Assessor Resource

AHCIRG410A
Select and manage pumping systems for irrigation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This Unit applies to irrigation installation site managers and managers of irrigation systems in the irrigation servicing, amenity horticulture and food and fibre production industries.

This Unit covers the process of operating and maintaining irrigation pumping systems and defines the standard required to: select pumps and pumping equipment to meet design requirements; install and test pumps; develop procedures to maintain pumping systems; commission and test the pumping system; and carry out troubleshooting.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.



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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

select pumps and pumping equipment to meet design requirements

install and test pumps

develop procedures to maintain pumping systems

commission and test the pumping system

carry out troubleshooting.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

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.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

interpret pump curves

calculate pumping requirements

select pumps, filters and valves

calculate pressure loss due to irrigation components

position pumps, valves and filters

open and closing valves

pressure test pumps

monitor performance of pumps, valves and filters

service, maintain and replace pumps, valves and filters

use pressure testing equipment

use recorded information to review energy and water efficiency for an irrigation system

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

implement and follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental policies and procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

the relevant statutory and authority requirements related to the installation of commissioning domestic irrigation pumps

levelling and alignment processes

the application of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical principles

properties of water including pressure and flow rates

selection factors for pumps

source of water and lift

the required pumping flow rate and pressure

the total suction head

the total dynamic head

types of pumps and application in irrigation

centrifugal

vertical turbine

submersible

propeller

advantages and disadvantages of each pump type

types suitable as booster and floating pumps

pump power requirements

discharge and flow rates

pump efficiency

minimum pressures for emitters and sprinkler heads

types of impellers and their use

cavitation - cause and effect

net positive suction head (NPSH)

pump positioning (driver alignment and suction length)

pump components and their principles of operation

pump gauges and controls

types of valves

automatic pump switches

timers

pressure switches

irrigation controllers

flow switches

installation factors

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

priming and operating pumps

pump performance and pressure testing

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

the process of installing and commissioning domestic irrigation pumps

routine preventative maintenance

overhaul or repair operations

environmental procedures for installing and maintaining irrigation pumping systems

OHS legislation.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Irrigation pumping systems may include:

all types of pumps and components (including filters and valves) used to move water to or through an irrigation system.

Types of pumps may include:

centrifugal (belt driven or coupled)

volute

diffuser

turbine

mixed flow

axial flow

radial flow propeller

electro-submersible

rotary

gear

lobe

screw

vane

reciprocating

piston

plunger

simplex

duplex

multiplex.

Types of valves may include:

air release valves

air replenishment valves

backflow prevention valves

ball valves

butterfly valves

check valves

float valves

flow control valves

flow measuring vlaves

foot valves

gate valves

globe valves

pressure regulating valves

pressure relief valves

Schrader valves

scour valves

solenoid valves (pilot operated or direct acting).

Types of filters may include:

centrifugal sand filters

media filters

screen or disc filters.

Irrigation controllers may include:

a range from simple time switches operating a single valve to programmable controllers operating a large number of valves on a complex schedule.

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
The components for an irrigation pumping system are identified 
The water source and height of pull for water into the system are determined 
The water output for irrigation is determined 
The total friction loss of irrigation components is calculated 
The basic type of pump is selected based on the pump task and placement and the power source 
The total operating head required is calculated 
The required discharge for the pump is calculated based on the irrigation output required and friction losses in the system 
The speed and power requirements of the pump motor are determined 
The limiting suction lift of the pump is determined 
Pump performance curves are interpreted in selecting an efficient irrigation pump 
Size of impeller is determined from the pump curve 
Pump is sited as close as possible to water source and level 
Suction and delivery pipes are attached correctly 
Pump connections are airtight 
The pump is anchored on a base 
Pump and motor connection are correctly aligned 
Ventilation is provided for the motor 
Pump is connected to the irrigation controller if required 
Procedures are developed and implemented for carrying out pre-start checks 
Pump start up procedures are developed and implemented 
Pumps are pressure tested to check delivery performance 
Power usage and water output is checked against requirements and pump specifications 
Pumping system is checked for leakages and cavitation 
Pump control systems are checked for accurate operation 
Routine maintenance procedures are developed to rectify the effects of normal wear 
Periodic inspection checklists are developed to assist in maintenance scheduling 
Pump overhaul or repairs are carried out 
A pump maintenance record is kept, including details of the pump and all pumping system components for ordering 
Lack of discharge and/or pressure are investigated and settings or components changed 
Loss of water suction is investigated and alteration made to placement or leakages fixed 
Cavitation in pumps is investigated and settings or components changed 
Excessive power consumption is investigated and design and pump selection reviewed and checks made for mechanical defects 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG410A - Select and manage pumping systems for irrigation
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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCIRG410A - Select and manage pumping systems for irrigation

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

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