This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate, inspect and monitor alkalinity reduction plant which includes cooling tower water dosing equipment.

Alkalinity is a measure of the bicarbonates and carbonates in water i.e. a measure of limestone content in water. Alkalinity can affect the chlorine residual in power generation plant effluent.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan work, operate alkalinity reduction plant, test alkalinity reduction plant, analyse alkalinity reduction plant faults, monitor and inspect alkalinity reduction plant and complete all documentation. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision, in a power generation facility as an operator.

Power generation plant operators are typically trained and authorised to isolate, prepare plant and issue permits to work.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Note: Workplace practices

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan and prepare work

1.1

Safety issues related to the operating and monitoring of alkalinity reduction plant are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations and legislative requirements

1.2

Work requirements are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, from appropriate personnel and documentation

1.3

Documentation to determine alkalinity reduction plant status is assessed and evaluated, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Inspection and field preparation for alkalinity reduction plant service is carried out, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

1.5

Alkalinity reduction plant operational prerequisites are established, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

1.6

Sequence for recommissioning of alkalinity reduction plant is determined, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2

Operate alkalinity reductionplant

2.1

Alkalinity reduction plant is operated, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' operating recommendations

2.2

Alkalinity reduction plant is monitored and observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from normal operating conditions

2.3

Corrective actions are taken to rectify abnormalities in alkalinity reduction plant, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

2.4

Alkalinity reduction plant is identified and removed from service, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2.5

Corrective actions are taken, in accordance with workplace procedures, when abnormalities are identified during the removal from service of alkalinity reduction plant

3

Test alkalinity reductionplant operation

3.1

Operational tests are performed, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Alkalinity reduction plant is observed for correct operational response, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures, when response does not meet with documentation, alkalinity reduction plant integrity or personnel safety requirements

3.4

Alkalinity reduction plant is returned to required operational status upon completion of testing, in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Analyse alkalinity reductionplant faults

4.1

Causes of abnormal alkalinity reduction plant operating conditions are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, and by analysing technical and operational information

4.2

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3

Alkalinity reduction plant integrity, and personnel safety, is maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures, and in consultation with appropriate personnel and technical and operational documentation

5

Monitor and inspect alkalinity reductionplant

5.1

Alkalinity reduction plant to be monitored or inspected is physically identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Alkalinity reduction plant is monitored or inspected, in accordance with workplace procedures, for normal operation or to detect deviations

5.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.4

Appropriate personnel are notified when defects are detected, in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Complete documentation

6.1

Alkalinity reduction plant problems, movements and status are reported, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.2

Documentation is updated, in accordance with workplace procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Electricity generation

Operations