Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine hydraulic parameters for an irrigation system.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Confirm water delivery specifications for irrigation system | 1.1 Confirm soil characteristics and determine hydraulic properties 1.2 Determine plant and crop water requirements for various stages of growth 1.3 Calculate peak water requirements for each area to be irrigated |
2. Determine pressures required to deliver required amount of water over specified area | 2.1 Determine static pressures between water source and delivery points 2.2 Calculate dynamic pressure necessary to achieve required water volume |
3. Analyse technical drawings to determine pressure losses through system | 3.1 Calculate losses resulting from fittings, laterals and elevation differences 3.2 Determine losses resulting from flow through canals, culverts and pipes of varying sizes and diameters within a system 3.3 Calculate total friction loss 3.4 Determine hydraulic parameters for system |
4. Select system components to deliver water efficiently | 4.1 Select water delivery components to achieve the most efficient delivery rate and pressure 4.2 Select compatible flow direction and control components with pipes that will achieve minimal friction losses |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
apply hydraulic principles to manual and computerised irrigation systems
calculate pressures, flows, velocities and friction losses
determine efficiency of the system with varying system components
identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and appropriate remedial action
read contour maps and interpret elevations and distances
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
calculate pressure loss due to irrigation components
calculate pumping requirements
hydraulic principles such as static and dynamic pressure, pressure loss, friction loss, flow rate and velocity, effect of gradient on flow rate, contact time and drainage
irrigation system components
types and pressure ratings for pipes, fittings and outlets
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Irrigation (IRG)