ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst
(MLA) Level I-III Certification Exam |
Verified Questions
ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level I-III |
Comprehensive Examination
ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level I-III
Certification Exam actual exam preparation document with
verified questions, complete answers, and focused rationales
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level
I-III Certification Exam. Every item uses a focused exam stem,
four response options, a keyed response, and a clear rationale,
making it easier to understand the subject, spot distractors, and
build real exam confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
A gearbox oil sample shows an ISO particle count of 21/18/15 (c). Which
cleanliness code corresponds to the number of particles 4 µm?
A. 21
B. 18
C. 15
D. 24
Correct Answer: A - 21
RATIONALE
The ISO 4406 cleanliness code reports three numbers: the first for
particles 4 µm, the second for 6 µm, and the third for 14 µm.
Therefore, 21 corresponds to the 4 µm count. The other numbers
represent larger size ranges.
Question 2
In a spline coupling lubricated with grease, which wear mechanism is most
likely indicated by the presence of large, jagged ferrous particles and a high
concentration of iron in the oil analysis?
A. Fatigue wear
B. Adhesive wear
C. Corrosive wear
D. Abrasive wear
Correct Answer: B - Adhesive wear
RATIONALE
Adhesive wear, often caused by inadequate lubrication or high loads,
produces large, jagged metallic particles due to metal-to-metal contact
and transfer. Fatigue wear typically generates spherical particles,
corrosive wear produces oxides, and abrasive wear creates cutting or
ribbon-like particles.
Page 2
, Question 3
Which FTIR spectral region is most diagnostic for monitoring the oxidation of
a mineral oil?
A. 1700-1750 cm¹
B. 2900-3000 cm¹
C. 1450-1470 cm¹
D. 720-730 cm¹
Correct Answer: A - 1700-1750 cm¹
RATIONALE
The carbonyl (C=O) stretch in the 1700-1750 cm¹ region indicates the
formation of oxidation products such as ketones, aldehydes, and
carboxylic acids. The other regions correspond to C-H stretches or
bending vibrations not specific to oxidation.
Question 4
A lubrication program specifies a grease with NLGI grade 2 for a high-speed
electric motor bearing. Which modification is most appropriate if the bearing
experiences frequent high-temperature spikes?
A. Switch to NLGI grade 3 for better stay-put properties.
B. Use a grease with a higher base oil viscosity and synthetic thickener.
C. Change to a calcium sulfonate complex grease with NLGI grade 1.
D. Reduce the base oil viscosity to lower friction.
Correct Answer: B - Use a grease with a higher base oil viscosity
and synthetic thickener.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
High-temperature spikes require a grease with improved thermal
stability, often achieved with synthetic base oils and thickeners like
polyurea or lithium complex. Higher base oil viscosity maintains film
strength at elevated temperatures. NLGI grade 3 may be too stiff for
high-speed bearings, and reducing viscosity would compromise film
thickness.
Question 5
In a hydraulic system, which condition is most directly indicated by a sudden
increase in the ISO particle count code from 18/16/13 to 21/19/16?
A. Water contamination
B. Filter bypass or failure
C. Oxidation of the fluid
D. Air entrainment
Correct Answer: B - Filter bypass or failure
RATIONALE
A rapid increase in particle count typically indicates a sudden ingress
of contaminants, often due to filter bypass or failure. Water, oxidation,
and air entrainment would affect other properties like water content,
FTIR, or foam tendency, not primarily particle counts.
Question 6
Which technique is best suited for detecting subsurface fatigue cracks in a
rolling element bearing before spalling occurs?
A. Vibration analysis
B. Oil analysis for wear metals
C. Shock pulse monitoring
D. Thermography
Correct Answer: C - Shock pulse monitoring
Page 4
(MLA) Level I-III Certification Exam |
Verified Questions
ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level I-III |
Comprehensive Examination
ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level I-III
Certification Exam actual exam preparation document with
verified questions, complete answers, and focused rationales
INTRODUCTION
This document is an important and very helpful preparation
resource for ICML Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level
I-III Certification Exam. Every item uses a focused exam stem,
four response options, a keyed response, and a clear rationale,
making it easier to understand the subject, spot distractors, and
build real exam confidence.
Page 1
, Question 1
A gearbox oil sample shows an ISO particle count of 21/18/15 (c). Which
cleanliness code corresponds to the number of particles 4 µm?
A. 21
B. 18
C. 15
D. 24
Correct Answer: A - 21
RATIONALE
The ISO 4406 cleanliness code reports three numbers: the first for
particles 4 µm, the second for 6 µm, and the third for 14 µm.
Therefore, 21 corresponds to the 4 µm count. The other numbers
represent larger size ranges.
Question 2
In a spline coupling lubricated with grease, which wear mechanism is most
likely indicated by the presence of large, jagged ferrous particles and a high
concentration of iron in the oil analysis?
A. Fatigue wear
B. Adhesive wear
C. Corrosive wear
D. Abrasive wear
Correct Answer: B - Adhesive wear
RATIONALE
Adhesive wear, often caused by inadequate lubrication or high loads,
produces large, jagged metallic particles due to metal-to-metal contact
and transfer. Fatigue wear typically generates spherical particles,
corrosive wear produces oxides, and abrasive wear creates cutting or
ribbon-like particles.
Page 2
, Question 3
Which FTIR spectral region is most diagnostic for monitoring the oxidation of
a mineral oil?
A. 1700-1750 cm¹
B. 2900-3000 cm¹
C. 1450-1470 cm¹
D. 720-730 cm¹
Correct Answer: A - 1700-1750 cm¹
RATIONALE
The carbonyl (C=O) stretch in the 1700-1750 cm¹ region indicates the
formation of oxidation products such as ketones, aldehydes, and
carboxylic acids. The other regions correspond to C-H stretches or
bending vibrations not specific to oxidation.
Question 4
A lubrication program specifies a grease with NLGI grade 2 for a high-speed
electric motor bearing. Which modification is most appropriate if the bearing
experiences frequent high-temperature spikes?
A. Switch to NLGI grade 3 for better stay-put properties.
B. Use a grease with a higher base oil viscosity and synthetic thickener.
C. Change to a calcium sulfonate complex grease with NLGI grade 1.
D. Reduce the base oil viscosity to lower friction.
Correct Answer: B - Use a grease with a higher base oil viscosity
and synthetic thickener.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
High-temperature spikes require a grease with improved thermal
stability, often achieved with synthetic base oils and thickeners like
polyurea or lithium complex. Higher base oil viscosity maintains film
strength at elevated temperatures. NLGI grade 3 may be too stiff for
high-speed bearings, and reducing viscosity would compromise film
thickness.
Question 5
In a hydraulic system, which condition is most directly indicated by a sudden
increase in the ISO particle count code from 18/16/13 to 21/19/16?
A. Water contamination
B. Filter bypass or failure
C. Oxidation of the fluid
D. Air entrainment
Correct Answer: B - Filter bypass or failure
RATIONALE
A rapid increase in particle count typically indicates a sudden ingress
of contaminants, often due to filter bypass or failure. Water, oxidation,
and air entrainment would affect other properties like water content,
FTIR, or foam tendency, not primarily particle counts.
Question 6
Which technique is best suited for detecting subsurface fatigue cracks in a
rolling element bearing before spalling occurs?
A. Vibration analysis
B. Oil analysis for wear metals
C. Shock pulse monitoring
D. Thermography
Correct Answer: C - Shock pulse monitoring
Page 4
