Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:35 PM AWST

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Operate reactors and reaction equipment

Operate reactors and reaction equipment

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS302
State Code
AXN15
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
02/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a production unit which, as its prime function, causes and controls a chemical reaction. The production unit operation will integrate several plant items (single unit operations). Operation of the production unit includes the operation of ancillary equipment that is integral to the operation of the production unit, such as:heating/coolingmixingseparatingcatalyst regenerationweigh/charge/dispensepumps/valves. The unit of competency applies to reactor or reaction equipment, such as:batchcontinuouscatalyticfluidised bedpressurised/under vacuumgas/liquid/slurry/emulsion.This unit of competency applies to operations technicians who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in order to identify and rectify operational problems, run all aspects of the reactor operation, monitor and manage the supply of raw materials and output of product, and adjust product properties to meet specifications.This unit of competency applies to an individual operating independently in a plant with local control or in liaison with the control room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.This competency does not require the operation of a central control panel. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Identify work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify and control hazards
  • 1.4 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.5 Check for recent work undertaken on reactor unit
  • 1.6 Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • 1.7 Check operational status of reactor unit
2 Operate reactor unit in accordance with procedures
  • 2.1 Describe the type of reactor unit, the component plant items and their duties
  • 2.2 Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking action on unexpected readings
  • 2.3 Change rate, grade or specification smoothly
  • 2.4 Manage transitions smoothly and in a timely manner to minimise scrap/off grade as a result of a transition
  • 2.5 Adjust reactor unit and its component plant items as appropriate to their type and duty to maximise performance
  • 2.6 Charge/discharge reactor, if appropriate
  • 2.7 Monitor condition of catalyst, if appropriate, and take action to maintain production schedule and quality
  • 2.8 Monitor materials and stock levels of fees and take action to maintain production schedule and quality.
3 Diagnose and take action on abnormal situations
  • 3.1 Monitor reactor unit and its component plant items frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses
  • 3.2 Describe impacts of any changes upstream and downstream
  • 3.3 Recognise actual and developing situations which may require action
  • 3.4 Apply operational knowledge to resolve problems
  • 3.5 Take actions on abnormal situations which cannot be resolved during the shift to ensure safety and the resolution of the situation
  • 3.6 Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
4 Isolate and de-isolate reactor unit and its component plant items
  • 4.1 Complete any required pre-start checks
  • 4.2 Start up/shut down reactor unit according to the reactor type and duty in liaison with other personnel
  • 4.3 Start up/shut down/changeover component plant items within unit according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel
  • 4.4 Build reaction rate steadily and stabilise reaction system to produce in specification product at specified rates within minimum time
  • 4.5 Isolate entire reactor unit and/or any component plant item
  • 4.6 Make safe for required work
  • 4.7 Check reactor unit/plant item is ready to be returned to service
  • 4.8 De-isolate and prepare reactor unit/plant item for return to service
5 Clean reactors/vessels in accordance with procedures
  • 5.1 Identify cleaning requirements
  • 5.2 Clean to requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W8866 PMAOPS302B Operate reactors and reaction equipment Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCL00 PMAOPS311 Operate and troubleshoot reactors and reaction equipment Unit of competency