This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate stand-alone dual phase (solid/fluid) separation equipment as used in a chemical, oil/hydrocarbons, metalliferous minerals processing or other plant.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to start up and shut down the equipment, monitor and adjust process parameters, and identify operational problems and take appropriate action.

In a typical scenario, a product is filtered to remove a particulate solid (precipitate/cake) from the liquid (filtrate). The filtrate or the precipitate may be the product. The operations technician will monitor pressure differentials through filtration equipment and may check temperature gradients, product flows and levels in order to confirm the correct working status of all the equipment under control. Filter vessels and internals vary depending on process requirements.

This unit of competency applies to an individual who may work alone although under routine direction and supervision. They may work as part of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

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

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

monitor and adjust process systems and filtration equipment to meet specifications

determine the impact of differential pressure changes and adjust process variables accordingly

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

start up, shut down and changeover filters

isolate and de-isolate equipment

identify hazards and apply hazard control procedures

distinguish between causes of problems/alarm/fault indications, including:

process variations

instrument failure/wrong reading

electrical failure

mechanical failure.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

all items on a schematic of the filter system and the function of each

principles of the filtration process

filter cake properties where appropriate

systems operating parameters

function and troubleshooting of major internal components and their problems, such as cartridges, baskets, supports, nozzles and grids

typical problems with separation equipment and their remedy

physics and chemistry relevant to the process unit and the materials involved

process parameters and limits, e.g. pressure and flow

causes of head loss in filtration systems, including cakes and cake compressibility

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment, and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of an operating plant

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start-up and shutdown procedures and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for part only of the unit where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Operations