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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Identify and interpret instrument control loops 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244091  Identify and interpret instrument control loops 
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 3  NQF Level 03  8 
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 
Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this unit standard will be able to identify and interpret instrument control loops in a chemical processing plant.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Explain the principles of control loops.
  • Describe the use and application of safety devices in control loops.
  • Interpret application of control loops in a process.
  • Apply control loop theory in day-to-day problem solving.

    This will ensure that the use and interpretation of instrument control loops in a processing operation is performed in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of the use and interpretation of instrument control loops in a process environment is needed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • National Certificate Chemical Operations NQF Level 2 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 2.
  • Competence in unit standard "Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams" is a prerequisite for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The context of this unit standard includes a complete process, from the point of receiving a commodity raw material to the point of supplying a commercially saleable product.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of cognitive skills and offers a considerable choice of solutions. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the principles of control loops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of control loops are explained using simple examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic logic of control loops is explained using simple examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The basic logic includes but is not limited to measuring the variable, comparing it to a setting and adjusting some parameter in an attempt to move the variable closer to the setting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different control modes used in control loops are explained with examples of practical applications to confirm understanding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The modes include automatic, manual and ratio control.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different control loop types are explained with examples of practical applications to confirm understanding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control loop types include feed forward, feed back and split range.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the use and application of safety devices in control loops. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Safety devices include but are not limited to alarms, trips, interlocks and fail safes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of including safety devices in a control system is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and application of alarms in a control loop is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose and application of trips in a control loop is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose and application of interlocks in a control loop is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for different fail safe positions in a control loop are explained with the use of practical examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fail safe positions include open, close and percentage.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Interpret the application of control loops in a process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of every control loop in a process is described in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The elements of every control loop are identified in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The elements include measurement elements, signal transfer elements, actuators responding to signals, alarms, trips, interlocks and fail safes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Target values for all measurement elements are listed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The logic and functioning of every control loop are clearly described in terms of the purpose of the control loop. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Logic should include measurement, comparing to the process target and the adjustment of some parameter.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The interdependence of different control loops is indicated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply control loop theory in day-to-day problem solving. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Instrument malfunctions are diagnosed in accordance with specified requirements in own workplace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Malfunctions should include but are not limited to zero setting, calibration, bias setting and ratio setting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Mechanical problems with instruments are diagnosed in accordance with specified requirements in own workplace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mechanical instrument problems include but are not limited to leaking impulse line connection, diaphragm tear, body leak, blocked instrument line, swapped around impulse lines, actuator valve stuck or irregular control.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Signal problems are diagnosed in accordance with specified requirements in own workplace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signal problems include but are not limited to loose electrical connection, intermittent electrical connection and wet instrument air.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems originating from process or environmental conditions are diagnosed in accordance with specified requirements in own workplace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process and environmental problems include but are not limited to abnormally high or low process parameters, very high or low process demands, high or low ambient temperatures.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 3 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an assessor with at least three years experience in a process operation 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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understand and is able to:
  • Explain the principles of control loops.
  • Describe the use and application of safety devices in control loops.
  • Interpret application of control loops in a process.
  • Apply control loop theory in day-to-day problem solving. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Apply control loop theory in day-to-day problem solving. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate 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.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Interpret the application of control loops in a process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    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.

    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 
    Supplimentary information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Standard operating procedures: The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78528   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  58537   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-06-17  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  63349   National Certificate: Molten Glass Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Elective  61971   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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.
     
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    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.