SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage and control the movement of transmixtures, off-specification product, pigs and/or spheres throughout the pipeline network 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119329  Manage and control the movement of transmixtures, off-specification product, pigs and/or spheres throughout the pipeline network 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Rail and Pipeline Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner credited with this unit standard will be able to manage and control the movement of intermixtures, off-specification product, pigs and/or spheres throughout the pipeline network in accordance with company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions by:
  • Operating and monitoring pipeline equipment; and
  • Monitoring the product position, pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network correctly,
    thereby ensuring the protection of transmixtures and cleaning the internal wall of the pipeline by transporting specification petroleum products efficiently and timeously, thus contributing positively to the Southern African economy.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the pipeline operations.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Pipeline Transport environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF L3
  • Mathematical literacy NQF L3
  • Electrical Safety Certification (Remote HT Switching)
  • Computer literacy NQF level 2 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate, because performance must be carried out:
  • In a controlled and safe environment
  • Within a specific time limit
  • Under actual operating conditions
  • During day and night time
  • During emergency situations

    This unit standard includes the utilisation of high-pressure equipment.

    This unit standard excludes the shut-down of the pipeline.

    This unit standard includes the start-up and running of the pipeline.

    This unit standard includes the remote operation of pipeline equipment via a tele-control system or verbal instruction via any other communication system. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Communicate with all relevant role players regarding movement of transmixtures, off-specification product and pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network in accordance with company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All relevant documentation regarding the movement of transmixtures, off-specification product and pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network is obtained, interpreted and completed correctly and timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The operations notice is read and interpreted correctly to determine when transmixtures are due and whether pigs and/or spheres must be received/launched. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant role players are advised of amended ETAs and ATAs of off-specification product and pigs and/or spheres timeously as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Manning of depots is ensured/arranged timeously according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information on transmixture report is interpreted, evaluated and reacted to correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    ATA and volume of transmixture is recorded correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Relevant role-players are advised of out-of-norm transmixture volumes and rescheduling to alternative depot timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Discrepancies with depot personnel related to transmixture or pigs and/or spheres report is queried and amendments recorded timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Scheduled and unscheduled launching of pigs and/or spheres is arranged timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    All relevant role-players are advised of ETA of pigs and/or spheres, off-specification product and transmixtures according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Pigs and/or spheres loaded in launcher as required are confirmed with relevant depot timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Receiver/launcher is confirmed for readiness to receive/launch pigs and/or spheres timeously according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare the station for the handling of transmixture or off-specification product, launching or receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Timeously manning of relevant depot is ensured for the receiving/launching of pigs and/or spheres and the monitoring of transmixtures according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sump tank is emptied timeously according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Depot is placed on flushing correctly and timeously for transmixture handling, off- specification product or for the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sub standard conditions related to transmixture handling, off-specification product or for the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres are dealt with timeously and correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Calculate the movement of transmixtures/off-specification products or pigs and/or spheres through the pipeline network . 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Product volumes and product heads are calculated and advanced correctly and timeously in accordance with company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct line fills are identified and used to calculate ETAs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct flow rates are used to calculate ETAs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Delays are incorporated to establish the correct ETAs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    ETAs and operations notice are compared to verify the correct ETAs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Batch tracking and leak detection module is updated and corrected timeously in accordance with company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    New product heads, pigs and/or spheres, off-specification product are calculated, recorded on relevant documentation and introduced into the pipeline correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Launch/receive pigs and/or spheres and monitor transmixtures remotely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Transmixtures are monitored by tele-control and reacted to correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pigs and/or spheres for transmixtures are launched correctly as per Operations notice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant equipment is taken off flushing via tele-control timeously as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant equipment refers to launchers, receivers, idle mainline pumps, injector systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sub-standard conditions related to transmixture handling, arrival/launching of pigs and/or spheres are dealt with timeously and correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The arrival of pigs and/or spheres is monitored and recorded timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant equipment is lined up via tele-control for flushing timeously as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant equipment refers to launchers, receivers, idle mainline pumps, injector systems.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be certified as competent against this unit standard and registered as an assessor to assess this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The learners can understand and explain the following related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network
  • Pipeline network layout
  • Purpose and function of updating the logsheet
  • Operating of specific computer systems and software
  • Operation of pipeline equipment
  • Operation of company communications systems
  • Communication protocols
  • Sub-standard identification and reporting procedure related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network
  • Emergency plans
  • Operation system alarms and displays
  • Intermixture norms (sizes)
  • Line fills and product heads
  • Calculation of ETAs
  • Impact of pressure trends during density changes
  • Product specifications and densities
  • Transmixture report interpretation
  • Impact of launching pigs and/or spheres incorrectly
  • Company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres
  • Relevant extracts from:
    OHS Act and regulations
    Environmental Act 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development
    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace as well as in the whole environment
  • Being a team player in the work environment and in society
  • Communicating effectively in the work environment and in society
  • Their responsibility for the safety and well being of fellow workers and society at large
  • The impact of petroleum product spillages on the environment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem-solving
    Learners can solve problems with regards to:
  • Product specification deviations
  • Sub-standard conditions related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network
  • Metering system failures
  • Tele-control systems failures
  • Inaccurate tele-control density readings
  • Defective/inaccurate or tele-control batch tracking module unavailable
  • Introduction of new product heads
  • Updating of the batch tracking module
  • Availability of depot personnel related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network
  • Intermixture tank ullage
  • Early or late arrival of transmixtures at a depot
  • Transmixtures volume which are greater than the stipulated norm
  • Unprotected transmixtures
  • Low main-line pressure in sections of the pipeline while transmixtures are transported through a pipeline section
  • Preventing the tripping of main-line pumps on the arrival of transmixture at a depot 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Implementing safe working procedures
  • Sharing and communicating information related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and self-management
    A learner can organise and manage himself by:
  • Executing the task(s) responsibly
  • Maintaining a high level of discipline and flexibility
  • Adhering to time frames and prioritisation
  • Adhering to safety and company-specific policies, procedures and instructions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation
    Learners can interpret and evaluate information related to:
  • Operations notices
  • Operating pressures and flow rates
  • Policies, procedures and instructions related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network.
  • Operating systems displays
  • Log sheets, handover books, reports
  • Hourly readings
  • Blending volumes
  • Transmixture volumes
  • Pipeline equipment
  • Line displacements
  • Tele-control system
  • Switch readings
  • Final meter readings
  • Operating system alarms 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication
    Learners can communicate information effectively with relevant role-players by utilising various communication systems regarding the:
  • Transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network
  • Reporting of sub-standard conditions related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network
  • Corrective actions and re-actions taken 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology
    Learners can use science and technology by using:
  • Computer systems
  • Automated equipment
  • Communication media
  • Calculators
  • Batch tracking module 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems
    Learners can understand the importance related to transmixtures and the launching/receiving of pigs and/or spheres in the pipeline network. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Assessment methods
  • Practical tests
  • Oral/on-the-job
  • In situ (on-the-job) observations
  • Simulation
  • Structured classroom discussions and oral tests.

    These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, on-the-job demonstration for practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods (no less than two of those detailed above) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.

    The following tools may be used to supplement the above minimum assessment methods:

    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include, inter alia:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer(s), colleagues, peers, managers, external customers) confirming competence of the learner
  • Relevant certificates or awards
  • Previous assessment records
  • Logbook stating evidence of performance
  • Operating recording system data

    Values
    In addition, the following values should be demonstrated:
  • Decisiveness
  • Safety consciousness
  • Accuracy
  • Responsibility
  • Comprehensiveness
  • Neatness
  • Accountability
  • Pro-activeness
  • Quality consciousness
  • Time consciousness
  • Attentiveness
  • Environmental awareness

    Supplementary information

    Terminology

    Operations notice refers to a job instruction that stipulates product movement.

    Operations systems refer to a Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).

    Sub-standard refers to the deviation from specifications and/or standards.

    Reporting includes relaying of information.

    Communication protocol can include, but is not limited to:
  • Personnel structures, e.g. managers, supervisors, colleagues and clients
  • Verification of messages/instructions

    Communication systems can include, but is not limited to:
  • Two-way radios
  • Cellular phones
  • Hand-held emergency telephones
  • Telephones
  • E-mail
  • Facsimile
  • Operations Management System (OMS)
  • Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA)
  • Radio links

    Pipeline network refers to the pipeline routes, depots and related operations equipment and tank farms.

    Depot refers to an intake, delivery, through pump station and tank farms.

    ETAs refer to the Expected Time of Arrival.

    ATAs refer to the Actual Time of Arrival.

    Product heads refer to where different products are situated in the pipeline network.

    Line fills refer to the known volume of product between any two points in the pipeline.

    Transmixture refers to the mixture of two different products while in transit.

    Intermixture refers to a mixture of different products in storage tanks.

    Credits
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Activity-hours
    Theory - 18
    Self-directed learning - 72
    On-the-job learning - 100
    Assessment-24
    Total - 214
    Credits achieved: 21 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49553   Further Education and Training Certificate: Pipeline Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.