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About ISO 18436

ISO 18436 is a prestigious international standard that defines the requirements for training, experience, and certification of personnel who perform machinery condition monitoring and diagnostics using multiple condition monitoring techniques. This globally recognized standard ensures that certified professionals possess the requisite skills and knowledge to conduct NDT analysis with the utmost proficiency and accuracy.

Engineer analyzing vibration data on a computer screen with machinery in the background

Obtain ISO 18436

We recommend anyone wishing to gain certification in ISO18436 to acquire an official copy of ISO 18436, please visit the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) official website. This allows you to go line by line through what is expected of you in the disciplines you practice:

Purchase ISO 18436
ISO 18436 document cover page displayed on a digital tablet

The Significance of Training

Adherence to the ISO 18436 standard through comprehensive training is paramount for several reasons:

Group of professionals attending an ISO 18436 training session in a modern classroom

The Four Disciplines of ISO 18436

1. Vibration Analysis

Concentrates on the detection and diagnosis of machine faults through precise vibration measurements and analysis.

Vibration analysis is a cornerstone of predictive maintenance and the most widely used condition based maintenance technique accounting for over half of all certified professionals world wide from this single discipline. It involves measuring and analyzing the vibration signals from rotating machinery to detect impending failures before they occur. This discipline requires a deep understanding of machine dynamics, signal processing, and fault diagnosis techniques.

Engineer using handheld vibration analyzer on industrial machinery

2. Acoustic Emission

Involves the detection and analysis of high-frequency stress waves generated by material deformation, as well as identifying leaks within offering insights into structural integrity.

Acoustic Emission testing detects and analyzes high-frequency elastic waves generated by rapid energy release within materials. This non-destructive testing method is particularly useful for detecting and locating defects in pressure vessels, storage tanks, and other structures under stress.

Technician performing acoustic emission testing on a large industrial tank

3. Infrared Thermography

Utilizes advanced thermal imaging techniques to identify temperature variations that may indicate potential equipment issues or inefficiencies.

Infrared Thermography uses specialized cameras to capture heat signatures emitted by equipment. By analyzing these thermal images, technicians can identify hot spots that may indicate electrical faults, mechanical wear, or other issues. This non-contact method is particularly valuable for inspecting electrical systems and detecting energy losses.

Thermographer using an infrared camera to inspect electrical equipment

4. Lubricant Analysis

Encompasses the meticulous examination of lubricant samples to assess machine condition and lubricant health, ensuring optimal performance.

Lubricant Analysis involves testing oil samples to determine the condition of both the lubricant and the machine it's lubricating. This discipline includes various tests such as viscosity analysis, particle counting, and spectrometric analysis to detect wear metals. By monitoring lubricant condition, technicians can identify machine wear, contamination, and other issues before they lead to failure.

Laboratory technician analyzing oil samples using advanced spectroscopy equipment

ISO18436.com Approved Training and Exam Providers

Several esteemed organizations offer training and their own certficiation exams based on ISO 18436 aspects. When selecting a provider, consider the following crucial factors:

Below is a list of some prominent training and exam providers fully endorsed by ISO18436.com:

Provider Type Disciplines Approved
AVT Reliability Training Provider Vibration Analysis
BINDT (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing) Exam Provider Lubricant Analysis, Vibration Analysis, Acoustic Emission, Infrared Thermography
ICML (International Council for Machinery Lubrication) Exam Provider Lubricant Analysis
ICM Training Solutions Training Provider Vibration Analysis, Accoustics, Thermography, Lubricant Analysis
Infrared training center (ITC) Exam Provider Thermography
John Crane Training Provider Vibration Analysis, Accoustics, Thermography
Oil Analysis Laboratories Ltd / LearnOilAnalysis Training Provider & Exam Provider Lubricant Analysis
Mobius Institute Training Provider & Exam Provider Vibration Analysis
Noria Corporation Training Provider Lubricant Analysis, Vibration Analysis
SKF Training Provider Vibration Analysis, Accoustics, Thermography
Vibration Institute Training Provider & Exam Provider Vibration Analysis

This list is not exhaustive, and we recommend conducting your own research to find the provider and examination body that best suits your needs and location. We have meticulously reviewed the course syllabuses and training materials of these organisations against the ISO18436 standard to ensure they meet the necessary requirements. Please note that this list is subject to change, and any providers found to be non-conforming to the standard in future reviews will be removed from our approved providers list.