BLF TRAINING CERTIFICATE OF LUBRICANT COMPETENCE


The Federation will be introducing another new training initiative early in the New Year which is aimed, primarily, at new entrants, but equally will be appropriate for all non- technical personnel within member companies. Vice President Education and Training, Hugh Dowding, assisted by David Willis has been the driving force behind this development; detailed work involved in getting this venture operational has been going on behind the scenes for many months. The course material will be provided on a modular basis with nine separate one day training sessions, each linked to the next subject being covered . The overall aim is to provide a complete "beginners introduction" i.e. exploration to final disposal of the used product, to lubricants and lubrication. Member company personnel will in the main be providing the speakers for each topic on offer. The course is designed to offer the basics of what lubricants are, how they are formulated, the different types being offered to users, why there are different requirements and most importantly the Safety, Health and Environmental issues posed by lubricants.


SUBJECT AREAS COVERED BY THE COURSE MATERIAL ARE:-


1. EXPLORATION & REFINING 2. BASE OIL TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS 3. BASIC TRIBOLOGY 4. LUBRICANT ADDITIVES 5. AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS 6. INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS 7. GREASES 8. METALWORKING 9. HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT


1. EXPLORATION & REFINING SUBJECT MATTER:-


Covering the basic geology and formation of oil-bearing strata, the geographical distribution of known oil reserves, the history of exploration, the formation of the Major Oil companies and a brief Industry history. Also covering refining and the progression of refinery technology from initial techniques through to current trends towards ID technology.


2. BASE OIL TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS SUBJECT MATTER: -


Concentrating on the way refining and crude oil origin define the characteristics and properties of the resulting base oil and their subsequent best use. Covering areas such as Pour Point, Volatility, Oxidation Stability, Additive Response and the advantages and disadvantages of various properties to different types of blended lubricants.


3. BASIC TRIBOLOGY SUBJECT MATTER:-


This course element is designed to give a basic understanding of concepts such as ElastoHydroDynamic Lubrication, Boundary Lubrication and Extreme Pressure conditions, perhaps extending to cover Anti-Wear, Fretting Corrosion and Tool Life in the context of the later course elements.


4. LUBRICANTS ADDITIVES SUBJECT MATTER:-


An explanation of the basic Additives used in the various categories of lubricants, their chemistry at a simplistic level,


their function and their performance in respect of the Tribology covered in the previous element. These will not only be related to Additives used in Automotive and basic Industrial lubricants but will draw parallels with speciality areas such as Grease and Metalworking.


5. AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS SUBJECT MATTER:-


An enormous topic, which covers not only oils for both gasoline and diesel engines but, in addition, transmission and hydraulic applications. Following on from the Additive element this session will highlight the application of the different Additives chemistries, relating both types and treat rates to levels of performance and specifications. The history of specifications up to and including the latest ACEA performance levels will be covered


6. INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS SUBJECT MATTER:-


A comprehensive look at Hydraulic and Circulatory, Gear Oils, Open Gears, Slideway Oils etc. including particularly the importance of viscosity, and Additive selection and relating strongly to both the Tribology and Additive elements. Also, basic guidance on selection of the current lubricant and the importance of the Lubrication Survey and Grade Rationalisation will be included.


7. GREASES SUBJECT MATTER:-


A science in itself, the sphere of use of grease, its different manufacturing considerations, Additive types and the basic terminologies of Consistency, Penetration, Drop Point etc. all will be covered.


8. METALWORKING SUBJECT MATTER:-


Metalworking Fluids have become an increasingly important part of the product portfolio of most lubricant companies. This element will explore the basic differences in chemistry and application between neat and watermix fluids. It will explain emulsions and emulsifiers at a simplistic level. Also, it will cover the Additive technology and different tribological implications when related to the previous elements and provide a thumbnail sketch of the industries, which form the potential customer base.


9. HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL SUBJECT MATTER:-


Covering the evolution of the Health and Safety of ingredients, lead, sodium nitrite etc. in various categories of lubricants moving on to later issues such as biocides, middle order metals and discussing environmental legislation and trends.


During this session other aspects will be covered relating to bio- degradeable lubricants, vegetable and ester basestocks and fluids used in the environment.


It is envisaged that there would then be a final session, giving 10 segments in total, which would review the elements covered, answer questions and award the BLF Certificate of Lubricant Competence, for those who reach a required standard in a short examination.


Companies wishing to register their candidates for the Course of Modules should express their interest as soon as possible to the BLF Secretariat. It is envisaged that the first Module will be held in late January 1999.


Rod Parker


ISSUE 35 • DECEMBER 1998


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