Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This competency is typically performed by all operators and covers the operation of typical stand alone dual phase separation equipment as used in a chemical or oil/hydrocarbons processing plant, and solving of problems with separation processes.

Application of the unit 

In this competency an operator would typically start up and shut down separation operations in accordance with procedures, and make adjustments to flow rate and pressure, depending on the type of separation equipment.

Generally the operator would be part of a team during start-up and shutdown procedures and would be expected to demonstrate competence in all parts of this unit. At all times the operator would be liaising and cooperating with other members of the team.

This unit does not cover powered separation equipment, eg centrifuge or chemical separation equipment, which are instead covered by:

• PMAOPS207B Operate powered separation equipment
• PMAOPS208B Operate chemical separation equipment

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for work.

1.1. Identify work requirements

1.2. Identify and control hazards

1.3. Coordinate with appropriate personnel

2. Operate separation equipment.

2.1. Identify the type of separation equipment

2.2. Start up and shut down separation equipment according to the separation equipment type and duty

2.3. Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses (sight, hearing etc) as appropriate

2.4. Adjust flow and pressure as appropriate to type of separation equipment

2.5. Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork, taking action on unexpected readings and trends.

3. Isolate and de-isolate plant.

3.1. Isolate plant

3.2. Make safe for required work

3.3. Check plant is ready to be returned to service

3.4. Prepare plant for return to service.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills 

• efficient and effective operation of plant/equipment
• hazard analysis
• completing plant records
• communication
• problem solving.

Required knowledge 

• Comprehensive understanding of separation equipment principles and typical problems to a level needed to control the operation. In particular it includes a knowledge of:
• principles of operation of plant/equipment
• physics and chemistry relevant to the process unit
• process parameters and limits, eg temperature, pressure, flow, pH
• duty of care obligations
• hierarchy of control
• communication protocols, eg radio, phone, computer, paper, permissions/authorities
• routine problems, faults and their resolution
• relevant alarms and actions
• plant process idiosyncrasies
• all items on a schematic of the plant item and the function of each
• correct methods of starting, stopping, operating and controlling separator
• corrective action appropriate to the problem cause
• types and causes of separation problems within operator's scope of skill level and responsibility.
• behaviour of solids, liquids and gases
• function and troubleshooting of major internal components and their problems, such as cartridges, baskets, supports, nozzles, grids.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

This unit of competency requires a significant body of knowledge which will be assessed through questioning and the use of what-if scenarios both on the plant (during demonstration of normal operations and walk-throughs of abnormal operations) and off the plant.

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

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

• early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems are recognised
• the range of possible causes can be identified and analysed and the most likely cause determined
• appropriate action is taken to ensure a timely return to full performance
• obvious problems in related plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to their solution.

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs as the stimulus with a walk-through forming part of the response. These assessment activities should include a range of problems, including new, unusual and improbable situations which may have been generated from the past incident history of the plant, incidents on similar plants around the world, hazard analysis activities and similar sources.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Method of assessment 

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units. For many plants, it might be appropriate for this unit to be assessed with units covering:

• fluid flow
• communication.

In a major hazard facility, it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with:

• MSAPMOHS200A Work safely.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Codes of practice / standards 

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context 

This competency includes all types of stand alone separation equipment for gaseous, liquid and solids separation where the separation process is physical and the separator is not powered or motor driven. Separation equipment covered by this competency includes:

• cyclones
• hydrocyclones
• scrubbers
• knockout drums
• demisters/drift eliminators
• filters (cartridge, basket, sand etc).

Problems 

Typical problems include:

• seal/gasket leaks
• pressure loss/low flow
• cartridge/filter change
• blockages/build-up/fouling
• erosion/wear.

Start up shut down as required 

Start up shut down as required includes:

• start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions
• start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold, empty
• all other conditions experienced on the plant.

ie from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant.

Appropriate action 

Appropriate action includes:

• determining problems needing action
• determining possible fault causes
• rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
• following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
• reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person.

Procedures 

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They include:

• all work instructions
• standard operating procedures
• formulas/recipes
• batch sheets
• temporary instructions
• any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (eg Responsible Care) and government regulations.

Health , safety and environment  (HSE )

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

Unit sector 

Operational/technical

Competency field 

Co-requisite units