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: 

Install and maintain irrigation filtration systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
335957  Install and maintain irrigation filtration systems 
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  5 
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:
  • Utilise knowledge of sprinkler and emitter nozzles to select the appropriate filter element.
  • Construct a concrete base and install a self flushing sand filter system.
  • Install and maintain the control valves and manifolds of a self flushing filter system.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance inspections on an automatic backwashing system.
  • Strip, inspect and replace the serviceable components on a range of filters.
  • Determine the timing intervals for backwashing and set a flushing schedule. 
    		•

    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. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the different filtration requirements for irrigation equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Blocked nozzles; sprinkler performance, impaction and effect of nozzle velocity.
  • Nozzle to apertures; sprinklers 30% of smallest nozzle, micro 20% and drip 10%.
  • Rotary sprinklers damages due to dirt, drip irrigation and control valves.
  • Self flushing filters; single-similar inlet and flushing velocities, multiple-flushing velocities in excess of double the inlet velocities. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect that blocked or partially blocked nozzles have on a sprinkler's performance is explained in terms of the uneven distribution of water that is effected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Debris impaction in a nozzle is described with respect to the process in which dirt and sand build up and eventual block a sprinkler or emitter's nozzle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effect that nozzle velocity has on the impaction of debris is explained and the filtration ratios that are required to prevent blocking, are listed in accordance with industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect that dirt and debris have on the drive mechanisms and seals of rotary sprinklers is explained in terms of the resultant wear and reduction in life of the sprinkler components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessity to provide adequate filtration for drip irrigation is explained within the context of the problems that will occur when drippers are blocked and the dripper feeds silt up. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The effect that dirt and debris have on the operation of irrigation control valves is explained in terms of the wear on components and the possible failure to open or close correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The advantages of using a self flushing filter bank as apposed to a single filter are explained with respect to their differing inlet versus flushing velocities. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Install a self flushing filter bank on an irrigation delivery pipeline and fit the interconnecting manifolds. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Support filters, Wye strainer positioning, direction of filter housing, screen elements-flow inside out, disc elements-outside in, inlet and flushing control valves, pressure gauges-indicate pressure differential, isolation valves, break joints, air release valves on highest point-prevent air entrapment, location of backwash discharge and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of ensuring that both the inlet and outlet manifolds have integral supports and do not "hang" on the filters is explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of positioning the filtration chambers of Wye type strainers downwards is explained in respect of ensuring positive drainage of the chambers during servicing and preventing the debris from falling into the outlet piping. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The factors that determine the direction in which a filter's housing should be installed are described with respect to the type of element that is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of fitting an isolation valve to the inlet and outlet of each filter in a filter bank is explained in terms of avoiding a shutdown of the entire pumping system when a service is conducted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for fitting an air release valve on the highest point of the discharge manifold are explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The necessity of fitting a pressure gauge to both the inlet and discharge manifolds is explained in terms of the observing a pressure differential in across the filters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods of installing the inlet and flushing control valves to the filters are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The essential need for easily accessible "break joints" to be fitted to both inlet and outlet manifolds is explained and the techniques of constructing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The reasons why a flushing discharge from a filter bank should be routed away from the pump stations water source are explained in terms of preventing dirt from being reintroduced into the system. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assemble the components of a self flushing sand filter system and install the inlet and outlet manifolds. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:

    Concrete base, weight distribution, clean environment, isolation valves, break joints-ease of maintenance, manifold supports, air release valves, pressure gauges-observe pressure differential, in line disc filter-prevent sand from entering the irrigation system, pre-cleaning filter sand, inspect spider screens and method of placing sand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why a bank of sand filters must be positioned on a level concrete floor/base are explained and the methods of constructing the base are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of fitting an isolation valve to the inlet and outlet of each filter, is explained in terms of avoiding a shutdown of the entire pumping system when a the sand is cleaned/replaced in one of the filters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of installing easily accessible "break joints" on the inlet and outlet manifolds is explained and the techniques of constructing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of ensuring that both the inlet and outlet manifolds have integral supports and do not "hang" on the filters is explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for fitting an air release valve on the top of each sand filter are explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The necessity of fitting a pressure gauge to the inlet and discharge manifolds is explained with regards to the need to observe a pressure differential in the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons why an in line disc filter must be installed at the end of the discharge manifold are explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of pre-cleaning the silica sand before it is placed into the filter is explained in terms of preventing the premature clogging of the filter media. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The reasons why the "spider screens" should be inspected before the filter sand is installed are explained and the methods of placing the sand in the filters are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Install automatic backwashing controls and set a flushing schedule. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Role of a hydraulic filter-protect sensitive equipment, electrical safety precautions, differential sensor, hydraulic actuator, solenoid pilot valve, flushing controller, functions of a flushing controller and set cycles according to pressure differential. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of installing an adequate hydraulic filter to supply clean water to the automatic controls is explained with regards to ensuring that the sensing and control pilot valves operate correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The electrical safety precautions that must be followed when conducting work on the low voltage circuits of the flushing controller are described in accordance with the Electrical Wiring Codes and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The function that a differential sensor performs is described in terms of initialising a flushing cycle and the techniques to install the sensor and interconnect it with the flushing controller are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role that the hydraulic actuator plays in controlling the inlet and flushing valves is described in terms of its normally open and normally closed hydraulic circuits and their relationship with the control valves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role that the solenoid plays in the operation of a hydraulic actuator is explained and the techniques to install the solenoid and interconnect it with the flushing controller are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The different functions and programming options that a flushing controller has are described and the techniques to install it are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of measuring the time taken for a pressure differential to occur is explained within the context of setting the intervals between flushing cycles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Service and maintain an automatic self flushing filtration system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Preventative maintenance inspection, frequency of filter element removal and cleaning, element cleaning methods, methods of cleaning sand, stripping, inspecting and replacing serviceable components and trouble shooting. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The components of an automatic filtration system that require checking and renewal in a preventative maintenance inspection are listed and the frequency at which this maintenance should take place is described in keeping with the manufacturer's recommendations and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The factors to be considered in determining the frequency of a filter element's removal and cleaning are described in terms of the type of debris that is trapped by the filter and the pressure differential that is registered after a flushing cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of cleaning different types of filter elements are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of removing, washing and replacing the filter media in a sand filter are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of stripping, inspecting and replacing the serviceable components of the automatic filtration equipment are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The sequence and specific tests that should be conducted when trouble shooting an automatic filtration system are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 


    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.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    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 the appropriate sequence of test procedures in fault finding problems in an automatic filtration system. 
    		•

    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 the installation of a self flushing filter system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Maintaining a backwashing system in accordance with the prescribed inspection and renewal procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Compiling a report on the time taken to record a pressure differential across a filter bank. 
    		•

    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:
  • Documenting the materials used in the servicing of a filter system. 
    		•

    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:
  • Utilising knowledge of nozzle velocities to select the suitable filter element. 
    		•

    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
    Elective  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.