Assessor Resource

AHCIRG410
Select and manage pumping systems for irrigation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain irrigation pumping systems.

High voltage electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify irrigation system requirements from the irrigation design

1.1 Identify the components of an irrigation pumping system

1.2 Determine the water source and height of pull for water into the system

1.3 Determine the water output for irrigation

1.4 Calculate the total friction loss of irrigation components

2. Select pump according to type, installation, range of flow rates, operating head and delivery distance

2.1 Select the basic type of pump based on the pump task and placement and the power source

2.2 Calculate the total operating head required

2.3 Calculate the required discharge for the pump based on the irrigation output required and friction losses in the system

2.4 Determine the speed and power requirements of the pump motor

2.5 Determine the limiting suction lift of the pump

2.6 Interpret pump performance curves when selecting an efficient irrigation pump

2.7 Determine the size of the impeller from the pump curve

3. Supervise installation of pumps

3.1 Ensure pump is sited as close as possible to water source and is level

3.2 Verify pump is properly anchored and connections are airtight

3.3 Confirm pump and motor connection are correctly aligned and motor is ventilated

3.4 Verify filters and valves are correctly fitted and orientated

3.5 Check pump is connected to the irrigation controller if required

4. Oversee commissioning and testing of pumping system

4.1 Develop pre-start and start up procedures

4.2 Check delivery performance and verify power usage and water output against requirements and pump specifications

4.3 Ensure pumping system is checked for leakages and cavitation

4.4 Determine that pumping system is operating effectively

5. Develop maintenance procedures for the pumping system

5.1 Develop routine maintenance procedures to rectify the effects of normal wear

5.2 Develop periodic inspection checklists to assist in maintenance scheduling

5.3 Carry out pump overhaul or repairs

5.4 Keep pump maintenance records, including details of the pump and all pumping system components for ordering

6. Carry out troubleshooting on pumping systems

6.1 Investigate lack of discharge or pressure and change settings or components

6.2 Investigate loss of water suction and make alterations to placement or fix leakages

6.3 Investigate cavitation in pumps and change settings or components

6.4 Investigate excessive power consumption and review design and pump selection and check for mechanical defects

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify irrigation system requirements from the irrigation design

select pump according to type, installation, range of flow rates, operating head and delivery distance

supervise installation of pumps

develop maintenance procedures for the pumping system

monitor the performance of pumps, valves and filters

carry out troubleshooting on pumping systems

calculate pumping requirements and pressure loss due to irrigation components

identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation pumping activities and take appropriate remedial action

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

advantages and disadvantages of each pump type

application of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical principles

automatic pump switches including:

flow switches

irrigation controllers

pressure switches

timers

cavitation - cause and effect

discharge and flow rates

environmental procedures for installing and maintaining irrigation pumping systems

installation factors including:

adequate space, head room, ventilation and lighting

correct alignment procedures of pump and motor shafts with direct coupled units

provision for adjustment and ease of dismantling

levelling and alignment processes

overhaul or repair operations

properties of water including pressure and flow rates

pump components and their principles of operation

pump efficiency, performance and pressure testing

pump positioning (driver alignment and suction length)

routine preventative maintenance

selection factors for pumps including:

source of water and lift

the required pumping flow rate and pressure

the total dynamic head

the total suction head

sources of information and the processes for the calculation of material requirements and flow rates

statutory and authority requirements related to the installation of commissioning of irrigation pumping systems

types of impellers and their use

types of pumps and application in irrigation including:

centrifugal

propeller

submersible

vertical turbine

types of pumps suitable as booster and floating pumps

types of valves

work health and safety legislation

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify irrigation system requirements from the irrigation design

1.1 Identify the components of an irrigation pumping system

1.2 Determine the water source and height of pull for water into the system

1.3 Determine the water output for irrigation

1.4 Calculate the total friction loss of irrigation components

2. Select pump according to type, installation, range of flow rates, operating head and delivery distance

2.1 Select the basic type of pump based on the pump task and placement and the power source

2.2 Calculate the total operating head required

2.3 Calculate the required discharge for the pump based on the irrigation output required and friction losses in the system

2.4 Determine the speed and power requirements of the pump motor

2.5 Determine the limiting suction lift of the pump

2.6 Interpret pump performance curves when selecting an efficient irrigation pump

2.7 Determine the size of the impeller from the pump curve

3. Supervise installation of pumps

3.1 Ensure pump is sited as close as possible to water source and is level

3.2 Verify pump is properly anchored and connections are airtight

3.3 Confirm pump and motor connection are correctly aligned and motor is ventilated

3.4 Verify filters and valves are correctly fitted and orientated

3.5 Check pump is connected to the irrigation controller if required

4. Oversee commissioning and testing of pumping system

4.1 Develop pre-start and start up procedures

4.2 Check delivery performance and verify power usage and water output against requirements and pump specifications

4.3 Ensure pumping system is checked for leakages and cavitation

4.4 Determine that pumping system is operating effectively

5. Develop maintenance procedures for the pumping system

5.1 Develop routine maintenance procedures to rectify the effects of normal wear

5.2 Develop periodic inspection checklists to assist in maintenance scheduling

5.3 Carry out pump overhaul or repairs

5.4 Keep pump maintenance records, including details of the pump and all pumping system components for ordering

6. Carry out troubleshooting on pumping systems

6.1 Investigate lack of discharge or pressure and change settings or components

6.2 Investigate loss of water suction and make alterations to placement or fix leakages

6.3 Investigate cavitation in pumps and change settings or components

6.4 Investigate excessive power consumption and review design and pump selection and check for mechanical defects

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify irrigation system requirements from the irrigation design

select pump according to type, installation, range of flow rates, operating head and delivery distance

supervise installation of pumps

develop maintenance procedures for the pumping system

monitor the performance of pumps, valves and filters

carry out troubleshooting on pumping systems

calculate pumping requirements and pressure loss due to irrigation components

identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation pumping activities and take appropriate remedial action

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

advantages and disadvantages of each pump type

application of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical principles

automatic pump switches including:

flow switches

irrigation controllers

pressure switches

timers

cavitation - cause and effect

discharge and flow rates

environmental procedures for installing and maintaining irrigation pumping systems

installation factors including:

adequate space, head room, ventilation and lighting

correct alignment procedures of pump and motor shafts with direct coupled units

provision for adjustment and ease of dismantling

levelling and alignment processes

overhaul or repair operations

properties of water including pressure and flow rates

pump components and their principles of operation

pump efficiency, performance and pressure testing

pump positioning (driver alignment and suction length)

routine preventative maintenance

selection factors for pumps including:

source of water and lift

the required pumping flow rate and pressure

the total dynamic head

the total suction head

sources of information and the processes for the calculation of material requirements and flow rates

statutory and authority requirements related to the installation of commissioning of irrigation pumping systems

types of impellers and their use

types of pumps and application in irrigation including:

centrifugal

propeller

submersible

vertical turbine

types of pumps suitable as booster and floating pumps

types of valves

work health and safety legislation

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify the components of an irrigation pumping system 
Determine the water source and height of pull for water into the system 
Determine the water output for irrigation 
Calculate the total friction loss of irrigation components 
Select the basic type of pump based on the pump task and placement and the power source 
Calculate the total operating head required 
Calculate the required discharge for the pump based on the irrigation output required and friction losses in the system 
Determine the speed and power requirements of the pump motor 
Determine the limiting suction lift of the pump 
Interpret pump performance curves when selecting an efficient irrigation pump 
Determine the size of the impeller from the pump curve 
Ensure pump is sited as close as possible to water source and is level 
Verify pump is properly anchored and connections are airtight 
Confirm pump and motor connection are correctly aligned and motor is ventilated 
Verify filters and valves are correctly fitted and orientated 
Check pump is connected to the irrigation controller if required 
Develop pre-start and start up procedures 
Check delivery performance and verify power usage and water output against requirements and pump specifications 
Ensure pumping system is checked for leakages and cavitation 
Determine that pumping system is operating effectively 
Develop routine maintenance procedures to rectify the effects of normal wear 
Develop periodic inspection checklists to assist in maintenance scheduling 
Carry out pump overhaul or repairs 
Keep pump maintenance records, including details of the pump and all pumping system components for ordering 
Investigate lack of discharge or pressure and change settings or components 
Investigate loss of water suction and make alterations to placement or fix leakages 
Investigate cavitation in pumps and change settings or components 
Investigate excessive power consumption and review design and pump selection and check for mechanical defects 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG410 - Select and manage pumping systems for irrigation
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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCIRG410 - Select and manage pumping systems for irrigation

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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