricant specifications, equipment requirements, historical baselines, and applicable limits.

  • Apply lubricant condition monitoring principles to predictive maintenance and condition-based maintenance programmes.

  • Establish practical approaches for trending analytical results and identifying significant changes in lubricant condition.

  • Recommend appropriate responses to abnormal oil analysis results based on equipment criticality and operational risk.

  • Integrate lubricant analysis findings with vibration monitoring, temperature measurements, inspections, and maintenance records.

  • Improve coordination between laboratory personnel, maintenance teams, reliability engineers, and operations departments.

  • Develop practical recommendations for improving lubricant management, equipment availability, and maintenance efficiency.

Training methodology

Institute For Oil & Gas Training uses an applied, industry-focused delivery approach that connects lubricant science, laboratory testing, machinery condition assessment, and maintenance decision-making. The training combines technical explanations with practical exercises and operational scenarios relevant to upstream, midstream, downstream, and associated industrial facilities.

Practical Oil Analysis Case Studies

Participants review representative used oil testing scenarios involving compressors, turbines, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, pumps, and engines. These cases demonstrate how lubricant properties change during service and how analytical results reveal potential contamination, degradation, or abnormal wear.

Case studies encourage participants to assess several indicators together rather than treating individual test results as isolated evidence. For example, a viscosity change accompanied by increased oxidation indicators requires a different investigation from a viscosity change associated with incorrect lubricant selection or contamination.

Laboratory Report Interpretation Exercises

Training exercises focus on reading laboratory reports and translating analytical findings into operational recommendations. Participants examine viscosity measurements, elemental analysis, particle counts, water content, and other relevant condition indicators.

The exercises address the importance of lubricant identification, sample quality, laboratory methods, historical trends, and applicable acceptance criteria. Participants learn to distinguish between a result that requires monitoring and one that warrants prompt investigation.

Equipment Failure Scenarios

Real-world scenarios explore how lubricant analysis supports the investigation of bearing wear, gear damage, hydraulic contamination, compressor problems, and lubrication system deficiencies. Participants consider the relationship between observed symptoms, laboratory evidence, operating conditions, and equipment maintenance history.

This method develops structured fault investigation skills and reinforces the importance of confirming suspected causes before authorising corrective work.

Sampling and Contamination Control Exercises

Participants examine representative sampling arrangements and identify practices that compromise sample integrity. The exercises address sample point selection, container cleanliness, flushing procedures, sample labelling, handling, storage, and transport.

The emphasis is on obtaining representative samples that accurately reflect lubricant condition. Reliable sampling improves the value of laboratory analysis and reduces the risk of decisions based on misleading results.

Group-Based Maintenance Decision Simulations

Group activities require participants to interpret condition trends, assess equipment criticality, and recommend suitable maintenance responses. Decisions include continuing operation under controlled monitoring, investigating abnormal results, correcting contamination sources, changing lubricant, or arranging equipment inspection.

These simulations demonstrate how oil analysis findings support collaboration between maintenance, reliability, laboratory, operations, and procurement teams.

Operational Application Planning

Participants apply the learning to a structured workplace improvement exercise. They identify opportunities to improve sampling schedules, establish lubricant condition baselines, strengthen laboratory reporting, define escalation procedures, and integrate findings into maintenance planning.

The delivery approach reinforces practical application, consistent interpretation, and evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.

Organisational impact

Improved Equipment Reliability

A structured oil analysis programme helps organisations identify abnormal wear, contamination, and lubricant deterioration before these conditions progress into more serious equipment problems. By interpreting laboratory results alongside operating history and other condition indicators, maintenance teams gain a stronger basis for identifying equipment requiring further investigation.

For facilities operating critical pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes, and hydraulic systems, this approach supports more informed reliability decisions. Organisations can prioritise inspections and corrective actions according to the significance of the evidence and the operational importance of the affected asset.

Reduced Unplanned Maintenance

Lubricant condition monitoring provides additional evidence for identifying developing faults and planning maintenance interventions. Early investigation of abnormal wear metals, particle contamination, or lubricant degradation helps teams address emerging problems before they result in avoidable equipment disruption.

The value comes from better maintenance decisions rather than assuming that every abnormal laboratory result indicates imminent failure. Proper interpretation, confirmation, and escalation help prevent both delayed intervention and unnecessary maintenance activity.

More Effective Lubricant Management

Used oil testing helps organisations assess whether lubricants remain suitable for continued service or require replacement. Decisions based on condition evidence, equipment requirements, and lubricant manufacturer guidance support more disciplined oil management.

This approach reduces reliance on arbitrary replacement decisions where condition-based assessment is appropriate. It also helps identify recurring contamination, incorrect lubricant selection, storage deficiencies, and maintenance practices that shorten lubricant service life.

Better Maintenance Cost Control

Oil analysis supports maintenance planning by providing evidence for prioritising inspections, investigating recurring failures, and allocating technical resources. Organisations gain a clearer basis for deciding which equipment requires immediate attention and which assets remain suitable for continued monitoring.

More consistent interpretation also improves the quality of maintenance recommendations and reduces unnecessary lubricant replacement, repeated troubleshooting, and avoidable component damage where these problems arise from inadequate condition assessment.

Stronger Operational Risk Management

Equipment failures in oil and gas facilities can interrupt production, damage machinery, and create hazardous operating conditions. Although lubricant analysis does not replace safety inspections or protective systems, it provides supplementary information about equipment condition.

Recognising developing lubrication problems supports timely maintenance planning and more informed operational decisions. Clear escalation procedures help ensure that significant findings reach the appropriate technical and operational personnel.

Improved Quality Assurance and Traceability

A consistent approach to sampling, laboratory testing, result interpretation, and reporting strengthens the traceability of lubricant condition decisions. Organisations can maintain clearer records of sample identification, test results, historical trends, corrective actions, and follow-up findings.

This information supports internal quality assurance, maintenance reviews, technical investigations, and evidence-based asset management. It also improves communication between laboratories, equipment specialists, and maintenance planners.

Stronger Predictive Maintenance Capability

Integrating oil analysis into predictive maintenance creates an additional source of evidence for equipment condition assessment. Combined with vibration analysis, thermography, operating parameters, and inspection findings, lubricant data contributes to a broader understanding of machinery health.

Organisations can use these insights to improve condition-based maintenance planning, refine monitoring priorities, and evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions. The resulting programme is more systematic and better aligned with asset criticality and operational requirements.

Personal impact

Technical Competence in Oil Analysis

Participants develop a practical understanding of lubricant properties, common analytical methods, contamination mechanisms, and machinery wear indicators. They gain greater confidence in discussing laboratory findings and recognising which results require further technical investigation.

Improved Laboratory Report Interpretation

The programme strengthens the ability to interpret oil analysis reports in relation to equipment requirements and historical trends. Participants learn to assess findings collectively, recognise potential anomalies, and avoid drawing conclusions from a single indicator without supporting evidence.

Enhanced Fault Diagnosis Skills

Participants improve their ability to connect lubricant condition with potential machinery problems. Understanding wear metal patterns, contamination sources, viscosity changes, and oxidation indicators supports more structured fault investigation and communication with equipment specialists.

Greater Predictive Maintenance Capability

Attendees learn how lubricant condition monitoring contributes to predictive maintenance and condition-based intervention planning. They develop the skills to use trend information, baseline results, and escalation criteria when recommending appropriate maintenance actions.

Stronger Decision-Making

Participants become better equipped to recommend further testing, investigate abnormal conditions, review lubricant suitability, and communicate maintenance priorities. This capability supports more consistent decisions based on technical evidence rather than assumptions.

Improved Cross-Functional Communication

The course provides a common technical foundation for professionals working in laboratories, maintenance, reliability, operations, and quality control. Participants improve their ability to explain findings, document recommendations, and coordinate follow-up activities with relevant departments.

Career and Professional Development

The knowledge gained supports responsibilities in lubrication management, equipment reliability, oil analysis, maintenance engineering, condition monitoring, and industrial quality assurance. Participants strengthen their practical contribution to asset performance and demonstrate a more structured approach to equipment condition assessment.

Who should attend

  • Maintenance Engineers: To use lubricant condition information when planning inspections, troubleshooting equipment, and prioritising corrective maintenance.

  • Reliability Engineers: To integrate oil analysis results into reliability strategies, failure investigations, and predictive maintenance programmes.

  • Condition Monitoring Specialists: To strengthen lubricant analysis capability and combine oil condition data with other machinery monitoring techniques.

  • Lubrication Engineers and Specialists: To evaluate lubricant performance, contamination, degradation, and equipment lubrication requirements.

  • Oil Analysis Laboratory Technicians: To improve understanding of analytical methods, sample integrity, laboratory reporting, and the operational significance of test results.

  • Mechanical Engineers: To connect lubricant condition with rotating equipment performance, component wear, and mechanical failure mechanisms.

  • Rotating Equipment Engineers: To assess lubricant findings relating to pumps, compressors, turbines, gearboxes, and associated machinery.

  • Quality Control and Product Analysis Professionals: To strengthen technical evaluation, testing consistency, reporting, and lubricant quality assessment.

  • Maintenance Planners and Schedulers: To use condition information when prioritising maintenance tasks and coordinating planned interventions.

  • Asset Integrity Professionals: To incorporate relevant machinery condition evidence into asset performance reviews and maintenance risk assessments.

  • Operations and Production Supervisors: To understand the operational implications of abnormal lubricant results and coordinate appropriate technical responses.

  • Technical Services and Reliability Managers: To improve oil analysis programme governance, reporting consistency, and maintenance decision-making.

  • Procurement and Lubricant Management Personnel: To understand lubricant specifications, contamination prevention, product suitability, and the operational consequences of incorrect lubricant selection.

  • Industrial Maintenance Contractors: To strengthen the delivery and interpretation of lubricant condition monitoring services for oil and gas clients.

  • Supervisors and Department Heads: To improve oversight of maintenance recommendations, technical reporting, and equipment reliability initiatives.

Course outline

This module establishes the technical foundation for understanding lubricant performance and its relationship with machinery reliability. Participants examine the functions of lubricating oils, the properties that determine their suitability, and the operating conditions that influence lubricant service life.

The module explores how viscosity, oxidation, contamination, additive depletion, and thermal stress affect lubrication performance. Participants also examine how equipment design, lubricant selection, operating temperature, loading, and maintenance practices influence oil condition. The focus is on recognising the difference between expected lubricant ageing and changes that indicate an emerging operational problem.

  1. ASTM D445

    • ASTM D445, Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids, provides a recognised method for determining the kinematic viscosity of petroleum products and other liquids.

    • Viscosity measurements help assess whether a lubricant retains properties appropriate for its intended equipment and operating conditions.

    • Changes from established baselines support investigations into contamination, incorrect lubricant selection, thermal effects, and degradation.

    • Results require interpretation against the relevant lubricant specification and equipment requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the functions of lubricants in industrial machinery.

    • Identify key physical and chemical properties affecting lubricant performance.

    • Describe the principal mechanisms of lubricant degradation.

    • Explain how operating conditions influence lubricant service life.

    • Interpret viscosity measurements in relation to lubricant specifications and historical results.

    • Identify common signs of lubricant deterioration and determine appropriate follow-up actions.

This module examines the processes required to obtain reliable oil analysis data. Participants explore the relationship between sample quality, laboratory method selection, test repeatability, and the reliability of subsequent maintenance decisions.

The module covers representative sampling practices, sample point selection, contamination prevention, labelling, handling, and storage. It also introduces common laboratory tests used to assess lubricant condition, including viscosity, water contamination, particle levels, elemental composition, and indicators of oxidation or additive depletion. Participants consider the limitations of individual tests and the importance of selecting methods appropriate to the lubricant, equipment, and suspected problem.

  1. ASTM D4057

    • ASTM D4057, Standard Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products, provides guidance on obtaining manual samples of petroleum products.

    • Representative sampling is essential for producing meaningful laboratory results and reducing the risk of misleading conclusions.

    • Sample collection practices should account for the product, sampling location, container, handling conditions, and purpose of the analysis.

    • Oil analysis procedures must also account for equipment-specific requirements and the relevant laboratory test method.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the importance of representative oil sampling.

    • Identify suitable sampling locations and practices for common machinery systems.

    • Recognise contamination risks during sample collection, handling, and storage.

    • Describe the purpose of common lubricant condition tests.

    • Select relevant tests according to equipment type and suspected condition.

    • Evaluate the reliability of laboratory findings in relation to sample quality and test limitations.

    • Improve the consistency of sample identification, documentation, and laboratory submission procedures.

This module focuses on using elemental analysis and related condition indicators to investigate machinery wear. Participants examine how metallic elements and other analytical findings provide information about possible wear mechanisms, contamination sources, and lubricant additive chemistry.

The module explains how to interpret wear metal analysis in conjunction with equipment design, component materials, operating history, and previous laboratory results. Participants also explore the importance of trend analysis, particle characteristics, and complementary diagnostic methods. Particular attention is given to distinguishing normal background levels from changes that warrant further investigation, additional testing, or equipment inspection.

  1. ASTM D5185

    • ASTM D5185, Standard Test Method for Multielement Determination of Used and Unused Lubricating Oils and Base Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, describes an analytical method for measuring multiple elements in lubricating oils and related products.

    • Elemental results can support the assessment of wear metals, contaminants, and selected additive elements.

    • Changes in elemental concentrations help identify patterns that require investigation when interpreted alongside lubricant history and equipment information.

    • The method has limitations, including reduced sensitivity to some larger wear particles, so elemental analysis should not be treated as a complete assessment of all wear debris.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose and limitations of elemental analysis in used lubricating oil assessment.

    • Recognise common wear-related elements and potential contamination indicators.

    • Interpret changes in elemental concentrations against historical trends and applicable limits.

    • Distinguish potential wear indicators from elements associated with lubricant additives or external contamination.

    • Correlate laboratory results with equipment operating conditions and maintenance history.

    • Recommend suitable follow-up testing or inspection when abnormal trends appear.

    • Apply a structured approach to machinery fault investigation using multiple sources of condition evidence.

This module examines the processes that reduce lubricant effectiveness during service. Participants investigate oxidation, thermal degradation, water ingress, particulate contamination, additive depletion, and other conditions that affect lubricant performance.

The module explores how contamination enters lubrication systems and how poor storage, handling, filtration, sealing, and maintenance practices contribute to lubricant deterioration. Participants examine the use of analytical indicators to assess oil condition and determine appropriate corrective measures. The emphasis is on identifying underlying causes, evaluating lubricant suitability, and preventing repeated contamination or premature degradation.

  1. ASTM D6304

    • ASTM D6304, Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Petroleum Products, Lubricating Oils, and Additives by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration, provides a recognised method for determining water content in relevant petroleum products and lubricants.

    • Water measurements help identify moisture contamination that can affect lubrication performance, promote corrosion, and contribute to equipment damage.

    • Results support investigations into seal failures, condensation, process ingress, storage conditions, and other potential moisture sources.

    • The appropriate method and interpretation depend on the sample matrix, expected water concentration, and applicable testing requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify common causes of lubricant degradation and contamination.

    • Explain how oxidation, thermal stress, and additive depletion affect lubricant performance.

    • Assess the significance of water contamination and particulate ingress.

    • Interpret relevant analytical results when evaluating lubricant condition.

    • Investigate potential sources of contamination and recurring oil quality problems.

    • Recommend practical measures to improve lubricant storage, handling, filtration, and system cleanliness.

    • Evaluate whether findings support continued monitoring, corrective action, further testing, or lubricant replacement.

This module integrates lubricant analysis into an organised machinery condition monitoring programme. Participants examine how baseline results, sampling frequency, alert limits, trend analysis, equipment criticality, and maintenance records support effective decisions about machinery condition.

The module focuses on converting laboratory findings into practical maintenance recommendations. Participants evaluate abnormal trends, determine appropriate escalation pathways, and consider how oil analysis complements vibration monitoring, temperature measurements, inspections, and operational data. The module concludes with the development of a practical approach to improving oil analysis reporting, maintenance coordination, and predictive maintenance performance.

  1. ISO 17359

    • ISO 17359, Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics of Machines — General Guidelines, provides general guidance for establishing and implementing machinery condition monitoring programmes.

    • The standard supports a systematic approach to condition monitoring based on equipment characteristics, operating requirements, and defined monitoring objectives.

    • Its principles help organisations structure data collection, establish baselines, assess condition changes, and determine appropriate responses.

    • Lubricant analysis can form part of a broader monitoring programme alongside other diagnostic methods selected according to equipment requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

    • Explain how lubricant analysis supports predictive maintenance and condition-based maintenance.

    • Establish practical approaches for reviewing baseline measurements and historical oil analysis trends.

    • Evaluate abnormal findings according to equipment criticality and operational consequences.

    • Define appropriate follow-up actions for routine, abnormal, and critical condition indicators.

    • Integrate lubricant findings with other machinery monitoring and inspection data.

    • Improve the clarity of laboratory reports and maintenance recommendations.

    • Develop a practical improvement plan for lubricant condition monitoring within an existing maintenance programme.

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete the Used Lubricating Oil Analysis and Condition Monitoring Training Course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises participation in the programme and completion of its training requirements. Attendees must meet the course attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training to receive the certificate. The certificate confirms course completion and does not represent a professional licence or third-party certification.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,900

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is covered in the Used Lubricating Oil Analysis and Condition Monitoring Training Course?

The course covers lubricant properties, used oil testing, sampling practices, laboratory report interpretation, wear metal analysis, oil degradation, contamination control, machinery fault diagnosis, and predictive maintenance. Participants learn to assess lubricant condition and use analytical findings to support equipment reliability and maintenance decisions.

Who should attend this training course?

The course is designed for maintenance engineers, reliability engineers, condition monitoring specialists, lubrication professionals, laboratory technicians, mechanical engineers, rotating equipment specialists, quality control personnel, maintenance planners, and technical managers working in oil and gas or related industrial operations.

How does used oil testing support predictive maintenance?

Used oil testing identifies changes in lubricant properties, contamination levels, and wear-related elements that provide evidence about lubricant and machinery condition. When results are assessed against historical trends and other monitoring information, maintenance teams can investigate developing problems, prioritise inspections, and plan interventions before equipment condition deteriorates further.

What analytical methods are discussed during the course?

The programme addresses common methods used to assess viscosity, elemental composition, water content, particle contamination, and lubricant degradation. It also examines the purpose, interpretation, and limitations of individual tests, including the importance of representative sampling and comparing findings against suitable specifications and historical baselines.

Will participants receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. Participants who complete the course and meet the attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training receive a Certificate of Completion. The certificate confirms completion of the training programme and is not a professional licence or third-party certification.

Next: 26 Oct 2026

4 dates available

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