In a typical scenario, a technician will be required to monitor the post steelmaking processes including adjustments within the ladle and control of the continuous casting of slabs in accordance with parameters provided and standard operating procedures

Pre-requisite Units

MSATCM301A

Test the mechanical properties of materials

MSATCM304A

Interpret basic binary phase diagrams

MSATCM503A

Recommend a refractory for an application

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Produce slabs to specification

1.1. Adjust contents of ladle in accordance with procedures

1.2. Monitor continuous casting process in accordance with standard operating procedure

1.3. Apply metallurgical principles to determine and prioritise required actions in accordance with standard operating procedures

1.4. Record adjustments and variations to specifications / schedules and report to appropriate personnel

1.5. All events outside of parameters or standard operating procedures is immediately referred to appropriate personnel for remedial action

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

Required skills:

Carry out all work according to OH&S practices

Read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions and other reference material

Maintain accurate records

Meet specifications for furnace output

Communicate within the workplace

Required knowledge:

Competency includes sufficient knowledge of:

post steelmaking methods employed

ladler stirring

adle heating/ladle furnace

degassing - vacuum, ladle, stream, circulating.

argon oxygen decarburation (AOD)

lectroslag refining, remelting (ESR)

vacuum melting e.g. VAR

types of steel - ingot characteristics (rimmed, capped, killed and semi-killed)

factors contributing to successful casting

ingots

influence of pouring techniques on structures of ingots

pit practices

teeming - type of ingot moulds

mode of solidification

types of ingot structure

control of ingot structure

ingot defects

continuous casting processes

basic principles

need for concast

development - new technologies and facilities of continuous casting for concast

types of concast units - VCC, HCC, curvilinear

description of plant equipment and process principles ,concast operations

metallurgical aspects

instrumentation - sensor quality

solidification/internal quality

defects and their origin - avoidance of defects

compare concast units and static ingot production

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 monitor secondary steelmaking operations. 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:

Use OH&S practices in accordance with standard operating procedures

Explain the general principles of continuous casting

Monitor the operation of a continuous cast process under direction and consistently achieve required slab output specification

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.

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.

Metallurgical principles

Post steelmaking methods employed

Types of steel - ingot characteristics (Rimmed, capped, killed and semi-killed)

Factors contributing to successful casting

Mode of solidification

Continuous Casting Processes

Metallurgical aspects

Unit Sector

Metallurgy

This unit contains employability skills.