Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This Unit covers the process of operating and maintaining irrigation pumping systems and defines the standard required to: select pumps and pumping equipment to meet design requirements; install and test pumps; develop procedures to maintain pumping systems; commission and test the pumping system; and carry out troubleshooting.
Application of the Unit
This Unit applies to irrigation installation site managers and managers of irrigation systems in the irrigation servicing, amenity horticulture and food and fibre production industries.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
All high voltage electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This Unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1 Identify irrigation system requirements from the irrigation design |
1.1 The components for an irrigation pumping system are identified 1.2 The water source and height of pull for water into the system are determined 1.3 The water output for irrigation is determined 1.4 The total friction loss of irrigation components is calculated |
2 Select pump according to type, installation, range of flow rates, operating head and delivery distance |
2.1 The basic type of pump is selected based on the pump task and placement and the power source 2.2 The total operating head required is calculated 2.3 The required discharge for the pump is calculated based on the irrigation output required and friction losses in the system 2.4 The speed and power requirements of the pump motor are determined 2.5 The limiting suction lift of the pump is determined 2.6 Pump performance curves are interpreted in selecting an efficient irrigation pump 2.7 Size of impeller is determined from the pump curve |
3 Install pumps |
3.1 Pump is sited as close as possible to water source and level 3.2 Suction and delivery pipes are attached correctly 3.3 Pump connections are airtight 3.4 The pump is anchored on a base 3.5 Pump and motor connection are correctly aligned 3.6 Ventilation is provided for the motor 3.7 Filters and valves are fitted and valves are correctly oriented 3.8 Pump is connected to the irrigation controller if required |
4 Commission and test irrigation pumps |
4.1 Procedures are developed and implemented for carrying out pre-start checks 4.2 Pump start up procedures are developed and implemented 4.3 Pumps are pressure tested to check delivery performance 4.4 Power usage and water output is checked against requirements and pump specifications 4.5 Pumping system is checked for leakages and cavitation 4.6 Pump control systems are checked for accurate operation |
5 Develop maintenance procedures for the pumping system |
5.1 Routine maintenance procedures are developed to rectify the effects of normal wear 5.2 Periodic inspection checklists are developed to assist in maintenance scheduling 5.3 Pump overhaul or repairs are carried out 5.4 A pump maintenance record is kept, including details of the pump and all pumping system components for ordering |
6 Carry out troubleshooting on pumping systems |
6.1 Lack of discharge and/or pressure are investigated and settings or components changed 6.2 Loss of water suction is investigated and alteration made to placement or leakages fixed 6.3 Cavitation in pumps is investigated and settings or components changed 6.4 Excessive power consumption is investigated and design and pump selection reviewed and checks made for mechanical defects |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this Unit.
Required skills include: |
Ability to:
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Required knowledge includes: |
Knowledge of:
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Evidence Guide
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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit |
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances. |
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. |
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Irrigation pumping systems may include: |
all types of pumps and components (including filters and valves) used to move water to or through an irrigation system. |
Types of pumps may include: |
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Types of valves may include: |
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Types of filters may include: |
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Irrigation controllers may include: |
a range from simple time switches operating a single valve to programmable controllers operating a large number of valves on a complex schedule. |
Unit Sector(s)
Irrigation