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 a basic understanding of the methods of chemical analysis for metals 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264077  Demonstrate a basic understanding of the methods of chemical analysis for metals 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
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 unit standard is for people who work, or intend to work in a manufacturing process or similar environment where they need to apply the principles of chemical analysis to the determination of the composition of metals. It will contribute towards the achievement of a National Certificate in a manufacturing process or similar environment at NQF Level 2.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate understanding of:
  • Why it is important to determine the composition of metals.
  • Which elements need to be analysed.
  • Analytical techniques available to determine element contents in metals.
  • The basic workings of the most common analytical instruments used.
  • How to operate such analytical instruments.
  • How to check and correct or calibrate these instruments. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learning assumed to be in place and Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that the learner has a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) in Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification. It also assume that the learner is working towards a qualification as part of a learning programme, which integrates all the required unit standards.

    The learning time will increase if the learner does not have:
  • A relevant NQF Level1 qualification.
  • Experience in a relevant field.

    The learning time will be decreased if the learner has experience in this field because:
  • The learning programme will be adjusted to build on what the learner already knows.
  • The learner can apply to have prior learning recognised. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Analytical results are expressed in percent by mass. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of determining the chemical composition of metals at various stages of manufacture. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range of analysed elements includes metals, non-metals and gases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons why the metals charged into the furnace are analysed, are discussed according to principles of metallurgy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons why the molten bath is analysed at various stages of melting, are discussed according to principles of metallurgy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The names and symbols of elements that are analysed and are relevant to the melting process are given according to principles of metallurgy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate basic awareness of the techniques available to analyse metals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The advantages and disadvantages of analysis by titration are discussed according to principles of metallurgy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The advantages and disadvantages of analysing carbon in steel by means of spark observation and thermal arrest when cooling a liquid sample, are given according to principles of metallurgy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages and disadvantages of analysing with an optical spark emission spectrometer are given according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The advantages and disadvantages of analysing with various thermal gas carrier based instruments are given according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Superficial knowledge of other types of spectrometer is shown and the general advantages and disadvantages of this group of instruments are discussed according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Other types of spectrometer include AA (Atomic Absorption), XRF (X-Ray Fractometer), ICP (Inductive Coupled Plasma) and Mass Spectrometer.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of the working, operation and limitations of the optical spark emission spectrometer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The underlying principle of the spectrometer is explained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic construction of the spectrometer, with its main components and their functions, is explained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The notion "inter-element interference" is explained and corrective measures discussed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The notion "drift" is explained and how it is identified and corrected according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The influence of the quality of the sample and its preparation are discussed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The actual drift correction, analysis of samples and storage of the results is demonstrated on a spectrometer according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate understanding of the working, operation and limitations of gas carrier based analysers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Gas carrier based instruments for analysing:
  • Solid metals include the carbon-sulphur analyser, the oxygen-nitrogen analyser and the hydrogen analyser.
  • Liquid metals include the oxygen probe and the hydrogen probe. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Underlying principle of gas carrier based analysers is shown according to theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    General operation and calibration of gas carrier based analysers is demonstrated according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The carrier gas for each type of instrument, and how it interacts with the element(s) to be determined, is discussed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Actual analysis of samples on one type of carrier gas based analyser, including calibration and storage of the results, is demonstrated according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The influence of the quality of the sample and its preparation are discussed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The operation in principle of probes that measure hydrogen and oxygen in liquid steel is explained according to standard operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 4 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency. Only an Assessor with suitable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Things I know and can explain

    Names & functions of:
  • Main parts of a (optical spark emission) spectrometer.
  • Main parts of a carrier gas bases analyser.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Metals, non-metals and gases.
  • Composition of the metals charged into the furnace.
  • Thermal gas carrier based instruments.
  • Optical spark emission spectrometer.
  • Inter-element interference.
  • Drift.

    Purpose of:
  • Analysing the composition of metals.
  • Preparation of the samples.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • The effect of analytical errors on the process and the business.
  • Raw materials, samples.
  • Consumables.
  • Materials and equipment used.
  • Test standards.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Drift correction, analysis of samples and storage of the results.
  • Analysis of samples on carrier gas based analyser, including calibration and storage of the results.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Standard operating procedures.

    Theory; rules, principles, laws:
  • Elements at high temperature emitting characteristic wave lengths.
  • Diffraction of light into a spectrum.
  • Partial pressures of gases.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Relating to the methods of chemical analysis for metals. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage my activities and myself:
  • When checking equipment prior to its use. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Relating to chemical analysis of metals. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Explaining concepts clearly through my oral discussions and free hand sketches. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Using chemical analysis equipment to analyse samples and store results. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  66512   National Certificate: Foundry Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2013-11-07  MERSETA 


    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.