Assessor Resource

NWPTRT083
Operate and control aerobic bioreactor processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills required to monitor, operate and control fixed film aerobic bioreactor processes, including trickling filters and rotating biological contactors. This unit of competency also describes the outcomes required to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for fixed film aerobic bioreactor processes in treatment plants.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to safety.

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

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 fixed film aerobic bioreactor process performance

1.1 Monitor test results and processes.

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

2. Operate and control fixed film aerobic bioreactor processes

2.1 Select and check equipment and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

2.2 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2.3 Carry out routine plant inspections.

2.4 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.

2.5 Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to enhance system performance.

3. Complete documentation

3.1 Collect, interpret and record process data.

3.2 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.

identifying and correcting operational and control system problems

taking samples and performing tests:

settling tests

microscopic observation

pH

dissolved oxygen

nutrient analyses, including at least one of:

nitrogen

phosphorus

temperature

completing logs and reports

performing relevant process calculations:

hydraulic and organic loading rates

recirculation ratios

monitoring test results

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

making basic process adjustments:

pH correction

dissolved oxygen levels

recirculation rates

collecting data and completing required documentation

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

features and components of fixed film aerobic bioreactor systems

theory of process operation and monitoring

chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrients

flow measurement

risk factors and potential hazards relating to fixed film aerobic bioreactor systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and material safety data sheets

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations and hydraulic isolation

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

relevant utilities and service bodies

process calculation

hazardous materials handling

chemical and biological principles that form the basis of fixed film aerobic wastewater treatment

types of fixed film processes

recirculation principles

operational problems

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.

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 fixed film aerobic bioreactor process performance

1.1 Monitor test results and processes.

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

2. Operate and control fixed film aerobic bioreactor processes

2.1 Select and check equipment and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

2.2 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2.3 Carry out routine plant inspections.

2.4 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.

2.5 Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to enhance system performance.

3. Complete documentation

3.1 Collect, interpret and record process data.

3.2 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.

identifying and correcting operational and control system problems

taking samples and performing tests:

settling tests

microscopic observation

pH

dissolved oxygen

nutrient analyses, including at least one of:

nitrogen

phosphorus

temperature

completing logs and reports

performing relevant process calculations:

hydraulic and organic loading rates

recirculation ratios

monitoring test results

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

making basic process adjustments:

pH correction

dissolved oxygen levels

recirculation rates

collecting data and completing required documentation

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

features and components of fixed film aerobic bioreactor systems

theory of process operation and monitoring

chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrients

flow measurement

risk factors and potential hazards relating to fixed film aerobic bioreactor systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and material safety data sheets

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations and hydraulic isolation

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

relevant utilities and service bodies

process calculation

hazardous materials handling

chemical and biological principles that form the basis of fixed film aerobic wastewater treatment

types of fixed film processes

recirculation principles

operational problems

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.

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. 
Identify and report faults and the operational condition of the process. 
Select and check equipment and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 
Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine plant inspections. 
Collect process samples and conduct standard tests. 
Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to enhance system performance. 
Collect, interpret and record process data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 
Monitor test results and processes. 
Identify and report faults and the operational condition of the process. 
Select and check equipment and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 
Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine plant inspections. 
Collect process samples and conduct standard tests. 
Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to enhance system performance. 
Collect, interpret and record process data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPTRT083 - Operate and control aerobic bioreactor processes
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

NWPTRT083 - Operate and control aerobic bioreactor processes

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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