MLA II training at the Ecol Oil Analysis Laboratory

MLA II certification is prestigious proof of the high qualifications and advanced knowledge required to effectively monitor and analyse the condition of machines based on lubricant testing.

From 4 to 7 November, staff from Ecol’s Oil Analysis Laboratory attended an advanced Machinery Lubrication Analyst Level II (MLA II) training course led by Martin Williamson, a mechanical expert and member of the International Council for Machinery Lubrication, representing KEW Engineering Ltd.

MLA II exam

The MLA II (Machine Lubricant Analyst Level II) exam, which complies with ISO 18436-4, is aimed at plant technicians responsible for the day-to-day activities of lubricant analysis to monitor machine condition. It covers activities such as taking and managing samples, performing basic on-site tests, managing results and carrying out diagnostics. In accordance with ISO 18436-4, MLA I certification is required before taking the MLA II exam.

A candidate wishing to obtain MLA II certification must meet specific experience, training and examination requirements:

Experience requirements
The candidate must have a minimum of 24 months of experience in lubricant analysis (384 hours total) and an MLA I certificate or an additional 576 hours in lubricant diagnostics (960 hours total).
Training
The candidate should complete 24 hours of training at MLA Level II and the previous 24 hours at MLA Level I, for a total of 48 hours of practical preparation.
Exam
The candidate must pass a 3-hour examination of 100 multiple-choice questions, achieving a minimum of 70% correct answers.

Passing the MLA II exam is first and foremost a confirmation of the competence of the diagnostic team. This certificate, which is one of the highest levels of certification, also underlines how advanced Ecol is in the field of oil and lubricant diagnostics. – Jakub Chłodek, Oil Analysis Department Director

tour of the laboratory

Following the training, participants had the opportunity to tour the Ecol oil diagnostics laboratory together. The event was attended by Martin Williamson and his wife, CEO of Ecol Sp. z o.o. Wojciech Majka, Oil Analysis Department Director Jakub Chłodek and Head of Oil Diagnostic Department Piotr Farbiszewski.

The tour of the laboratory not only allowed guests to get a closer look at the state-of-the-art analytical equipment and diagnostic techniques used by Ecol, but also fostered additional exchanges of experience and discussion of best practice in the industry.

Martin Williamson graduated in mechanical engineering from the University of Cape Town and began his career in maintenance in the mining industry, specialising in machine condition monitoring, with an emphasis on oil analysis and tribology.

He has been providing training and consultancy services internationally for over 20 years, initially as a representative of Noria Corp and now under the banner of KEW Engineering. He has worked with key clients such as BP, Dow Corning, Marathon Oil, Repsol Sinopec, Aughinish Alumina, Sonae Arauco and Cargill. In March 2023, he was elected to the board of ICML (International Council for Machinery Lubrication).