Dalian, China – September 2021 – At the invitation of the Lubricating Grease Professional Committee under the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF), AWD Analytical Instruments proudly hosted the 5ᵗʰ Advanced Lubricating Grease Analyst Training Course at its Dalian headquarters from 14 to 20 September 2021. More than 40 laboratory technicians from grease manufacturers across China completed the seven-day intensive programme and received their completion certificates.
Under the committee’s mandate AWD’s editorial team compiled a 300-page bilingual training manual entitled “Lubricating Grease Analysis Training Materials”. The curriculum covered:
Interpretation of standard test methods
Fundamentals of oil testing and basic skills
Principles and key technical parameters of oil-analysis instruments
Essential petroleum knowledge and an overview of petrochemical & base-oil refining processes
Physicochemical properties of lubricating oils/greases and their application knowledge
Operating techniques for lubricant testing experiments
Critical-point control guidance for instruments and test procedures
Error, uncertainty and their application
Key factors for improving test-result precision
Analytical data handling and laboratory quality control
Intermediate checks of testing equipment and their application
Standardized laboratory management
Safety instructions for testing operations
Operating guidelines for common hazardous chemicals
Troubleshooting and maintenance methods for instruments
During the lecture modules senior instructors delivered in-depth interpretations of ASTM, ISO, GB and SH/T methods, explained the preparation and standardisation of reference reagents, and introduced state-of-the-art concepts in instrument safety and laboratory quality management. Real-world case studies showed how to obtain more accurate and reliable test results.
The hands-on sessions took place in AWD’s demonstration laboratory, where trainees worked exclusively with the following Lubricating Grease Tester units:
AWD-38 Penetration Tester for Lubricating Grease – ASTM D217
AWD-21 Dropping Point Tester for Lubricating Grease – ASTM D566
AWD-22 Wide-Temperature Dropping Point Tester – ASTM D2265
AWD-60 Evaporation Loss Tester for Lubricating Grease and Oils – ASTM D972
AWD-55 Oxidation Stability Tester for Lubricating Grease – ASTM D942
AWD-48 Anti-Water Washout Tester for Grease – ASTM D1264
AWD-49 Anti-Corrosive Tester for Lubricating Grease – ASTM D1743
AWD-19D Lubricating Grease Copper Corrosion Tester – GB/T 7326 & ASTM D4048
AWD-102C Roller Stability Tester for Lubricating Grease – ASTM D1831
AWD-205 Grease Anti-Water Spray Tester – ASTM D4049
AWD-54 Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease Tester
AWD-54A Pressure Oil Separation Tester – GB/T 392 & ASTM D1742
AWD-91 Similar Viscosity Tester for Lubricating Grease – SH/T 0048
Every Lubricating Grease Tester was calibrated before the course, and AWD engineers provided one-to-one coaching on parameter setting, step-by-step test procedures, key-point control, result evaluation, fault diagnosis and corrective actions. Incorrect personal habits were identified and rectified immediately, ensuring that each participant mastered the skills required of a qualified Lubricating Grease Tester operator.
By the end of the programme the participants had not only expanded their theoretical knowledge and broadened their professional horizons, but also improved their practical abilities and learned how to control the factors that influence test precision. All trainees passed the final examination and were awarded completion certificates recognised by the Lubricating Grease Professional Committee.
The successful hosting of the 5ᵗʰ Advanced Lubricating Grease Analyst Training Course further consolidates AWD’s position as a leading supplier of Lubricating Grease Tester technology and training in China. The company will continue to listen to customers’ needs, optimise course content and promote the sustainable development of lubricating-grease laboratory talent.