Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:58 PM AWST

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Operate and troubleshoot distillation system

Operate and troubleshoot distillation system

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS310
State Code
OCK97
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/11/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/03/2021
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
09/03/2021
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a distillation system. This may involve one or more distillation columns and their associated equipment, and piping and controls operated together to separate two or more components to produce a product to specification. This unit applies to autonomous operators who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the operation of equipment in a plant from a central control room. This unit 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. It does not require the operation of a central control panel. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Operate distillation system according to procedures
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Communicate with personnel to identify and coordinate work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify, control and report process system hazards
  • 1.4 Check for recent work undertaken on distillation system and address outstanding and incomplete work
  • 1.5 Check operational status of process system
  • 1.6 Perform routine checks and complete logs and paperwork, taking appropriate action on unexpected readings
  • 1.7 Adjust process system according to agreed operational parameters
2. Identify and respond to abnormal situations during operation
  • 2.1 Monitor distillation system frequently and critically throughout shift using own senses, and measured and indicated data
  • 2.2 Monitor field data and instrumentation to ensure that product remains on specification
  • 2.3 Identify impacts of changes upstream and downstream
  • 2.4 Identify actual and developing situations that may require action
  • 2.5 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
  • 2.6 Complete required documents outlining abnormal situation management and corrective action taken
3. Shut down and prepare distillation system for maintenance
  • 3.1 Prepare process system to be shut down according to operating procedures
  • 3.2 Complete pre-shutdown checks according to operating procedures
  • 3.3 Shut down process system according to operating procedures
  • 3.4 Identify, control and report shutdown hazards
  • 3.5 Monitor shutdown and identify abnormal situations that may require action
  • 3.6 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
  • 3.7 Shut down and changeover duty and standby equipment according to operating procedures
  • 3.8 Isolate process system from energy sources
4. Prepare and start up distillation system
  • 4.1 De-isolate and prepare process system to be returned to standby or service
  • 4.2 Complete pre-start checks according to operating procedures
  • 4.3 Start up process system according to operating procedures
  • 4.4 Identify, control and report startup hazards
  • 4.5 Monitor startup and identify abnormal situations that may require action
  • 4.6 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXN16 PMAOPS301 Operate a distillation unit Unit of competency