NWPTRT044
Operate and control desalination processes


Application

This unit describes the skills required to monitor, operate and control a desalination plant, and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults and determine and apply technical adjustments is essential to performance.

This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for desalination processes in treatment plants.

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.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks, within a familiar context.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Monitor desalination processes

1.1 Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant.

2. Operate and control desalination processes

2.1 Carry out routine plant inspections.

2.2 Conduct and analyse process tests and compare performance to plant operational requirements.

2.3 Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance.

2.4 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

3. Complete documentation

3.1 Collect, interpret and record process data.

3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the desalination processes listed in the Range of conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

determining chemical dosing requirements

operating control equipment

solving operational problems

completing reports and logs

using safety and personal protective equipment

operating computerised equipment

performing system calculations

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests

making basic process adjustments according to instructions including the pre-treatment processes:

chemical cleaning

pre-treatment optimisation

flow control

waste disposal

collecting data and completing required documentation


Evidence of Knowledge

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.

system layout

system processes

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

communication systems

pre-treatment processes

hazardous materials handling

interpretation of material safety data sheets

principles that form the basis of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration processes

risk factors and potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

pipes and fittings

pumping and valving systems

mechanical and electrical control systems


Assessment Conditions

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.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.


Range Statement

Desalination processes include:

reverse osmosis

nanofiltration (NF)

electrodialysis reversal (EDR)

thermal desalination


Competency Field

Treatment