SUGPMFP2A Operate a mud filtration process

Revision Number: 1

SUGPMFP2A Operate a mud filtration process

Modification History

Not applicable.

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor
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 of the Unit

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

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 and Knowledge

Not applicable.

Evidence Guide

Evidence guide

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

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

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.