Application
This unit describes the skills required to operate and control the dissolved air flotation (DAF) process and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults and determine and apply technical adjustments is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for dissolved air flotation (DAF) processes.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks, within a familiar context.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | 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 of conditions section. |
1. Plan and prepare for work | 1.1 Determine work requirements from job specifications and plans. 1.2 Select and check equipment to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Operate and control process | 2.1 Carry out routine inspection on assets. 2.2 Collect process samples. 2.3 Carry out routine tests. 2.4 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets. 2.5 Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance. 2.6 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation. |
3. Complete documentation | 3.1 Collect, record and complete process data. 3.2 Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further action. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the DAF processes listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on least one occasion.
identifying reporting faults
completing logs
performing process calculations including:
recycle ratio
hydraulic loading rate
preparing and applying chemical dosing
monitoring test results and processes
conducting routine plant inspections
taking samples, adjusting dosing and performing basic tests, including at least one of:
pH
flotation tests
colour
turbidity
solids
jar testing
making basic process adjustments according to instructions, including at least one of:
saturator pressure
water level and flow rate
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
features and components of dissolved air flotation systems, including:
valves
recycle pumps
compressor
saturator
float removal mechanism
dispersion valves
cutting sprays
making basic process adjustments according to instructions, including:
air loading
recycle flow rates
saturated pressure
detention time
float removal frequency
intended plant configuration
water quality impacts or mixed liquor characteristics, including:
turbidity
colour
presence of algae
temperature
suspended solids
types of dissolved air flotation processes, including:
dissolved air flotation
dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF)
dissolved air flotation sludge thickening
range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures, including:
turbidity
true colour
float solids content
chemicals used for coagulation and flocculation or thickening
theory of process operations, including:
dissolved air flotation/clarification
dissolved air flotation/filtration
dissolved air flotation/sludge thickening
Candidate should demonstrate basic knowledge of all processes listed in Range of Conditions.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Range Statement
DAF process applications include: | for drinking water clarification combined filtration and clarification (DAFF) for wastewater sludge thickening for industrial water fat, oils and grease removal metal separation |
Competency Field
Treatment