The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to

apply metallurgy principles and practice to optimise furnace operation.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:

identify and predict the reaction of metals, alloys, non metallic elements, compounds and mixtures to heat;

identify the capacity and heating range of different types of furnaces;

identify refractories appropriate for furnace and application

Relationship to other units

This unit may be assessed concurrently with other relevant units.

Assessment method and context

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.

The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace. The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of assessment.

Resource implications

This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

Select appropriate metallurgy principles to suit specific furnace applications

Select appropriate techniques and associated technologies, software and hardware to optimise furnace operation to suit specific applications

Apply and manipulate appropriate formulas for applications involving engineering and metallurgy calculations

Apply appropriate calculations to metallurgy situations

Refer solutions to the original aim of the metallurgy application.

Report results in appropriate units, using appropriate significant figures.

State limitations of solutions, due to assumptions, scientific principles and techniques used

Present solutions referring to the original aim of the application.

Required knowledge:

Competency includes sufficient knowledge of:

Metallurgy principles (as given in the range statement)

Limitations of selected basic scientific principles

Basic metallurgical techniques and related software and hardware technologies,

The limitations of basic techniques and associated software and hardware technologies

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.

Codes of practice/standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

Sources of information

Reference texts

Manufacturer's catalogues and industrial magazines

Websites

Use of phone, email and fax information gathering

Furnace operation includes

Classification of fuels

Carbonisation of coal

Properties of coke

Gaseous Fuels

Electrical energy

Heat balances

Controlled atmospheres

Temperature measurement

Combustion calculations

Refractories

Types of furnances and typical construction

Typical burners and their use in furnaces

Exhaust gas analysis for oil and gas fired furnaces

Metallurgical techniques and principles

Includes applying metallurgical techniques and principles for:

the prediction and analysis of the properties and metals and alloys undergoing:

Smelting

Refining

Casting

Heat treating or forging in a furnace to produce commercial metal products or to develop new alloys and processes

Calculation of furnace capacity, temperature range and refractory specification to achieve melting

Development of heat treatment or forging solutions for specified metals and alloys

Commercial production forecasts