Assessor Resource
PMAOPS241A
Operate Joule-Thomson effect device
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
In a typical scenario, an operator monitors and operates a cryogenic plant which liquefies hydrocarbons, air or other gas. The purpose of the liquefaction may be to then separate the components by distillation or other means, or there may be other reasons for liquefying the gas (e.g. to reduce volume for shipping). The gas being liquefied may also be the refrigerant fluid used for at least part of the cooling/liquefaction cycle. This may be undertaken in conjunction with other refrigeration and/or cooling processes.
The operator will typically operate the entire cooling and liquefaction operation and so will also be operating a compressor (PMAOPS304B Operate and monitor compressor systems and equipment), a heat exchanger (PMAOPS205B Operate heat exchangers), and a dryer (PMAOPS206B Operate separation equipment, PMAOPS326B Produce product using gas absorption, PMAOPS327B Produce product using fixed bed dehydration, or PMAOPS329B Produce product using liquid extraction depending on the process).
The operator would:
identify and take appropriate action on operational problems
contribute to the safe and productive operation of the equipment
monitor, operate and be responsible for the plant.
Generally the operator would be part of a team during startup and shutdown procedures and would be expected to be capable of demonstrating competence in all parts of this unit. At all times they would be liaising and cooperating with other members of the team.
This unit does not require the operation of a central control panel, but operating a local or central panel may be part of the job for some (these are covered by separate units).
This competency covers all Joule-Thomson type devices, such as turbo expanders, expansion turbines and expansion engines.
This unit of competency covers the operation of a range of equipment generally covered by the title 'Joule-Thomson device'. These are typically encountered in any cryogenic process and are a critical part of the 'cold end' or refrigeration cycle.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)