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Lubricating oils are used in machinery to reduce friction between two surfaces in contact. The improper selection of a lubricant can result in wasted energy due to heat loss and premature wear of parts. Lubricating oils are generally classified into two categories, refined and synthetic. Refined oils are produced from the refinement of existing petroleum or vegetable oils and synthetic oils are produced from chemical synthesis. Synthetic oils are much more expensive than refined oils, but provide lower pour points, lower coefficients of friction, better oxidation stability and a better viscosity index.

In this course, the student will learn the basics of lubricating oils including how they are manufactured and the relative merits between different types. The course will cover Chapter 3, "Lubricating Oils" and Chapter 7, "Lubricant Additives" in the US Army Corps of Engineers document EM 1110-2-1424, "Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids".

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.