SUGPMFP2A
Operate a mud filtration process
This is a Specialist unit. It covers the skills and knowledge required to operate the mud filtration process from the clarifiers to mud disposal.
Application
Not applicable.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
1. Prepare the mud filtration process for operation | 1.1 Mud is assessed and conditioned to meet filtration requirements 1.2 Services are confirmed as available and ready for operation 1.3 Equipment is checked to confirm readiness for use 1.4 The mud filtration process is set to meet production requirements |
2. Operate and monitor the mud filtration process | 2.1 The mud filtration process is started up and operated according to company procedures 2.2 Control points are monitored to confirm performance is maintained within specification 2.3 Mud meets specification for pol and moisture 2.4 Equipment is monitored to confirm operating condition 2.5 Out-of-specification mud, process and equipment performance is identified, rectified and/or reported according to workplace reporting procedure 2.6 The workplace meets housekeeping standards |
3. Handover the mud filtration process | 3.1 Workplace records are maintained in accordance with workplace procedures 3.2 Handover is carried out according to workplace procedure 3.3 Mud filtration operators are aware of system and related equipment status at completion of handover |
4. Shut down the mud filtration process | 4.1 The appropriate shut down procedure is identified 4.2 The mud filtration system is shut down according to workplace procedures 4.3 The mud filtration system is prepared for storage in shut down mode 4.4 Maintenance requirements are identified and reported according to workplace reporting procedure |
Required Skills
Not applicable.
Evidence Required
The assessment process must address all of the following items of evidence.
Ability to:
1. Access workplace information to identify production requirements
2. Select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment
3. Confirm supply of necessary materials and services
4. Draw mud from the clarifier and assess mud quality
5. Confirm equipment status and condition
6. Set up filters and start up the process
7. Assess requirement for mud conditioning and add materials as required
8. Monitor the process and equipment operation to maintain the process within the required parameters. This typically involves visual inspections and conducting tests to monitor characteristics such as:
throughput
clarifier mud levels and quality
filter speed and cake thickness
filtrate clarity and pH
mud pol and moisture
equipment condition including filter vacuum and scraper and screen condition
wash water flow and temperature
9. Take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results
10. Report and/or record corrective action as required
11. Record workplace information
12. Demonstrate shift handover procedure
13. Shut down equipment in response to an emergency situation
14. Demonstrate an operational shut down procedure
15. Prepare equipment for cleaning/maintenance
16. Maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards
May include the ability to:
17. Use process control systems
18. Clean and sanitise equipment
19. Take samples and conduct tests
Knowledge of:
20. Purpose and basic principles of mud filtration
21. The purpose and role of materials added and their effect on filter operation
22. The effect of recycle streams on the mud filtration process
23. The effect of addition rates on the process
24. The effect of variation in process parameters
25. The effect of mud age on filter performance
26. The circuit flow of this process and relationship to related processes including mud output, filter speed, water addition and cake permeability
27. Equipment purpose and basic operating principles of mud filtration equipment including vacuum pumps and condensers
28. Services used
29. Operating requirements and parameters
30. Significance and method of monitoring control points within the process
31. Common causes of variation and corrective action required
32. Hazards and controls
33. Purpose and limitations of protective clothing and equipment
34. Lock out and tag out procedures
35. Requirements of both operational and long term shut down conditions to ensure the equipment is left in a safe state for the period of the shutdown and to minimise any delays in future start up
36. Procedures and responsibility for reporting problems
37. Environmental issues and controls
38. Waste handling requirements and procedures
39. Recording requirements and procedures
May include knowledge of:
40. Basic operating principles of process control where relevant. This includes the relationship between control panels and systems and the physical equipment
41. Cleaning and sanitation procedures
42. Sampling and testing procedures
Relationship with other standards
Pre-requisite units
There are no pre-requisite units for this competency standard.
Co-assessment of related units
Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit. This may include:
SUGPCPS2A Collect and prepare samples
SUGPPST2A Conduct standard tests
SUGZPCI2A Operate a process control interface
Resources required for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation including advice on safe work practices and environmental requirements
Personal protective clothing and equipment
Product and process specifications and operating parameters
Mud filtration equipment
Mud to be filtered
Services as required
Material Safety Data Sheets where appropriate
Housekeeping standards and procedures
Advice on environmental management issues relevant to work responsibilities
Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures
They may also require
Cleaning procedures, sampling schedule and procedures and maintenance procedures and tools depending on the work requirements.
Assessment requirements
For information on how to assess this competency standard and who can assess, refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Range Statement
The range statement indicates the context for demonstrating competence. This statement is a guide and unless otherwise indicated, items may or may not apply as required by the work context.
Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, manufacturer's recommendations, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements. Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice
Workplace information can include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), specifications, production schedules and manufacturer's specifications
Mud filtration equipment may include clarifier mud removal, mud tank/mud mixer, bagacillo system, filtrate receivers and pump, vacuum pumps, mud filter, mud conveying system and storage, filter wash water supply, lime, flocculant and filtrate recycle to mud system
Confirming equipment status involves conducting relevant pre-start checks, confirming that cleaning standards are met, all safety guards are in place and equipment is operational. It may also involve checking operation/calibration of measuring instrumentation
Operation and monitoring of equipment and processes typically requires the use of control panels and systems
Services may include power, water, compressed and instrumentation air
Materials can include lime, flocculants, saccharate and preservatives
Where tests are conducted as part of operation, typical requirements are for pH and thymol testing
Monitoring the process may involve the use of production data such as performance control charts
Control points refer to those key points in a work process which must be monitored and controlled
Work may require the ability to work within a team environment
Information systems may be print or screen based
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
Not applicable.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.