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

NWPTRT011 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assess and improve chemical dosing process

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWPTRT011 - Assess and improve chemical dosing process
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the skills required to review, coordinate and optimise chemical addition processes and to evaluate and report on system performance and process quality control.This unit applies to those working as technical staff with a responsibility for optimising chemical addition processes in water, wastewater and stormwater treatment plants and processes. 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 manufacturer and plant designer specifications, dosing pump capacity and calibration chart. Those undertaking this unit would work as single operator or as part of a team with some responsibility for team coordination and supervision, depending on the size of the treatment plant. They would perform complex tasks within a familiar context.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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

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.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
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 chemical addition process performance
  • Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements.
  • Identify the impact of changing raw or influent water quality on chemical addition processes.
  • Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance.
       
Element: Investigate chemical addition plant configuration
  • Review existing fault reports and other plant asset information.
  • Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications.
  • Carry out plant configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies.
       
Element: Investigate chemical options for process optimisation
  • Review current chemical addition practices with reference to organisational procedures to identify potential deficiencies.
  • Investigate dosing options for current chemicals.
  • Identify and investigate new or additional chemicals and related dosing options.
       
Element: Develop and record a plan for process optimisation
  • Determine plant configuration or chemical options for process optimisation.
  • Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options.
  • Compile report with recommendations on optimisation options.
       
Element: Evaluate chemical addition process performance
  • Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements.
  • Identify the impact of changing raw or influent water quality on chemical addition processes.
  • Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance.
       
Element: Investigate chemical addition plant configuration
  • Review existing fault reports and other plant asset information.
  • Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications.
  • Carry out plant configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies.
       
Element: Investigate chemical options for process optimisation
  • Review current chemical addition practices with reference to organisational procedures to identify potential deficiencies.
  • Investigate dosing options for current chemicals.
  • Identify and investigate new or additional chemicals and related dosing options.
       
Element: Develop and record a plan for process optimisation
  • Determine plant configuration or chemical options for process optimisation.
  • Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options.
  • Compile report with 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.

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. Evaluate chemical addition process performance

1.1 Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements.

1.2 Identify the impact of changing raw or influent water quality on chemical addition processes.

1.3 Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance.

2. Investigate chemical addition plant configuration

2.1 Review existing fault reports and other plant asset information.

2.2 Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications.

2.3 Carry out plant configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies.

3. Investigate chemical options for process optimisation

3.1 Review current chemical addition practices with reference to organisational procedures to identify potential deficiencies.

3.2 Investigate dosing options for current chemicals.

3.3 Identify and investigate new or additional chemicals and related dosing options.

4. Develop and record a plan for process optimisation

4.1 Determine plant configuration or chemical options for process optimisation.

4.2 Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options.

4.3 Compile report with recommendations on optimisation options.

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.

conducting investigations and reporting on operational and control system problems

coordinating sampling and testing including at least one of:

jar testing

flocculation growth

mixing energy

UV absorbance

pH

colour

turbidity

residual inorganic compounds

alkalinity

conductivity

assessing quality of treatment chemicals by conducting a full range of jar tests

performing mathematical calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions

investigating chemical dosing

interpreting a range of complex and technical documents, including at least one of:

regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements

codes and standards

specifications

organisational policies

articulating complex ideas

analysing and evaluating reports and reference materials

analysing problems and recommending appropriate remedial solutions

identifying and responding to risks and hazards

identifying opportunities for improved water treatment

reviewing existing process performance with reference to historical data, differences in raw water quality and plant configuration including at least one of:

pH

turbidity

colour

presence of algae

temperature

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

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

investigating current and potential chemical addition practices

planning trials to test the performance of the determined optimisation options and compiling recommendation 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.

the role of chemical addition in water treatment

the principles of chemical addition, including enhanced coagulation

chemical addition plant and equipment and system layout including:

mixing equipment

streaming current detector

dosing pumps

chemical injection equipment

turbidity meter

particle counter

flow meters

chemical concepts and reactions relevant to chemical addition processes, including pH and alkalinity

range and characteristics of chemicals used in chemical addition processes including:

polyaluminium chloride (PACL)

aluminium sulphate

aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH)

ferric chloride

ferric sulphate

polyDADMAC

polyacrylamide

sulphuric acid

hydrated lime

caustic soda

functions of various chemicals in chemical addition processes

factors influencing the effectiveness of chemicals in chemical addition processes

factors affecting the selection of chemicals in chemical addition processes

range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures

investigation procedures

risk management principles

locating chemical dosing points including at least one of:

mixing or reaction detention times

type of mixer or impeller

customer expectations and requirements

dosing pump capacity and calibration chart including:

detention times

mixing intensity for flash or rapid mixing and flocculation

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.

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. Evaluate chemical addition process performance

1.1 Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements.

1.2 Identify the impact of changing raw or influent water quality on chemical addition processes.

1.3 Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance.

2. Investigate chemical addition plant configuration

2.1 Review existing fault reports and other plant asset information.

2.2 Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications.

2.3 Carry out plant configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies.

3. Investigate chemical options for process optimisation

3.1 Review current chemical addition practices with reference to organisational procedures to identify potential deficiencies.

3.2 Investigate dosing options for current chemicals.

3.3 Identify and investigate new or additional chemicals and related dosing options.

4. Develop and record a plan for process optimisation

4.1 Determine plant configuration or chemical options for process optimisation.

4.2 Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options.

4.3 Compile report with recommendations on optimisation options.

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 and legislative requirements. 
Identify the impact of changing raw or influent water quality on chemical addition processes. 
Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance. 
Review existing fault reports and other plant asset information. 
Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications. 
Carry out plant configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies. 
Review current chemical addition practices with reference to organisational procedures to identify potential deficiencies. 
Investigate dosing options for current chemicals. 
Identify and investigate new or additional chemicals and related dosing options. 
Determine plant configuration or chemical options for process optimisation. 
Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options. 
Compile report with recommendations on optimisation options. 
Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements. 
Identify the impact of changing raw or influent water quality on chemical addition processes. 
Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance. 
Review existing fault reports and other plant asset information. 
Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications. 
Carry out plant configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies. 
Review current chemical addition practices with reference to organisational procedures to identify potential deficiencies. 
Investigate dosing options for current chemicals. 
Identify and investigate new or additional chemicals and related dosing options. 
Determine plant configuration or chemical options for process optimisation. 
Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options. 
Compile report with recommendations on optimisation options. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPTRT011 - Assess and improve chemical dosing process
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:

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Assessment Record Sheet

NWPTRT011 - Assess and improve chemical dosing process

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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