Assessor Resource

NWPTRT015
Operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills required to monitor, operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes; and to measure and report on system performance and quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments and conduct chemical dosing procedures.

This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for coagulation and flocculation processes in water and wastewater plants.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory, statutory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to safety, water testing, chemical dosing, handling and storage of hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks, within a familiar context.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to 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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Monitor coagulation and flocculation processes

1.1 Monitor test results and processes to ensure compliance with the parameters of the operation.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant.

1.3 Collect and test samples.

1.4 Conduct jar tests and determine dosages.

2. Control chemical use

2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals.

2.2 Determine and apply chemical dosing according to plant processes based on jar testing.

2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records.

3. Operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes

3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections.

3.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests such as jar testing.

3.3 Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to improve system performance whenever water quality changes or process performance deteriorates.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

taking samples and performing tests including at least one of:

flocculation growth and size

flocculation time

mixing time

mixing energy

pH

colour

turbidity

routine jar tests and associated timings

residual aluminium or iron

alkalinity

drop tests

dosage feed rate review and checks

producing logs and reports

preparing testing solutions and solutions strengths

performing process calculations including at least one of:

preparation of dosing solutions

jar test dosages

dry and liquid chemical feed rates

mixing intensity

preparing and applying chemical dosing

applying optimised jar test results in the process

conducting routine plant inspections

identifying and reporting system faults

making basic system adjustments including at least one of:

pH correction

chemical dosing

completing required documentation including at least one of:

routine plant inspection and safety checks

water quality sampling and test results

routine maintenance reports

chemical dosing calculations

process set point changes

water quality and safety incident reports

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

process layout

process flash mix

flocculation process

chemicals used i.e. polymers, coagulants, flocculants and pH correction

features and components of coagulation and flocculation systems

process operations including:

chemical addition

flash mixing

flocculation

chemicals used for coagulation and flocculation

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards related to coagulation and flocculation systems including:

aluminium and iron based coagulants

synthetic organic polymers

pH adjusting chemicals such as lime, soda ash, caustic soda

risk control requirements including safety equipment and safety data sheets (SDS)

operation of pumping and valving systems

control and communications systems

water testing procedures

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals

understanding risk management principles of ADWG and AGWR

jar testing dosage and calculations

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Some components of this unit require assessment in a workplace environment therefore the unit is not suitable for fully external or electronic based assessment.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Monitor coagulation and flocculation processes

1.1 Monitor test results and processes to ensure compliance with the parameters of the operation.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant.

1.3 Collect and test samples.

1.4 Conduct jar tests and determine dosages.

2. Control chemical use

2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals.

2.2 Determine and apply chemical dosing according to plant processes based on jar testing.

2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records.

3. Operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes

3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections.

3.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests such as jar testing.

3.3 Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to improve system performance whenever water quality changes or process performance deteriorates.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

taking samples and performing tests including at least one of:

flocculation growth and size

flocculation time

mixing time

mixing energy

pH

colour

turbidity

routine jar tests and associated timings

residual aluminium or iron

alkalinity

drop tests

dosage feed rate review and checks

producing logs and reports

preparing testing solutions and solutions strengths

performing process calculations including at least one of:

preparation of dosing solutions

jar test dosages

dry and liquid chemical feed rates

mixing intensity

preparing and applying chemical dosing

applying optimised jar test results in the process

conducting routine plant inspections

identifying and reporting system faults

making basic system adjustments including at least one of:

pH correction

chemical dosing

completing required documentation including at least one of:

routine plant inspection and safety checks

water quality sampling and test results

routine maintenance reports

chemical dosing calculations

process set point changes

water quality and safety incident reports

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

process layout

process flash mix

flocculation process

chemicals used i.e. polymers, coagulants, flocculants and pH correction

features and components of coagulation and flocculation systems

process operations including:

chemical addition

flash mixing

flocculation

chemicals used for coagulation and flocculation

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards related to coagulation and flocculation systems including:

aluminium and iron based coagulants

synthetic organic polymers

pH adjusting chemicals such as lime, soda ash, caustic soda

risk control requirements including safety equipment and safety data sheets (SDS)

operation of pumping and valving systems

control and communications systems

water testing procedures

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals

understanding risk management principles of ADWG and AGWR

jar testing dosage and calculations

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Some components of this unit require assessment in a workplace environment therefore the unit is not suitable for fully external or electronic based assessment.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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
Monitor test results and processes to ensure compliance with the parameters of the operation. 
Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant. 
Collect and test samples. 
Conduct jar tests and determine dosages. 
Use, handle and store chemicals. 
Determine and apply chemical dosing according to plant processes based on jar testing. 
Maintain chemical supply and usage records. 
Carry out routine plant inspections. 
Collect process samples and conduct standard tests such as jar testing. 
Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to improve system performance whenever water quality changes or process performance deteriorates. 
Compile reports from plant and system data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 
Monitor test results and processes to ensure compliance with the parameters of the operation. 
Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant. 
Collect and test samples. 
Conduct jar tests and determine dosages. 
Use, handle and store chemicals. 
Determine and apply chemical dosing according to plant processes based on jar testing. 
Maintain chemical supply and usage records. 
Carry out routine plant inspections. 
Collect process samples and conduct standard tests such as jar testing. 
Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to improve system performance whenever water quality changes or process performance deteriorates. 
Compile reports from plant and system data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPTRT015 - Operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes
Assessment task 1: [title]

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Assessment Record Sheet

NWPTRT015 - Operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes

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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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