Auxiliary organ of Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering

Korea Certification Institute for Machine Diagnostics


Parts of ISO 18436

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  • Parts of ISO 18436

Categories of ISO 18436-2

Category Ⅰ

Personnel classified to category I are able to perform a range of pre-defined, generally simple single channel, machinery vibration condition monitoring activities in accordance with established procedures.
All activities shall be performed under direction.
Personnel classified to category I shall at least:

  • Know of the basic principles of vibration and recognize the different units of measurement;
  • Be able to collect reliable data ensuring appropriate standards of repeatability;
  • Be able to identify errors in collected data;
  • Be able to retrieve pre-defined measurement settings for use with VA equipment and transfer data from an analysis system to a computer-based system;
  • Be able to compare overall or single-value vibration measurements against pre-established alert settings;
  • Be able to identify deviations from the norm for single-value vibration values and trends;
  • Report on visual observations of equipment condition.

They shall not be responsible for:

  • The choice of sensor, test method or technique or for any analysis or diagnosis to be conducted;
  • The assessment of test results, other than identifying conditions against pre-established criteria, such as acceptance, alert, alarm, shutdown, etc.
Category Ⅱ

Personnel classified to category II are able to perform industrial machinery vibration measurements and basic VA using single-channel measurements, with or without phase trigger signals, according to established and recognized procedures. They require all the knowledge, experience and skills expected of category I, and in addition they shall at least:

  • Be able to define the measurement activities to be undertaken by a category I individual in the course of routine data collection;
  • Be aware of and capable of using the basic principles of signal analysis and, as such, can define acquisition and analysis settings to collect data appropriate the machine(s) monitored;
  • Be able to perform basic (single-channel) impact tests to determine natural frequencies;
  • Be able to interpret and evaluate test results from routine analysis and acceptance tests in accordance with specifications and standards;
  • Be able to diagnose common fault indications and recommend basic corrective actions commensurate with their area of machinery experience including carrying out single-plane balancing of rigid rotors with or without phase;
  • Be able to provide technical guidance to and instruct category I personnel.
Category Ⅲ

Personnel classified to category III require all the knowledge, experience and skills expected of personnel classified to categories I and II, and in addition shall at least:

  • Be able to design, direct and establish routine condition monitoring programmes and non-routine investigations for the purpose of fault diagnosis;
  • Be able to specify the appropriate vibration instrumentation hardware, software, and processing for portable monitoring systems, permanently installed surveillance systems, and equipment protection systems
  • Have an in-depth knowledge of the principles and techniques of machinery VA and be able to make initial diagnoses of suspected faults beyond the range of commonly encountered issues. This should include, but not be limited to, the use of frequency spectra, time waveforms and orbits, transfer functions, basic operating deflection shapes, and acceleration enveloping under both steady state and transient conditions with or without a phase trigger;
  • Be able to manage such condition-monitoring programmes, evaluate the alarm sets, write working procedures and specify vibration acceptance testing procedures;
  • Be able to initiate and validate machinery corrective actions including in situ two-plane rigid rotor balancing;
  • Be able to recommend restrictions to machine operation;
  • Be able to understand and direct, when necessary, alternative condition monitoring technologies to verify or investigate issues raised through routine data collection;
  • Be able to provide technical guidance to and instruct category I and II personnel, and, subject to agreement with the employer or client, deem them competent to carry out certain duties which would normally be outside the scope of those competencies.

It is the responsibility of the employer or client to ensure that category III personnel have the necessary competency in the required management skills, e.g. creating budgets, preparing cost justifications, and managing personnel development.

Category Ⅳ

Personnel classified to category IV require all the knowledge and skills expected of category I, category II and category III personnel. In addition, they shall be able to direct and audit condition monitoring strategies.
Employers should recognize that a category IV individual is likely to have a broad technical knowledge and experience of a range of machine situations and techniques, and an in-depth knowledge of a selection of them.
In addition, personnel classified to category IV shall at least:

  • Be able to apply vibration theory and techniques, including measurement and interpretation of multi-channel spectral results such as frequency response functions, phase and coherence;
  • Be able to understand and perform signal analysis, including understanding of frequency and time domain processing, including orbits and their limitations;
  • Be able to determine the natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping of systems, components and assemblies;
  • Be able to determine and assess the operating deflection shapes of machines and connected structures and recommend means for correction;
  • Be able to use generally recognized advanced techniques for VA, parameter identification, and fault diagnosis;
  • Be able to apply the basic principles of rotor-bearing dynamics to vibration diagnosis;
  • Understand and apply advanced two-plane influence coefficient or static and couple balancing theory;
  • Be able to recommend corrective actions or design modifications, including component change or repair, isolation, damping, change of stiffness and change of mass;
  • Be able to interpret and evaluate codes of practice and specifications published in International Standards and other documents;
  • Be able to recognize vibration caused by gas pulsation in machines, such as reciprocating machines and screw compressors, be able to measure the necessary parameters, and recommend means for correction;
  • Be able to recommend corrective actions for resilient mounting and other holding-down and foundation problems.

Categories of ISO 18436-4

Category Ⅰ

Individuals classified as category I are qualified to perform field lubricant analysis according to established and recognized procedures. Personnel classified as category I shall be able to:

  • Dispense lubricants, re-lubricate, and/or inspect lubricants on a pre-programmed route, as appropriate, in accordance with established procedures,
  • Properly maintain lubrication devices and equipment,
  • Install sampling hardware deemed appropriate, safe, and non-intrusive by category II or higher personnel (any intrusive sampling hardware installation shall be undertaken by a suitably qualified person authorized by the customer),
  • Verify that analysis instruments are calibrated and report to the appropriate personnel where action is needed,
  • Operate (and maintain) portable lubricant analysis instrumentation on pre-programmed routes,
  • Download and upload raw test data from portable lubricant analysis instrumentation,
  • Acquire lubricant samples from machine systems, equipment, and/or storage containers in accordance with established procedures, and
  • Prepare samples for transport and/or testing in accordance with established procedures.
Category Ⅱ

Individuals classified as category II are qualified to perform basic field lubricant testing and analysis according to established and recognized procedures. Personnel classified as category II shall be able to

  • Set up instruments for basic on-site testing,
  • Perform calibration checks on instruments used for on-site testing,
  • Establish procedures for sample acquisition, preparation, and transport,
  • Select sample point locations, methods, and hardware and oversee installation of sampling hardware,
  • Apply selected test methods for on-site testing and wear debris analysis,
  • Liaise with an off-site laboratory,
  • Classify, interpret, and evaluate basic test results (including acceptance tests) in accordance with applicable specifications and standards,
  • Employ basic lubricant analysis techniques to troubleshoot lubricant, machinery, and components,
  • Maintain a database of analysis schedules, results, and diagnoses,
  • Prepare reports for appropriate personnel on basic lubricant and machine condition, recommend corrective action (non-intrusive maintenance), and report on effectiveness of repairs/changes,
  • Be aware of the use of alternative or supplementary condition monitoring technologies, and
  • Provide guidance and supervision to category I personnel.
Category Ⅲ

Individuals classified as category III are qualified to perform and/or direct all types of field lubricant testing and analysis. Personnel classified as category III shall be able to

  • Interpret and evaluate test methods, standards, codes, specifications, and procedures,
  • Select the appropriate machinery lubricant analysis technique,
  • Specify the appropriate instrumentation hardware and software for both portable and permanently installed systems,
  • Design and manage calibration programmes,
  • Establish lubricant monitoring programmes, including determination of machines for periodic/continuous monitoring, frequency and type of testing, route plans, etc., and quality assurance testing,
  • Establish programmes for the specification of targets, alarms, and limits for machinery,
  • Perform advanced on-site tests and wear debris analysis,
  • Classify, interpret, and evaluate advanced test results and wear debris analysis (including acceptance tests) in accordance with applicable specifications and standards,
  • Manage and perform administrative tasks for lubricant analysis software and databases,
  • Perform Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA),
  • Perform prognostics for fault conditions,
  • Evaluate the performance of outside lubricant analysis services and recommend necessary corrective changes,
  • Prepare reports for appropriate personnel based on advanced lubricant testing and wear debris analysis on lubricant and machine condition,
  • Make major maintenance corrective action recommendations (normally intrusive maintenance) and report on effectiveness of repairs/changes,
  • Be able to manage condition monitoring programmes, evaluate alarm sets, write working procedures, and specify acceptance testing procedures,
  • Recommend the use of alternative condition monitoring (CM) technologies,
  • Based on the accrued data, review the lubricants currently in use and make recommendations, inclusive of required lubrication specification changes, with a view to enhancing performance,
  • Assess the influence of physical/chemical properties on stability of rotor in bearings, stability of turbine control systems, wear of gears, and hydrodynamic seals, and
  • Provide guidance and supervision to category I and II personnel.

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that category III personnel have the necessary competency in the required management skills, for example creating budgets, preparing cost justifications, and managing personnel development.

Categories of ISO 18436-7

Category Ⅰ

Individuals classified as Category I are qualified to perform infrared thermography according to established and recognized procedures. Personnel classified as Category I shall be able to:

  • Apply a specified thermographic measurement technique;
  • Set up and operate the thermal imaging equipment for safe thermographic data collection;
  • Identify, prevent, minimize and control poor data acquisition and error sources;
  • Perform basic fault detection, severity assessment and diagnosis in accordance with established instructions;
  • Perform basic image post-processing (measurement tools, emissivity adjustments, span and scale adjustments, etc.);
  • Maintain a database of results and trends;
  • Verify the calibration of thermographic measurement systems;
  • Evaluate and report test results and highlight areas of concern.
Category Ⅱ

Individuals classified as Category II are qualified to perform infrared thermography according to established and recognized procedures. Personnel classified as Category II shall be able to:

  • Select the appropriate infrared thermography technique and understand its limitations;
  • Apply thermography theory and techniques, including measurement and interpretation of survey results;
  • Specify the appropriate hardware and software;
  • Perform advanced fault diagnoses;
  • Recommend appropriate field corrective actions;
  • Perform advanced image post-processing (image, trending, montage, subtraction, superimposition, statistical analysis, etc.);
  • Use generally recognized advanced techniques for infrared thermography and fault diagnosis in accordance with established procedures;
  • Prepare reports on equipment condition, fault diagnoses, corrective actions and the effectiveness of repairs;
  • Be aware of the use of alternative or supplementary condition monitoring technologies; and
  • Provide guidance to and supervise Category I personnel.
Category Ⅲ

Individuals classified as Category III are qualified to perform infrared thermography according to established and recognized procedures. Personnel classified as Category III shall be able to:

  • Develop and establish thermographic programmes, write working procedures and instructions including determination of machines for periodic/continuous monitoring, frequency of testing, the use of advanced techniques;
  • Determine severity assessment, acceptance criteria and testing procedures for new, in-service and faulty equipment;
  • Interpret and evaluate codes, standards, specifications and procedures;
  • Designate the particular test methods, procedures and instructions to be used;
  • Perform prognostics for fault conditions;
  • Recommend appropriate types of thermodynamic (radiation-, convection-, conduction-based)corrective actions;
  • Recommend appropriate types of machinery engineering corrective actions;
  • Provide guidance to and supervise Category I and II personnel;
  • Recommend the use of alternative or supplementary condition monitoring technologies, and
  • Be able to manage condition monitoring programmes.

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that Category III personnel have the necessary competency in the required management skills, for example creating budgets preparing cost justifications and managing personnel development.