This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate, inspect and monitor condenser and auxiliary cooling systems.

Auxiliary cooling systems deliver cool water or air, as required, to reduce the heat from plant and equipment in power generation facilities. The condenser is used to change gas to liquid by cooling it.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan work, operate condenser cooling system plant, test condenser cooling system plant, analyse condenser cooling system plant faults, monitor and inspect condenser cooling system plant and the completion of 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 practice

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 operating and monitoring condenser and cooling system 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 relevant personnel and documentation

1.3

Documentation to determine condenser and cooling system plant status is assessed and evaluated, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Inspection, preoperational checks and field preparation for condenser and cooling system plant service are carried out, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

1.5

Condenser and cooling system plant operational prerequisites are established, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

1.6

Sequence for recommissioning of condenser and cooling system plant is determined to suit existing circumstances, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2

Operate condenser and cooling systemplant

2.1

Condenser and cooling system plant is operated, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' operating recommendations

2.2

Condenser cooling system 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 condenser and cooling system plant abnormalities, in accordance with workplace procedures, industry standards and site requirements

3

Test condenser and cooling systemplant

3.1

Operational tests are performed, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Condenser cooling system plant is observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, for correct operational response

3.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures, when response does not meet with documentation, condenser and cooling system plant integrity or personnel safety requirements

3.4

Condenser and cooling system plant is returned to required operational status upon completion of testing, in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Analyse condenser and cooling systemplant faults

4.1

Causes of abnormal condenser and cooling system 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

Condenser and cooling system 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 condenser and cooling systemplant

5.1

Condenser and cooling system plant to be monitored and inspected is physically identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Condenser and cooling system plant is monitored and inspected, in accordance with workplace procedures, for normal operation or to detect deviations

5.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedure

5.4

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

6

Complete documentation

6.1

Condenser and cooling system plant problems, movements, abnormalities 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