Assessor Resource
PMAOPS220B
Monitor chemical reactions in the process
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: June 2024
The reaction is not just incidental to the operation (eg where the reaction is simply dissolution or dissociation; in which case PMAOPS202 Operate fluid mixing equipment would be appropriate).
The reaction, which itself may be simple, is a key step in the process, and the operator needs to monitor and control this reaction in order to produce the desired product. The reaction may, or may not, include the use of catalyst (either homogeneous or heterogeneous phase). The reactor or reaction vessel includes types of vessels such as:
kettles
stirred tanks.
The operator would:
identify and rectify operational problems
monitor the reactor operation, making adjustments as directed or to procedure
adjust product properties as directed or to procedure.
This reactor and its control would be relatively simple, operated in a stand alone manner and typically might be found in a small batch plant, although appropriate examples might also exist in larger plants. For more complex reactions/reactors see PMAOPS302B Operate reactors and reaction equipment. It is expected that the operator would usually be liaising and cooperating with other members of the shift.
The operator might also need to be competent in operating a control panel - see appropriate control unit
This unit covers an operator looking after a production process which includes a chemical reaction. The vessel in which this reaction is occurring may be a purpose built 'kettle' or other reaction vessel, or it may simply be a stirred tank in which a reaction is occurring. Processes may be batch or continuous.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)