Unit of competency details

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 range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Evaluate anaerobic treatment process performance .

1.1 Review existing process performance data against relevant organisational or legislative requirements .

1.2 Review existing operational processes  with reference to manufacturers and plant designers' specifications .

1.3 Identify the impact of incoming feed quality  on anaerobic treatment processes as required.

1.4 Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing  required for valid evaluation of current process performance

2 Investigate anaerobic treatment plant configuration .

2.1 Review existing fault reports and other relevant plant asset information.

2.2 Investigate the operational status of plant components  with reference to manufacturers' or plant designers' specifications.

3 Investigate the operational options for process optimisation .

3.1 Review relevant fault and incident reports and remedial actions taken.

3.2 Investigate potential changes to operational processes  to identify possible optimisation strategies.

4 Develop and record a plan for process optimisation .

4.1 Determine plant configuration and revised operational processes for process optimisation.

4.2 Plan a trial to test the performance of the determined optimisation options.

4.3 Compile a report making recommendations on optimisation options.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills :

• investigate and report on operational or control system problems
• coordinate anaerobic treatment process inspection, sampling and testing
• perform mathematical calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions, such as COD removal, volatile solids reductions and solids retention time
• operate control and communication systems
• use safety and personal protective equipment
• communicate with colleagues, consultants and suppliers
• produce optimisation reports
• interpret a range of complex and technical documents, including relevant:

• regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements
• codes and standards
• specifications
• organisational policies

• articulate complex ideas clearly
• work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders
• analyse problems and recommend appropriate remedial solutions
• identify and respond to risks and hazards
• identify opportunities for improved water management
• participate in the provision of appropriate information to inform workplace processes
• manage work priorities
• use information effectively to improve work performance
• prepare and apply chemical dosing

Required knowledge :

• principles that form the basis of anaerobic treatment processes
• types of anaerobic treatment processes
• anaerobic microbiology
• pH, VFA:alkalinity ratio
• nutrient requirements - macro and micro
• gas production and characterization
• inhibitory substances
• system layout
• principles of anaerobic system maintenance
• control and communication systems
• relevant historical records
• range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures
• investigation procedures
• risk management principles related to anaerobic treatment processes
• relevant legislation, standards and workplace policies and procedures
• chemical and nutrient dosing processes

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to evaluate system performance and investigate and report on optimisation of anaerobic bioreactor processes including:

• reviewing existing anaerobic treatment process performance with reference to historical data, differences in feed water quality and plant configuration
• identifying data deficiencies and organising additional data collection through appropriate sampling and testing
• assessing fault reports and investigating the current operational status of anaerobic treatment process plant components
• investigating current and potential chemical addition practices
• planning trials to test the performance of the determined anaerobic treatment process optimisation options
• preparing reports with recommendations

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources, including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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.

Organisational or legislative requirements  may include:

• organisational performance standards
• standard operating procedures
• quality assurance
• federal, state and local environmental and water quality legislation

Processes  may include:

• upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors (UASB)
• fluidised bed reactors
• anaerobic digesters
• high rate anaerobic lagoons (HRAL)
• bulk volume fermenters (BVF)

Manufacturers' and plant designers' specifications  may include:

• organic loading rate
• solids retention time
• hydraulic loading rate
• temperature
• mixing strategy
• volatile solids reduction
• recycle flow rates
• detention time
• chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal
• volatile fatty acids to alkalinity ratio
• intended plant configuration

Incoming feed quality  may include:

• chemical oxygen demand (COD)
• nutrients
• pH and alkalinity
• total and suspended solids
• salt
• inhibitory compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide or ammonia
• temperature

Testing  may include:

• chemical oxygen demand (COD)
• temperature
• macro nutrients, such as nitrogen or phosphorus
• micro nutrients, such as cobalt or iron
• settling tests
• pH
• redox potential
• volatile fatty acids
• alkalinity
• gas analysis
• solids

Plant components  may include:

• valves
• recycle pumps
• mixers
• covers
• inlet distribution network
• gas venting and extraction system
• chemical and nutrient dosing equipment
• solids removal launders
• sampling ports

Potential changes to operational processes  may include:

• recirculation rates
• addition of nutrients
• temperature
• pre-treatment to remove inhibitory or toxic substances
• alkalinity and pH correction
• flow or feed rate
• mixing rate
• sludge wastage rate