Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct pre-operational checks, bring pulping system operations online and stabilise system operations after startup.
The unit applies to operators and technicians who prepare and start up pulping system operations in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility. This typically involves working in a facility with complex integrated equipment and continuous operations.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this 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. |
1. Determine production requirements | 1.1 Identify production requirements to plan system operations and startup processes. 1.2. Determine grade type and flow rate for production and communicate to pulping system operators. 1.3. Determine availability and co-ordinate process supplies and supply systems to meet production requirements. 1.4. Confirm readiness of downstream facilities to receive pulping process product and by products. |
2. Inspect and prepare systems for startup | 2.1. Conduct system inspections and pre-start up safety checks in line with organisational safety and standard operating procedures. 2.2. Remove isolations and establish and confirm operational settings to required specification. 2.3. Set delivery systems for operation. 2.4. Check monitoring devices and alarm systems and confirm as operational. 2.5. Detect deviations from operational specifications and rectify or report. |
3. Start up pulping operations | 3.1. Activate and confirm pulping systems as operational. 3.2. Co-ordinate equipment startups for production. 3.3. Confirm production ready status to relevant personnel. |
4. Stabilise system operations | 4.1. Monitor operational parameters after startup to ensure pulping system operations are within specification 4.2. Sample and test pulp to verify product meets quality specifications. 4.3. Adjust system operational parameters to rectify variations from specifications. 4.4. Record system startup, operational and product quality data in operating log. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must be able to provide evidence that they can:
identify production requirements and manage pulping system startup within a pulp or paper manufacturing facility, at least twice in line with required enterprise intervals
for each of the above system startups, complete pre-startup safety checks
record system startup processes and operational and product quality data in the operating log.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
system layout for pulping plant
purpose, features and operation of pulping plant, operating parameters and allowable variations
operation and application of electronic and other control systems
process stages and key control points for starting up pulping systems:
pre-startup safety checks
process control points in preparation stage
process control points in monitoring startup stage
purpose of, and processes for sampling and testing product quality, plant and system operations and diagnosing deviations from operational specifications
quality requirements for different types of pulped product including:
bleached or unbleached pulp
fluff pulp
crumbed pulp
baled, rolled or sheet pulp
slushed pulp
effect of post startup process adjustments on product quality and productivity
causes and effects of process variation between upstream and downstream customers
safe handling of materials and chemicals
organisational procedures:
standard operating procedures specific to starting up pulping systems
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out, use of personal protective equipment and handling hazardous substances
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting startup processes, operational and product quality data.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
access to the full range of equipment involved in integrated continuous manufacturing of pulping operations in a pulp or paper mill
fully automated, semi-automated, manually operated plant and equipment appropriate to pulping systems and related consumables
pulping systems include one or more of the following:
power and steam systems
hydraulic and electrical systems
pneumatic systems
consumable materials include one or more of the following:
woodchips
pulp
chemicals
personal protective equipment suitable for starting up pulping systems
details of production requirements to plan system operations
template operating log for recording startup processes, operational and product quality data
organisational workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures for starting up pulping systems
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or in a productive environment that accurately reflects performance in a workplace.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret basic numerical settings on instruments, gauges and data recording equipment monitor, assess and interpret system startup data record basic numerical data for system startup and operational performance. |
Oral communication skills to: | provide clear unambiguous information about production specifications and production ready status to pulping system operators and other personnel. |
Reading skills to: | interpret workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for system startup processes and quality checks. |
Problem solving skills to: | use and assess sensory information (sight, sound, touch, smell, vibration, temperature) to adjust system operational parameters. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Pulp and Paper Manufacturing