NWPTRT054
Operate and control chloramination processes


Application

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

This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for chloramination 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 storage and handling of hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

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

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 chloramination process performance

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

1.2 Collect samples and test chlorine residuals.

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

2. Prepare and apply chloramination chemical dosing

2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals.

2.2 Prepare chemical dosing according to system specifications and organisational requirements.

2.3 Maintain information related to chlorine and ammonia supply and usage.

3. Operate and control chloramination processes

3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections.

3.2 Make adjustments to dosing to optimise system performance.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Collect and record process data.

4.2 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. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

operating control and chemical dosing equipment

performing chloramination process calculations including at least one of:

chlorine and ammonia dose rate

chlorine to ammonia ratio

dichloramine concentration

collecting samples and conducting tests including at least one of:

total chlorine

free chlorine

monochloramine

ammonia and hypochlorite strength

pH

analysing tests

identifying and reporting process and operational faults

monitoring chloramination systems

making appropriate system adjustments including at least one of:

flow rate

chlorine feed rate

ammonia feed rate

chlorine to ammonia ratio

calibration of chemical dosing equipment

preparing and applying chloramination chemical dosing, including at least one of:

liquefied chlorine gas

sodium hypochlorite

anhydrous ammonia

aqua ammonia

pH correcting chemicals including lime soda ash

sodium hydroxide


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.

microbiological aspects of water quality

chloramination process theory

chlorine and ammonia dosing equipment

operational problems including nitrification

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

risk factors and potential hazards associated with chloramination processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

control and communications 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.

Some components of this unit require assessment in a workplace environment therefore the unit is not suitable for fully external or electronic based assessment.

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

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.


Competency Field

Treatment