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: 

Conduct Advanced and Electro-Pneumatic Design 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244701  Conduct Advanced and Electro-Pneumatic Design 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of Fluid Power Engineering who are required to analyse the sequence and motion requirements of a machine and design corresponding electro-pneumatic circuits, including a command of the underlying theory for creation of the necessary schematics and selection of components. The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the fluid power NQF Level 4 qualification.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Develop motion step diagrams and sequential function charts.
  • Select advanced pneumatic actuators.
  • Select pneumatic and electric valves and sensors.
  • Select air service and electric supply components.
  • Develop pneumatic and electric circuit diagrams. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that a person is already competent in terms of the following outcomes when starting to learn toward this unit standard:
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings at NQF Level 2.
  • Install, test and maintain a basic pneumatic system at NQF Level 3.
  • Install, test, maintain and commission basic electrical circuits at NQF Level 3.
  • Conduct basic pneumatic design at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Develop motion step diagrams and sequential function charts. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The number of steps must be at least ten and include at least a three-stage cascade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The motion step diagram and sequential function chart includes the sequence and direction of motions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The actuators are identified and given unique identifiers in a systematic manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Step transition indicators are identified in terms of pneumatic and electric sensing, timing and sequence. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Step transition indicators include limit switches, pressure switches, timers, counters, pushbuttons.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Combinations of pneumatic and electric transition indicators are identified in accordance with industry accepted design logic. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Combinations include 'AND', 'OR' and 'NOT'.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All pneumatic and electric lines and symbols are clearly and neatly ordered in accordance with industry standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Industry standards include ISO and DIN.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The motion step diagram and sequential function chart is suitable to the application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Actuator sequences are grouped for pneumatic cascade control and electrical interlocks. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select advanced pneumatic actuators. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationships of fluid physics are explained in accordance with general engineering practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fluid physics includes force, pressure, piston and rod areas, swept volume, stroke length, torque and speed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Available pneumatic actuators are selected in accordance with their function, limitations and operating environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Actuators include linear and rotary, rodless, vacuum, grippers, clamps, positioners, electro-pneumatic axes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons for selecting particular actuators are given in accordance with legislated safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Drawing symbols are identified in terms of the related actuator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select pneumatic and electric valves and sensors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationships of fluid physics and electrics are explained in accordance with general engineering practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Fluid physics includes flow and pressure drop.
  • Electrics includes current, voltage, capacitance, inductance and resistance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Available pneumatic valves are selected in accordance with their function, limitations and operating environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Valves include directional, logic, flow and pressure, valve islands, fieldbus terminals and proportional valves.
  • Function includes ports and positions, pneumatic and electric actuation mechanisms, fieldbus protocol, analogue control and feedback.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Available sensors are selected in accordance with their function, limitations and operating environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sensors include limit and pressure switches, inductive, capacitive, optical proximity switches, proportional transducers and fieldbus communication.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Drawing symbols are identified in terms of the related pneumatic and electric valve or sensor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reasons for selecting particular pneumatic or electric valves and sensors are given in accordance with legislated safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The differences between analogue and digital sensors are explained in terms of their functionality and application. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Select air service and electric supply components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationships of fluid physics and electrics are explained in accordance with general engineering practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Fluid physics includes pressure, flow, cleanliness and lubrication requirements.
  • Electrics includes current and voltage requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Available air service components are selected in accordance with their function, limitations and operating environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air service components include filters, regulators, lubricators and drain systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Available electric power supply components are selected in accordance with their function, limitations and operating environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Power supply components include transformers, regulators, mains filters, current and voltage limiters.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety components are described in terms of their application and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety components include lock-out valves, soft start valves and dump valves; emergency stops, operator safety controls.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reasons for selecting particular air service and electrical power supply components are given in accordance with legislated safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Drawing symbols are identified in terms of the related air service and power supply components. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Develop pneumatic and electric circuit diagrams. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant pneumatic and electric symbols and connecting lines are entered on the diagram in accordance with workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The pneumatic and electric circuit diagram is checked for functionality in accordance with the application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Checking methods include line tracing and sequence visualisation or simulation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A parts list is compiled and cross-referenced to the components in the pneumatic and electric circuit diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The pneumatic and electric circuit diagram is handled and stored in accordance with company document control procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Company control procedures include revision levels, filing, drawing layout and title block information.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Understanding and interpreting user requirements for machines.
  • Translating user requirements into functional machine sequences.
  • The selection and integration of components to form control circuits.
  • How to compile a meaningful and workable circuit design document. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify required sequences and provide a workable solution. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: This outcome is not met in this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to gather relevant information relating to the work function and work autonomously. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to gather relevant information relating to the work function and work autonomously. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to communicate design criteria and outcomes to relevant personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to integrate high tech principles in electro-pneumatic design. 
    		•

    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.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to integrate the various inputs into an operational system. 
    		•

    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 
    Terminology:
  • Fieldbus: Networking communication method between field devices using a specific protocol.
  • Valve island: A collection of valves on a common manifold with a common solenoid connection plug.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58880   Further Education and Training Certificate: Fluid Power  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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.