Application
This unit describes the skills required to evaluate system performance and investigate and report on optimisation of anaerobic bioreactor processes.
This unit applies to those working as technical staff with a specific responsibility for optimising mixed, fixed and suspended media anaerobic bioreactor processes in wastewater 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, particularly those related to measuring and testing, investigation and manufacturers' specifications.
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously, performing sophisticated, tasks in 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. Evaluate anaerobic treatment process performance | 1.1 Review existing process performance data. 1.2 Review existing operational processes with reference to manufacturer and plant designer specifications. 1.3 Identify the impact of incoming feed quality on anaerobic treatment processes. 1.4 Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance. |
2. Investigate anaerobic treatment plant configuration | 2.1 Review existing fault reports and other relevant plant asset information. 2.2 Investigate the operational status of plant components with reference to manufacturers’ or plant designers’ specifications. 2.3 Carry out investigations to identify potential deficiencies. |
3. Investigate the operational options for process optimisation | 3.1 Review relevant fault and incident reports and remedial actions taken. 3.2 Investigate potential changes to operational processes to identify possible optimisation strategies. |
4. Develop and record a plan for process optimisation | 4.1 Determine plant configuration and revised operational processes for process optimisation. 4.2 Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options. 4.3 Compile a report making recommendations on optimisation options. |
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.
coordinating anaerobic treatment process inspection, sampling and testing, including the following tests:
chemical oxygen demand (COD)
temperature
macro nutrients, including nitrogen or phosphorus
micro nutrients, including cobalt or iron
settling tests
pH
redox potential
volatile fatty acids
alkalinity
gas analysis
solids
performing mathematical calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions, including at least one of:
COD removal
volatile solids reductions
solids retention time
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
evaluating system performance
reviewing existing anaerobic treatment process performance with reference to historical data, differences in feed water quality and plant configuration
identifying data deficiencies and organising additional data collection through appropriate sampling and testing
assessing fault reports and investigating the current operational status of anaerobic treatment process plant components
investigating current and potential chemical addition practices
planning trials to test the performance of the determined anaerobic treatment process optimisation options:
recirculation rates
addition of nutrients
temperature
pre-treatment to remove inhibitory or toxic substances
alkalinity and pH correction
flow or feed rate
mixing rate
sludge wastage rate
preparing reports with recommendations
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.
principles that form the basis of anaerobic treatment processes including:
design parameters:
organic loading rate
solids retention time
hydraulic loading rate
temperature
mixing strategy
volatile solids reduction
recycle flow rates
detention time
chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal
volatile fatty acids to alkalinity ratio
intended plant configuration
feed water quality:
chemical oxygen demand (COD)
nutrients
pH and alkalinity
total and suspended solids
salt
inhibitory compounds
temperature
types of anaerobic treatment processes including:
up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors (UASB)
fluidised bed reactors
anaerobic digesters
high rate anaerobic lagoons (HRAL)
bulk volume fermenters (BVF)
anaerobic microbiology
pH
VFA: alkalinity ratio
nutrient requirements – macro and micro
gas production and characterisation
inhibitory substances
system layout
principles of anaerobic system maintenance
range of appropriate procedures (measuring and testing, investigation)
risk management principles relating to anaerobic treatment processes
chemical and nutrient dosing processes
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.
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