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: 

Demonstrate understanding of process plant technology 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246474  Demonstrate understanding of process plant technology 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
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 
This standard is aimed at people who work or intend to work in either a chemical or another processing environment.

Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this Unit Standard will be able to demonstrate understanding of the functioning and operation of a process plant as well as the technology associated with the process.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Explain the fundamental principles of the process.
  • Explain the properties of the raw material(s) used in the process.
  • Explain the properties of the final product(s) and by-product(s) produced in this process.
  • Describe additional mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, instrumentation and utilities used in the production process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence against communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical context of this unit standard includes any processing environment, for example chemical, minerals or beverage processing.

    Range statements, which are applicable to the Unit Standard title, Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria are found beneath the applicable assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the fundamental principles of the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of the process is explained in terms of the feed material(s) and final product(s) produced. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process principles of the process are explained by making use of basic sketches. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The flow of material through the process is traced and all equipment is identified using standard industry terminology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Process technologies used in the process are described using appropriate scientific principles and terminology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The functioning of each piece of equipment used in the process is explained by making use of drawings and fundamental scientific principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the properties of the raw material(s) used in the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The source of the raw material(s) used in this process are described with reference to either internal sources or external suppliers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Raw material(s) are described in terms of key properties and characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Raw material properties are listed in terms of the reasons for each of these requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements may include aspects such as concentration, composition, active ingredients, colour or the presence of contaminants.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Process requirements related to the raw material(s) are listed in terms of the reasons for each of these requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements may include aspects such as temperature, flow, volume, pressure or ratios.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Raw material deviations and process variations are identified and described in terms of the expected impact on the overall process and products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The key safety aspects of all materials used within the process are described in accordance with the relevant material safety data sheets. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the properties of the final product(s) and by-product(s) produced in this process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The destination of the final product(s) and by-product(s) produced in this process are described with reference to either internal or external clients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Final product(s) and by-product(s) are described in terms of key properties and characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key final product(s) and by-product(s) properties are listed in terms of the reasons for each of these requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements may include aspects such as concentration, composition, active ingredients, colour or the presence of contaminants.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Key process requirements related to the raw material(s) are listed in terms of the reasons for each of these requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements may include aspects such as temperature, flow, volume, pressure or ratios.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The key safety aspects of all materials produced in this process are described in accordance with the relevant material safety data sheets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Product deviations are identified and described in terms of the expected impact on clients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Key risk areas for possible product contamination are identified in terms of cause of contamination and possible preventative measures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe additional mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, instrumentation and utilities used in the production process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mechanical equipment used in the production process is described in terms of purpose and application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mechanical equipment may include bulk handling equipment, conveying equipment, storage equipment, transport equipment and packaging equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Electrical equipment used in the production process is described in terms of purpose and application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Electrical equipment may include electrical motors and drive equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Instrumentation used in the production process is described in terms of purpose and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Utilities used in the production process are described in terms of purpose and application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Utilities may include air, steam, electricity or cooling water.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 2 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an Assessor with considerable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions is required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and can:

    Qualifying learners understand and can:

    Explain the names, functions and locations of:
  • All items of installed equipment.
  • Raw material/s.
  • Finished product/s.

    Describe the properties and characteristics of:
  • Raw material/s.
  • Product/s.
  • Process equipment.
  • Auxiliary equipment.
  • Process system/s.

    Explain the purpose of the:
  • Process, in terms of product/s, efficiencies and quality.

    Explain the causes, effects and implications of:
  • Process variables.
  • Raw material variables (suppliers).
  • Product variables (customers).
  • Not complying with quality standards.
  • Not complying with standard operating procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made:
  • Identifying and assessing the impact of a variation in raw material quality on the process and final products.
  • Identifying and assessing the impact of a process deviation on the rest of the process and final products.
  • Product deviations are identified and described in terms of the expected impact on clients.
  • Key risk areas for possible product contamination are identified and possible preventative measures suggested.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Explain the properties of the raw material(s) used in the process.
  • Explain the properties of the final product(s) and by-product(s) produced in this process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Maintaining sound relations with co-workers.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Systematically organise process, equipment and material information.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate the following information:
  • Process information.
  • Raw material information.
  • Product information.
  • Utility information.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations during:
  • Using industry accepted terminology correctly.
  • Using drawing to explain concepts effectively.
  • Interpreting diagrams and sketches correctly.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • The process principles of the process are explained in technical terms.
  • Process technologies used in the process are described using scientific principles and terminology.
  • The functioning of equipment is explained by making use of drawings and fundamental scientific principles.
  • Raw materials, final product(s) and by-product(s) are described in terms of key properties and characteristics.
  • Material and process deviations are identified in terms of a deviation from the expected values.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Explain the fundamental principles of the process.
  • Explain the properties of the raw material(s) used in the process.
  • Explain the properties of the final product(s) and by-product(s) produced in this process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by:
  • Understanding that no process, product or plant functions in isolation.
  • Explaining the purpose of the process as well as the relationship to the supplier and customer's processes.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Understanding the role of monitoring plant and process in a processing environment and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    Supplementary Information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Process : Process means the manufacturing process where a product is manufactured using machinery and equipment with limited guidance or control from the learner.
  • Deviation: Deviations are variations from a specified value or range of values that remain constant during normal operation.
  • Process and operating specifications: The measurements and indications of all variables monitored during operations including temperatures, pressures, speed, flow rates, power consumption, noise, vibration and visual indicators.
  • Changes: Changes are measurements and indications that may occur suddenly or over a period of time including changes within and beyond the limits specified in the (standard) operating instructions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58955   National Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 


    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.