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 pressure and flow tests on various irrigation water sources 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
335935  Conduct pressure and flow tests on various irrigation water sources 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Test the pressure and flow that is available to irrigate from a municipal water source.
  • Ascertain the delivery from an existing positive displacement pump.
  • Test the various pressure and flow combinations that an existing centrifugal pump can deliver.
  • Measure the yield that is obtained from a borehole installation and document the results. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the hydraulic principles that pertain to the testing of an irrigation water source. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to principles of energy conservation, Bernoulli's theorem, hydrostatic pressure, friction, hydrodynamic pressure, relationship between pressure and flow from different water sources, centrifugal pumps, and positive displacement pumps. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The static head or hydrostatic pressure in a pipeline is described in terms of the specific pressure that is measured in a no flow condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The dynamic head or hydrodynamic pressure in a pipeline is described in terms of the specific pressure that is measured when water is flowing through the pipe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Friction in a pipeline is explained within the context of the pressure losses that occur when different flow rates are selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The usage of pressure as an energy source to affect the flow of water in a pipe is explained in terms of the difference between the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why positive displacement pumps can only deliver a specific flow rate at a rated speed is explained in terms of their positive sealing characteristics. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Test a municipal water supply at various flow rates. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to pressure and flow rig, select the closest outlet to the inlet, close all outlets during test, static pressure, maximum pressure monitor, test at 0,5 Bar intervals from 4,5 Bar, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and document findings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The instruments that must be included in a pressure and flow rig are listed and the necessity of having these calibrated, is explained with regard to ensuring that accurate readings are made. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for using the closest outlet to the municipal connection for a pressure and flow test is explained in terms of minimising friction and achieving optimum flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of closing all outlets on the reticulation while conducting the pressure and flow test is explained with regard to achieving accurate flow readings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of recording the static pressure is explained in terms of the need to obtain the maximum system pressure for the equipment selected to operate at this pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The occasions when a maximum pressure monitor should be installed on an outlet and left for 24 hours is explained in terms of the need to confirm the highest static pressure that may occur at night and in off peak demands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why flow readings must be taken at 0,5 Bar intervals from 4,5 Bar is explained within the context of meeting the operating criteria of the irrigation equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods of fitting the test rig to a selected outlet and testing the flow rates at the various pressures is demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The necessity of documenting the results of the test are explained and the format in which this is required is described in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Measure the pressure and flow rates from a pump station. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to Centrifugal pumps, cavitation, positive displacement pumps-never close the outlet, and documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic operating principles of centrifugal pumps are described within the context of their variable pressure and flow characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures to install a test rig onto an outlet on a centrifugal pump's delivery piping and testing the flow rates at the required pressures is demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The onset of cavitation in medium and high pressure centrifugal pumps is described in terms of the damage that this phenomenon will cause when no delivery pressure is sustained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The basic operating principles of positive displacement pumps are described within the context of their non variable flow rates. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why a main valve from a positive displacement pump should never be closed is explained with regard to the damages that will result. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for the installation of a test rig onto an outlet on the a positive displacement pump's delivery piping and testing the flow at the required pressures is demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of documenting the pump model/details and the test results are explained and the format in which this is required is described in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Measure the pressure and flow rates from an existing borehole. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Static water level, water table, dynamic water level, test only when dynamic head stabilises, centrifugal borehole pumps, progressive cavity pump, and documentation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationship between static and dynamic water levels in a borehole is explained with regard to the positive head's effect on the tested yield. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of operating the pump until the dynamic head stabilises is explained in terms of ensuring that a constant flow can be measured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of fitting a test rig onto an outlet from a centrifugal borehole pump's delivery and testing the flow rates at the required pressures is demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The precautions that have to be taken when testing the borehole's yield with a progressive cavity type of pump are described in terms of preventing a "closed valve" condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of fitting a test rig onto an outlet from a progressive cavity pump's delivery and testing the yield at the required pressures is demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of documenting the time taken to stabilise the dynamic head and the final flow rates in the required format are explained in accordance with the company's SOPs. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 
    N/A 

    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 by:
  • Applying knowledge of hydraulics in determining the ideal outlet to conduct a pressure and flow test. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in gathering the necessary data for the design of an irrigation system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing the pressure and flow rig for use and ensuring that all components are operable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Measuring the location of the water outlet that was used for testing and transposing this onto the irrigation drawing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Compiling a complete report on the results of a pressure and flow test in order that the correct flows can be apportioned in the irrigation design. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the relationship between the static and dynamic water levels in a borehole. 
    		•

    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 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  73109   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.