PMAOPS247A
Operate powered separation equipment

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to operate typical powered dual phase separation equipment as used in a chemical, oil/hydrocarbons or metalliferous minerals processing plant. It also includes solving problems with separation processes and the equipment, including the driver powering the separation equipment.

Application

This unit applies to a person who has the responsibility for starting up and shutting down separation equipment to procedures, and making adjustments to flow rate and pressure, depending on the type of separation equipment.

This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator as appropriate.

This unit does not cover stand alone, non-powered dual phase separation equipment or chemical separation equipment, which are instead covered by:

PMAOPS246A Operate separation equipment

PMAOPS208B Operate chemical separation equipment.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare for work

1.1

Identify work requirements

1.2

Identify and control hazards

1.3

Coordinate with appropriate personnel

1.4

Check for recent work undertaken on plant

1.5

Note any outstanding/incomplete work

1.6

Check operational status of separation plant/equipment

1.7

Complete any required pre-start checks

2

Operate powered separation equipment

2.1

Identify the type of powered separation equipment

2.2

Start up and shut down separation equipment according to the separation equipment type and duty

2.3

Adjust flow and pressure as appropriate to type of separation equipment

2.4

Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork, taking appropriate action on unexpected readings and trends

3

Operate drivers of separation equipment

3.1

Monitor critical variables, such as amps, temperature and vibration

3.2

Keep critical variables in range

3.3

Recognise trends/patterns which indicate a potential or actual problem with the driver

3.4

Take appropriate action to ensure driver is returned to full performance in a timely manner

4

Recognise and take appropriate action on problems

4.1

Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses (e.g. sight and hearing), as appropriate

4.2

Recognise developing situations which may require action

4.3

Make appropriate adjustments to separation equipment and duty

4.4

Take other appropriate actions on separation problems, as required

4.5

Identify upstream and downstream impacts of any adjustment made or variation in conditions

5

Isolate and de-isolate plant

5.1

Isolate plant

5.2

Make safe for required work

5.3

Check plant is ready to be returned to service

5.4

Prepare plant for return to service

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include:

efficient and effective operation of plant/equipment

recognising conditions which will lead to out of specification operation

implementing enterprise procedures within time constraints and in a manner relevant to the correct use of the equipment

conveying information relevant to the operation clearly and effectively

maintaining appropriate levels of quality assurance

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

applying mathematics to the level required by the job

Required knowledge

Required knowledge of separation equipment principles and typical problems to a level needed to control the operation, includes:

principles of operation of separation plant/equipment

process parameters and limits (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow and pH)

duty of care obligations

hierarchy of control

communication protocols (e.g. radio, phone, computer, paper and permissions/ authorities)

typical issues causing problems and the resolution of those problems

routine problems, faults and their symptoms and the corrective action to be taken

relevant alarms and actions

plant process idiosyncrasies

all items on a schematic of the plant item and the function/principles of operation, and problem solving of each

physics and chemistry relevant to each unit and the processes used, including kinetic energy effects

causes of head loss in piping systems, including comparison of fittings using Le/d concept, fluid and pipe material properties, flow geometry, and so on

function and troubleshooting of major internal components and their problems, such as internals, supports, nozzles, grids, agitators or scrapers

relevant environmental and heritage requirements

mathematical formulae and their application to the job

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are:

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

the range of possible causes can be identified and analysed and the most likely cause determined

appropriate action is taken to ensure a timely return to full performance

obvious problems in related plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to their solution.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this competency will occur over a range of situations which will include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation. This will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability. Where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue an industry-based simulation may be employed to assist the process.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, competency and safety requirements of the site and consistent with workplace systems or procedures.


Range Statement

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.

Context

This competency includes all types of powered separation equipment for gaseous, liquid and solids separation duties, including, but not limited to:

centrifuges

rotary dryers

rotary vacuum filters

flotation cells/columns

thickeners/clarifiers

Procedures

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include, but are not limited to:

all work instructions

standard operating procedures

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice

Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations.

Logs and reports

Logs and reports may include:

paper or electronic-based logs and reports

verbal/radio reports

reporting items found which require action

Appropriate action

Appropriate action includes, but is not limited to:

determining problems needing action

accessing and applying relevant technical and plant data

applying appropriate problem solving techniques to determine possible fault causes

rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility

following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

reporting problems outside area of responsibility/ability to designated person

Typical problems

Typical problems may include, but are not limited to:

seal/gasket leaks

pressure loss/low flow

cartridge/filter change

blockages/build-up/fouling

erosion/wear

separator driver problems

Remedial actions

Remedial actions may include, but are not limited to:

making adjustments to the equipment (e.g. flow and pressure)

carrying out minor maintenance within operator's skill level

identifying and reporting problems outside operator's scope of ability

identifying and controlling hazards related to powered separation equipment and surrounding areas

Start up and shut down as required

Start up and shut down as required includes:

start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions

start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold or empty

all other conditions experienced on the plant (i.e. from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant)

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.


Sectors

Unit Sector(s)

Operational/technical


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.