Machinery Bearing, Lubrication, and Reliability (Tribology)
| 30 Mar. – 03 Apr. 2026, Dubai | 24 – 28 Aug. 2026, Abu Dhabi |
COURSE OVERVIEW:
Machinery bearing, lubrication, and reliability, collectively known as the science of Tribology, is a multidisciplinary field focused on the study of interacting surfaces in relative motion. This course provides a high-level technical analysis of how friction, wear, and lubrication influence the mechanical integrity and operational lifespan of industrial machinery. Participants will explore the microscopic world of surface asperities and the chemical interactions that occur within the lubrication film to prevent metal-to-metal contact and catastrophic component failure.
The scope of this training encompasses the complex selection and maintenance of both rolling-element and hydrodynamic bearings. Coverage includes the derivation of the Stribeck curve, the physics of fluid film formation, and the specific engineering requirements for bearings operating under extreme speeds, loads, and temperatures. Emphasis is placed on the metallurgical aspects of bearing construction and how material science contributes to resisting fatigue, pitting, and corrosion in harsh operating environments typical of the oil, gas, and power sectors.
Furthermore, the course integrates tribological principles into a broader reliability framework, teaching participants how to use wear debris analysis and surface forensic techniques to diagnose the root causes of machinery distress. Trainees will examine advanced lubrication theories, including elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) and the impact of synthetic molecular structures on film strength. By mastering these complex interactions, engineers can move beyond basic maintenance to implement precision reliability strategies that maximize the uptime of critical plant assets.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:
- Define the core principles of Tribology and their direct impact on machinery reliability.
- Analyze the Stribeck Curve to determine the lubrication regime of specific assets.
- Distinguish between the failure modes of rolling-element versus journal bearings.
- Calculate the L10 life of bearings based on operational load and contamination factors.
- Select bearing materials and coatings that resist surface-initiated fatigue.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different lubrication film types, including EHL and Hydrodynamic.
- Interpret advanced wear debris reports to identify specific component degradation.
- Implement precision bearing installation techniques to avoid "infant mortality" failures.
- Diagnose the impact of electrical discharge and stray currents on bearing surfaces.
- Optimize lubricant chemistry to match the metallurgical requirements of the machine.
- Use vibration and thermography data to validate tribological health.
- Conduct a forensic surface analysis on failed bearings to determine the root cause.
- Design a contamination control strategy that aligns with the sensitivity of the bearing type.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This course is designed for Reliability Engineers, Tribologists, Rotating Equipment Specialists, Maintenance Managers, and Asset Integrity Engineers responsible for high-value industrial machinery.
TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:
A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.
The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.
COURSE CERTIFICATE:
National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.
