MLE Study Subjects
MLE Study Subjects
MLE Study Subjects
References from which exam questions were derived (Domain of Knowledge) can be found under each area
of the BOK.
I. Asset Management, ISO 55000 & ICML 55; Basic Elements (3%)
References:
1. Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, John S. Mitchell, Reliability Web; chapters 1-10,
chapter 18
2. ISO 55000 (International Organization for Standardization)
3. EN 16646
4. ICML 55
References:
References:
1. Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapter 2
2. Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapters 1-12
3. Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 2
4. Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 1-11
5. Maintenance Work Management Processes, T. Wireman, Reliability Web; chapters 1-9
6. The Handbook of Maintenance Management, 2nd Edition, Joel Levitt, Industrial Press; chapters 1 -
29
7. Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook, 3rd Edition, Doc Palmer, McGraw Hill; chapters 1-
12
8. Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON
References:
1. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 1-2
2. Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapters 2
3. Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapters 7-9
4. Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017; chapter 2
2. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner, chapters 2 and 28
3. Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria, chapter 1
4. Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapter 1
5. Lubrication for Industry, K. Bannister, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press, 2007; chapter 3
6. Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 6
VI. Lubricant Formulation for Machine Types to achieve Optimum Reliability, Energy
Consumption, Safety and Environmental Protection; Basic Elements (5%)
Liquid and grease lubricants, formulation science, base oils, common thickeners, common additives
Solid-film lubrication and types
Physical and chemical properties of lubricating oils and grease.
Common lubricant laboratory test methods such as oxidation stability, viscosity index, film strength,
rust suppression, air release, demulsibility, penetration number, dropping point, water washout
resistance, biodegradability, etc.
Differences and unique physical and chemical properties of major lubricant formulation categories
including: engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, turbine oil, gear oil,
compressor lubricant, chain lubricant, wheel bearing grease, chassis grease, electric motor bearing
grease, coupling grease, multipurpose grease, foodgrade lubricants
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017; chapters 4-6, 9-13, 16, and 18
2. Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis;
chapters 1-11, 13, and 15
3. Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapters 1-14
4. Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009;
chapters 2-3
5. Fuels and Lubricants Handbook, G. Totten, ASTM International, 2003; chapters 9-17, 20, 24, 25,
and 37
6. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 3-8 and
12-20
7. Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria, chapter 1
8. Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapters 1-4 and 6
9. Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapters 4-9,
and 15
10. A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi,
ASTM International, 2009; chapters 1-5 and 7-10
11. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapters 2-6
12. Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 3
VII. Job- and Task-based Skills/Training related to Lubrication and Reliability by User
Organizations (4%)
References:
1. Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapter 10
2. Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 5-6
3. Operator-Driven Reliability, T. Wireman, Reliability Web; chapter 7
4. Training Programs for Maintenance Organizations, T. Wireman, Industrial Press; chapters 1-11
5. Training and Skill Requirements for Lubrication Programs, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant
Management Series, Noria
VIII. Lubrication Support Facilities needed in Plants and Work Sites (3%)
Design and use of a lube room facility that meets reliability, safely and environment requirements
Design and use of lubricant storage facilities including bulk tanks, tank farms, totes, etc. that meet
reliability, safety, environment and regulatory requirements
Standardized lubricant labeling for packaged and bulk vessels
Proper selection, use and care of tools for inspection and reconditioning of tank, vessel and
containers related to cleanliness, cross contamination, bottom sediment and water, and leakage
Spill containment and leak protection practices for environmental protection and basic regulatory
compliance
Transfer, handling, dispensing, filtration from drums, totes and day tanks.
Transfer, handling, dispensing, filtration from bottles, jugs, and small grease packages
Selection and use of workplace and lube room tools and accessories (tools, benches, rooms,
lockers/cabinets, etc.) and basic care and storage
Safety practices related to the storage and handling of lubricants
References:
1. Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis;
chapter 34
2. Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009;
chapter 7
3. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapter 24
4. Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 8 and 10
5. Lubrication for Industry, K. Bannister, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press, 2007; chapter 8
6. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 20
7. Lubricant Storage and Handling, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
Reference:
1. An Introduction to Machinery Reliability Assessment, 2nd Edition, Heinz P. Bloch, Gulf Publishing
Co.; chapters 3-10
X. Optimum Machine Modifications and Features Needed to Achieve and Sustain Reliability Goals
(5%)
Optimum selection, set-up and use of lubricant application devices and hardware (single-point
autolubers, circulating lubrication, constant-level oilers, centralized lubrication systems, mist
systems, spray, etc.)
Optimum selection, installation and use of contamination control devices/hardware (filters,
breathers, filter cart connects, headspace management, seals, dehydrators, de-aeration devices,
etc.)
Instrumentation requirements including selection and location of online oil analysis sensors
Optimum selection, location and use of sight glasses and level gauges
Optimum selection and use of relubrication and oil change hardware & tools
Optimum selection and location of sampling valves and hardware
Purpose and use of drip pans, grease traps, berms, purge ports, etc.
Optimum selection and use of tags, labels and plates for lubricant type and lubrication practices on
the machine
References:
1. Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis;
chapter 36
2. Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009;
chapter 4
3. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 9, 10, and
21-23
4. Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapter 3
5. Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapter 10
6. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 9
7. Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapter 5
8. Modifying Machinery for Proper Lubrication, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management
Series, Noria
9. The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition, AISE, 2010; chapter 12
XI. Lubricant Selection for Optimum Reliability, Safety, Energy Consumption and Environmental
Protection based on Machine Type and Application (4%)
Vendor selection based on product range, product quality, product performance, support & services
Elements in generic lubricant specifications for common machine types, application types, operating
conditions, workplace exposures, desired machine reliability, safety requirements, energy
conservation, environmental protection and price. Common machine or application types include
engines, driveline components, rolling-element bearings, journal bearings, enclosed & open gears,
mechanical couplings, process pumps, hydraulic systems, compressors, gearboxes, turbines, chain
and wire rope, and pneumatic systems. Lubricant specification elements include base oil, additives,
thickeners, performance properties, physical properties, chemical properties, and health and safety
properties.
Food grade lubricant selection, application and regulations related to National Sanitation Foundation
(NSF), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), ISO 22000 (HACCP), ISO 21469 and similar
guidelines
Rationalized lubricant consolidation to optimize the number of lubricant grades and brands
Lubricant cross-contamination risks, compatibility testing, and risk-management practices
Proper labeling methods using standardized classifications and visual identification system for
display on machines, containers, grease guns, lubricant transfer system, etc. Standardized
classifications relate to internal and industrial standards including ISO 15380, ISO
12924/6743/12925 and many others related to engine oils, transmission fluids, axle lubricants, and
brake fluids. These also include ILSAC, ACEA, API and SAE.
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017; chapters 9-13 and 16
2. Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis;
chapters 1-11, 13, 15, and 25
3. Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapters 8-14
4. Fuels and Lubricants Handbook, G. Totten, ASTM International, 2003; chapters 12-17 and 20
5. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 12-20
6. Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapters 11-13,
16 and 17
7. A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi,
ASTM International, 2009; chapter 10
8. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapters 7-8 and 10-15, 17,
and 18
9. Lubricant Selection, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
10. ISO 22000
References:
1. Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology, George Totten, Volume I, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis;
chapter 33
2. Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapters 3-10
3. Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 2-4 and 7-10
4. The Handbook of Maintenance Management, 2nd Edition, Joel Levitt, Industrial Press; chapters 30-
39
5. Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook, 3rd Edition, Doc Palmer, McGraw Hill; chapters 1-
12
6. Maintenance Planning and Scheduling, IDCON, Rev. 2, 2008
Control of correct lubricant supply: oil level, flow rate, drip rate, mist rate or grease volume
Regrease, oil top-up and oil change frequency and lubricant volume (amount) criteria
Proper oil top-up procedures for common machine types, sumps and reservoirs
Proper grease relubrication procedures for common machine types and grease dispensing hardware
Lubricant drain or purge criteria and methods for major machine types
Contamination control tasks including general machine cleanliness, control of contaminant
ingression, filtration, dehydration and other decontamination methods
Machine flushing requirements, risks and benefits. Selection of flushing protocol, hardware and
methodology
Oil reclamation need and methods (see Major Subject No. 21 below)
Lubricant waste handling, disposal and cleanup
Leak detection, management and leak cleanup
Safety in lubrication maintenance tasks
References:
1. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 9-10 and
25
2. Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 5-7
3. The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition, AISE, 2010; chapter 13
4. Lubrication for Industry, K. Bannister, 2nd Edition, Industrial Press, 2007; chapters 5, 6 and 8
5. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 8
6. Lubricant Storage and Handling, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
7. Lubrication Maintenance Tasks and Tools, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management
Series, Noria
XIV. Inspection of Lubricated Machines for Optimum Reliability, Safety, Environmental Protection
and Condition Monitoring (5%)
Inspection personnel and responsibility (recognizing this vary between operators, lube technicians,
mechanics, and reliability engineers)
Inspection intervals, routes, autonomous inspection
Selection and installation of machine inspection windows
Selection, use and care of inspection tools and aids
Inspection protocol for common machine types related to start-up, machine-run conditions,
machine-stop conditions, repair inspection
Inspection protocol for spare parts, stored new machines and standby machines
Inspection personnel skill sets and training
Inspection checklists, findings reports and documentation
Integration of inspection with other condition monitoring practices
References:
1. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapters 21-23
2. Preventive Maintenance, T. Wireman, Industrial Press, 2008; chapters 4-6, 9, 18(Append. A, B, &
C)
3. Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapter 9
4. Autonomous Maintenance for Operators, The Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, CRC Press;
chapters 1-4
5. Operator-Driven Reliability, T. Wireman, Reliability Web; chapters 5-8
6. Preventive Maintenance/Essential Care and Condition Monitoring, IDCON, 1992; chapter 2
7. Results Oriented Reliability and Maintenance Management, IDCON
8. Daily One-Minute Lubrication Inspections and Field Tests, J. Fitch & R. Scott, Noria
XV. Lubricant Analysis and Condition Monitoring for Optimum Reliability Objectives (8%)
Selection of optimum sampling tools/devices, sample point location(s), sampling frequency, and
procedure for common machines, operating conditions and reliability objectives
Selection of off-site laboratory requirements based on instrument/sample prep capabilities, industry
orientation, quality, turnaround time, data reporting format and data interpretation capabilities
Selection of onsite testing tools/laboratory requirements
General in-service lubricant sampling and analysis program design
New lubricant receiving requirements: testing, inspection and quality control
Stored lubricant (package & bulk) sampling and analysis
Selection of routine lubricant test slate and standardized methods
Selection of exception tests, condition for use and standardized methods
Selection of data alarms and limits
General strategy for data interpretation
Data management and overall program management
Reporting and responding to non-conforming data
Integration with other inspection and condition monitoring methods
Accuracy and quality verification and accreditation (e.g., ISO 17025)
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017, chapter 18
2. Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapter 16
3. The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication, R. Scott, J. Fitch, L. Luegner; chapter 27
4. Oil Analysis Basics, J. Fitch & D. Troyer, 2nd Edition, Noria; chapters 4-7
5. Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapters 7-11
XVI. Fault/Failure Troubleshooting, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Remediation (5%)
References:
Reference:
1. Lubricant and Lubrication Product Procurement, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant
Management Series, Noria
XVIII. Waste and Used Lubricant Management and Environmental Compliance (3%)
Disposal of lubricants, filters, rags, containers
Cleaning of containers, parts, hoses, components and devices
Labeling and documentation of hazardous waste and non-hazardous materials
Disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials
Alignment to ISO 14000
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017; chapters 7-8
2. Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer; chapter 15
3. Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009;
chapters 8-10
4. A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi,
ASTM International, 2009; chapter 13
5. Lubricant Waste and Disposal, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
6. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 21
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017; chapter 7
2. Chemistry and Technology of Lubricants, Roy M. Mortier, 3rd Edition, Springer, chapter 15
3. Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery, R. Gresham and G. Totten, CRC Press, 2009;
chapter 8
4. A Comprehensive Review of Lubricant Chemistry, Technology, Selection, and Design, Syed Rizvi,
ASTM International, 2009; chapter 13
5. Lubricating Grease Guide, 4th Edition, NLGI; chapter 9
References:
1. Lubricants and Lubrications, Theo Mang and Wilfried Drexel, Vol I & II, 3rd edition, Wiley-VCH,
2017; chapter 7
2. Lubrication Fundamentals, D. Pirro, 3rd Edition, Marcel Dekker, 2016; chapter 20
3. The Lubrication Engineers Manual, 4th Edition, AISE, 2010; chapter 11
4. Lubrication Program Safety, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management Series, Noria
Lubricant conservation strategy and practices related to extended lubricant service life
Selection of dehydration methods and practices
Additive reconstruction of aged or damaged lubricants
De-varnishing of fluids and machine surfaces
Acid scavenging methods, best applications and risks
References:
1. Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, H. Bloch, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2016; chapter 19
2. Machinery Oil Analysis, L. Toms, 3rd Edition, STLE; chapters 5, 6 and 10
3. Methods for Extending Lubricant Service Life, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management
Series, Noria
Reference:
1. Lubrication Requirements for Standby and Stored Machinery, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable
Plant Management Series, Noria
References:
1. Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices, Ramesh Gulati, Industrial Press, 2009; chapters 6-9
2. Reliability-centered Maintenance, 2nd Edition, John Moubray, Industrial Press; chapter 14
3. Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, John S. Mitchell, Reliability Web; chapter 9 and
(Append. E)
4. Lubrication Program and Reliability Metrics, Edited by Jason Sowards, Reliable Plant Management
Series, Noria
References:
1. Physical Asset Management Handbook, 4th Edition, John S. Mitchell, Reliability Web; chapters 1-10
and 18
2. ISO 55000 (International Organization for Standardization)
3. EN 16646
4. ICML 55