Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Evaluate steam plant efficiency 

1.1

Combustion efficiency from flue gas constituents is assessed

1.2

Steam and fuel consumption to obtain heating efficiency is analysed

1.3

Causes of loss of steam plant efficiency  are evaluated and recorded

1.4

Requirements of inert gas generation of boiler plant are determined

2 

Interpret complex steam plant cycles 

2.1

Operation, function and efficiency of dual pressure cycles and steam/steam generators are compared and contrasted

2.2

Operation of dual pressure and pass in/out turbines is explained

3 

Evaluate boiler and steam plant repairs 

3.1

Types and properties of materials used in boilers and steam plant  are identified

3.2

Common component failures  in boilers and steam plant are explained and reported

3.3

Appropriate repairs for failed components in boilers and steam plant are determined

3.4

Constraints  on engineering staff engaged in repairing boilers and steam plant are explained

3.5

Requirements to report defects in pressurised components of boilers are identified

4 

Explain methods of auxiliary steam plant operation and control under variable conditions 

4.1

Methods of steam pressure control while manoeuvring and possible adverse impacts are analysed

4.2

How dew point can be reached when operating at reduced power is examined

4.3

How low powers can limit steam production by exceeding pinch point is explained

5 

Outline procedures surveying for boilers 

5.1

Procedure for preparing a boiler for survey is documented and explained

5.2

Boiler inspection procedure that would cover all possible problem areas is planned

5.3

Purpose and procedure for carrying out hydrostatic/hydraulic pressure tests and non destructive tests on auxiliary boilers are explained

6 

Analyse procedures for protecting steam plant during off load conditions 

6.1

Procedures for decommissioning and laying up a boiler for short and long intervals are compared

6.2

Processes for cleaning boilers are evaluated

6.3

Procedures for re-commissioning steam plant are explained

6.4

Chief Engineer responsibilities for setting lifting pressure of safety valves  are outlined

7 

Assess hazards of operating steam plant under adverse or faulty operating conditions 

7.1

Potential hazards of boiler operation with contaminated feed water are assessed

7.2

Procedure for continuing boiler operation when contamination has exceeded acceptable limits is explained

7.3

Effects of operating boiler with insufficient water level are explained and actions to be taken under loss of water conditions are identified

7.4

Causes, consequences and relevant preventative measures associated with furnace explosions are analysed

7.5

Operating conditions that can lead to an economiser fire and actions that can be taken to prevent and control such fires are evaluated

7.6

Alternative methods for maintaining heating if a boiler or economiser has to be shut down are determined

8 

Explain operation and maintenance of heat transfer oil systems 

8.1

Operating procedures of heat transfer oil systems are explained

8.2

Hazards associated with heat transfer oil systems are analysed

8.3

Routine maintenance procedures associated with heat oil transfer systems are outlined

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Causes of loss of steam plant efficiency include one or more of the following:

• conduction-heat loss (such as fouled tubes)
• high flue-gas temperature
• low combustion-air supply temperature
• low feed-water supply temperature
• low quality fuel
• operation at low or cyclic loads
• poor:
• combustion
• controls/instrumentation
• water treatment
• radiant-heat loss
• too much excess air (i.e. high oxygen [O2])

Boilers and steam plant include one or more of the following:

• condensers
• economiser
• feed pumps
• fired
• high pressure
• low pressure
• medium pressure
• steam – steam generators
• unfired

Failures include one or more of the following :

• acid dew point corrosion
• caustic gouging
• corrosion fatigue
• distortion
• erosion
• fatigue
• hydrogen damage
• maintenance damage
• material flaws
• over temperature
• pitting
• stress:
• corrosion cracking
• rupture
• thermal fatigue
• vibration
• welding flaws

Constraints include one or more of the following:

• class requirements
• location
• reliability
• time
• type of materials

Safety valves include one or more of the following:

• boiler drum
• economiser
• superheater
• WHU

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• accessing information related to marine auxiliary boilers
• applying relevant work health and safety/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements and work practices
• assessing own work outcomes and maintaining knowledge of current codes, standards, regulations and industry practices
• identifying and applying relevant solutions for addressing complex problems associated with marine auxiliary boilers, such as maintaining the operation of marine auxiliary boilers under adverse conditions
• identifying and interpreting diagnostic information and performing complex mathematical calculations related to operating, repairing and maintaining marine auxiliary boilers
• identifying methods, procedures and materials needed for operating, maintaining and repairing marine auxiliary boilers
• reading and interpreting manuals, technical specifications, safety data sheets/material safety data sheets and manufacturer guides related to operating, repairing and maintaining marine auxiliary boilers.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• basic principles of operation of boilers and steam systems
• boiler and steam plant repairs
• combustion efficiency
• combustion in boilers and related safety procedures, including importance of purging a boiler and other safety precautions taken when firing a boiler
• common boiler defects and repair procedures
• fittings mounted on boilers
• fuel oil system for an auxiliary boiler
• hazards:

• associated with running boilers and steam plant
• of operating steam plant under adverse or faulty operating conditions

• heat transfer oil systems
• methods of auxiliary steam plant operation and control under variable conditions
• operating principles relating to steam generation in fired and unfired boilers
• operation of marine auxiliary boilers
• principles of boiler operation in normal and emergency situations
• procedures for:

• maintaining water level in boilers
• protecting steam plant during off load conditions
• surveying boilers

• purpose of alarms and shut downs in marine boilers
• steam plant:

• efficiency
• cycles

• types of auxiliary boilers and typical operating pressures and temperatures
• typical feed systems for marine boilers
• treatment, sampling and testing of boiler water
• WHS/OHS requirements and work practices.