Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

NWP407A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Investigate and plan the optimisation of dissolved air flotation processes

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWP407A - Investigate and plan the optimisation of dissolved air flotation processes
Description This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to evaluate system performance and investigate and report on optimisation of dissolved air flotation (DAF) processes.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit is required by technical staff in water treatment with a specific responsibility for optimising dissolved air flotation (DAF) processes in water or wastewater treatment plants. This role may be performed as a single operator or as part of a team with some responsibility for team coordination and supervision depending on the size of the treatment plant.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Treatment
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Evaluate dissolved air flotation process performance.
  • Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational or legislative requirements.
  • Review existing operational processes with reference to manufacturers' or plant designers' specifications.
  • Identify the impact of incoming waterquality on dissolved air flotation processes as required.
  • Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance.
       
Element: Investigate dissolved air flotation asset operation.
  • Review existing fault reports and other relevant plant asset information.
  • Evaluate the operational status of plant components against manufacturers' and plant designers' specifications.
       
Element: Investigate options for process optimisation.
  • Review relevant fault and incident reports and take remedial actions.
  • Investigate potential changes to operational processes to identify possible optimisation strategies.
       
Element: Plan process optimisation.
  • Determine plant configuration and revised operational processes for process optimisation.
  • Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options.
  • Compile a report making recommendations on optimisation options.
       


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.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to evaluate system performance and investigate and report on optimisation of dissolved air flotation (DAF) processes including:

reviewing existing DAF process performance with reference to historical data, differences in incoming water quality and plant configuration

identifying data deficiencies and organising additional data collection through appropriate sampling and testing

assessing fault reports and investigating the current operational status of DAF plant components

investigating potential changes to DAF operational processes to identify possible optimisation strategies

planning trials to test the performance of the determined DAF optimisation options and compiling reports making recommendations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources, including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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:

conduct treatment system investigations and report on operational or control system problems

coordinate DAF inspection, sampling and testing

perform calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions, such as hydraulic and solids loading rates, recycle ratios and air loading

operate control and communication systems

use safety and personal protective equipment

communicate with colleagues, consultants and suppliers using clear and direct communication to identify and confirm requirements and concepts

produce optimisation reports

interpret a range of complex and technical documents, including relevant:

regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements

codes and standards

specifications

organisational policies

articulate complex ideas clearly

use mathematical calculations to analyse options and solutions

work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders

analyse problems and recommend appropriate remedial solutions

identify risks and hazards

identify opportunities for improved water management

participate in the provision of appropriate information to inform workplace processes

manage work priorities

use information effectively to improve work performance

prepare and apply chemical dosing.

Required knowledge:

principles that form the basis of dissolved air flotation processes

types of dissolved air flotation processes

polymers

principles of DAF system maintenance

system layout

pumping and valving systems

relevant historical records

range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures

investigation procedures

risk management principles related to dissolved air flotation processes

relevant legislation, standards and workplace policies and procedures.

chemicals used for coagulation and flocculation or thickening

chemical dosing processes.

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.

Organisational or legislative requirements may include:

organisational performance quality standards

standard operating procedures

quality assurance guidelines

federal, state and local environmental and water quality legislation

occupational health and safety requirements

water quality standards and guidelines.

Processes may include:

dissolved air flotation

dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF)

dissolved air flotation sludge thickening.

Manufacturers' and plant designers' specifications may include:

hydraulic loading rate

air loading

recycle flow rates

saturated pressure

detention time

float removal frequency

intended plant configuration.

Incoming water quality may include:

turbidity

colour

presence of algae

temperature.

Testing may include:

turbidity

true colour

float solids content.

Plant components may include:

valves

recycle pumps

compressor

saturator

float removal mechanism

dispersion valves

cutting sprays.

Potential changes to operational processes may include:

saturator pressure

recycle ratio

flow rate

polymer addition

float removal frequency.

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
Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational or legislative requirements. 
Review existing operational processes with reference to manufacturers' or plant designers' specifications. 
Identify the impact of incoming waterquality on dissolved air flotation processes as required. 
Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance. 
Review existing fault reports and other relevant plant asset information. 
Evaluate the operational status of plant components against manufacturers' and plant designers' specifications. 
Review relevant fault and incident reports and take remedial actions. 
Investigate potential changes to operational processes to identify possible optimisation strategies. 
Determine plant configuration and revised operational processes for process optimisation. 
Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options. 
Compile a report making recommendations on optimisation options. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWP407A - Investigate and plan the optimisation of dissolved air flotation 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

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

NWP407A - Investigate and plan the optimisation of dissolved air flotation 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:

Date: