This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor a liquid extraction system and ancillary equipment.

Liquid extraction typically applies to the process of extracting higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons (e.g. condensate from gas).

This unit of competency includes all such items of equipment and unit operations which form part of the liquid extraction system. A unit/system comprises two or more components of plant/equipment that are operated together to produce product, including as appropriate to the facility:

absorber tower

expanders/compressors

lube oil system

instrumentation

cold separator

pumps

fans

refrigeration systems or cryogenic systems

trays

columns

heat exchangers.

This unit of competency applies to operations technicians who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in order to identify and rectify operational problems, perform isolations, start-up and shutdown procedures, and operate, monitor and maintain equipment.

A typical example of liquid extraction occurs in a natural gas processing plant and contains an absorber, de-ethaniser tower, turbo expander compressor, cold separator vessel and various plate fin type heat exchangers.

This unit of competency applies to an individual operating independently in a plant with local control or in liaison with the control room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. In the case of large complex plant, the operations technician would be part of a team during start-up and shutdown procedures.

This unit of competency 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 of competency does not require the operation of a central control panel.

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:

use data and own senses to monitor plant and ensure steady operating conditions and maximise performance

perform pre-start checks, start-up/shutdown procedures, and isolations and de-isolations

identify early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems and apply solutions

identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

all items on a schematic of the system and functions of each

principles of operation of liquid extractors, stabilisation principles, the basis of cryogenic operations

process-specific science (physics and chemistry) to the level of being able to interpret the science and extract factors controlling the process and product and production rate and quality

systems’ operating parameters, integrity limits, product specifications and tolerances, temperature, pressure and flow

process control philosophies and strategies

correct methods of starting, stopping, operating and controlling system components

isolation procedures

emergency shutdown procedures

function and troubleshooting of major components and their problems and solutions

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 operations

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report 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 industrial type liquid extraction system allowing operation

may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly 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