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: 

Control load variation on a fossil fired steam generator from a control room 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
13562  Control load variation on a fossil fired steam generator from a control room 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Power Plant Operations 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
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 involved in controlling load variations on a fossil fired steam generator from a centralised control room. People credited with this unit standard can prepare, perform and monitor load changes on a production unit within a controlled state and also controlling the production inventory requirements. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
1. The person is able to listen, question, observe, describe accurately and align with the sender`s need
2. The person is able to understand and respect peoples values and beliefs, as well as those of the organisation and manages his/her actions in line with the above.
3. The person is able to understand his/her own development requirements.
4. The person knows the concept, terms and theory of the specified technical field covering maths, engineering science, electrical trade theory, power plant theory or electro technology.
5. The person is able to understand the company`s vision and manage his/her actions in line with it.
6. Specific organisation safety standards
7. Basic first aid
8. Fire fighting
9. Specific emergency preparedness
10. Communication
11. Problem solving and decision making
12. Environmental awareness
13. Organisation understanding 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. Increasing and decreasing of unit load between lowest controlled load conditions up to maximum continuous rating.

2. Lowest controlled load conditions are that load where binary and or analogue control systems are fully operational
and no combustion support firing required. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare plant for load change. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1.1 Legitimacy of instruction to change load is confirmed according to specific plant administrative requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
1.2 Plant conditions are assessed to verify the capability to meet required load change. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
1.3 Load change is prepared for according to specific plant procedural requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
1.4 Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Change unit load. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
2.1 Load change is performed according to specific plant procedural and regulatory requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2.2 Plant conditions are monitored and verified for stability and maintained within specific plant operating procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
2.3 Out of normal plant conditions are identified and reacted upon according to specific plant operating procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
2.4 Load change is communicated according to specific plant administrative requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
2.5 Plant conditions are assessed by comparing information from relevant sources with expected plant conditions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
2.6 Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Monitor and manage inventory within parameters during load variations. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
3.1 Material and resources required for load changes are verified to be available according to specific plant requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
3.2 Inventory availability is maintained according to specific plant requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3.3 Tasks are assigned to dedicated staff to perform operations relevant to inventory control according to specific administrative requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
3.4 Plant inventory conditions are assessed by comparing information from relevant sources with required inventory capacities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
3.5 Inventory control operations are performed according to procedural requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
3.6 Inventory status is communicated according to administrative requirements 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Demonstrateknowledgeandunderstandingoffossilfiredsteamgeneratorloadingrequirments withinacontrolstag 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
4.1 Procedural and process analysis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
4.2 Communication processes and practises facilitated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
4.3 Process integration and interrelation analysed with regards to plant performance during variations. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4.4 Process chemistry applied (Range: water and steam cycle). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
4.5 Regulatory requirements interpretated and applied. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
4.6 Operating parameters and technical specifications managed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
4.7 Out of normal/emergency conditions and actions assessed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
4.8 Routine activity management defined. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
4.9 Steam generation principles explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
4.10 Combustion process/principles are appraised. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
4.11 Thermo dynamic principles/process evaluated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
4.12 Energy management requirements analysed (Range: plant, performance, efficiency, loss control, resource management). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
4.13 Terminology, concepts, definitions and abbreviations associated with controller functions are known and understood. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
4.14 Trends/incidents/operating history recalled. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
4.15 Control system configuration and protection integration explained (Range: binary, analogue). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
4.16 Material and structural characteristics fundamentals understood (Range: strength, composition, conductivity, material fatigue). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
4.17 Human resource development practises understood (Range: coaching, monitoring, competence assessment). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
4.18 Leadership practises explained (Range: interactive competencies, management competencies, leading competencies). 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Prepare plant for load change. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Legitimacy of instruction to change load is confirmed according to specific plant administrative requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Plant conditions are assessed to verify the capability to meet required load change. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Load change is prepared for according to specific plant procedural requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Change unit load. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Load change is performed according to specific plant procedural and regulatory requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Plant conditions are monitored and verified for stability and maintained within specific plant operating procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Out of normal plant conditions are identified and reacted upon according to specific plant operating procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Load change is communicated according to specific plant administrative requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Plant conditions are assessed by comparing information from relevant sources with expected plant conditions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Monitor and manage inventory within parameters during load variations. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Material and resources required for load changes are verified to be available according to specific plant requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Inventory availability is maintained according to specific plant requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Tasks are assigned to dedicated staff to perform operations relevant to inventory control according to specific administrative requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Plant inventory conditions are assessed by comparing information from relevant sources with required inventory capacities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Inventory control operations are performed according to procedural requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Inventory status is communicated according to administrative requirements. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fossil fired steam generator loading requirements. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fossil fired steam generator loading requirements within a control stage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Procedural and process analysis. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Communication processes and practises facilitated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Process integration and interrelation analysed with regards to plant performance during variations. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Process chemistry applied. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Water and steam cycle.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Regulatory requirements interpreted and applied. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Operating parameters and technical specifications managed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Out of normal/emergency conditions and actions assessed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Routine activity management defined. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Steam generation principles explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Combustion process/principles are appraised. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Thermo dynamic principles/process evaluated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Energy management requirements analysed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Plant, performance, efficiency, loss control, resource management.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Terminology, concepts, definitions and abbreviations associated with controller functions are known and understood. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Trends/incidents/operating history recalled. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Control system configuration and protection integration explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Binary, analogue.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Material and structural characteristics fundamentals understood. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Strength, composition, conductivity, material fatigue.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. Human resource development practises understood. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Coaching, monitoring, competence assessment.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. Leadership practises explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Interactive competencies, management competencies, leading competencies.
 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
Evaluation of documentation and registration thereof according to SAQA requirements.

Moderation: Standard generating group Fossil Power Plant Operations. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
1. Objectively recognise what is happening in or across situations with people, plant and materials.
2. The direct impact of decisions and actions is recognised and the effects on plant and people in the direct work environment are anticipated.
3. The most appropriate action is decided upon after problems were recognised, analised and the options evaluated.
4. The person can listen, question, observe, describe accurately and align with the senders needs.
5. The person can order resources, ideas, events, people and plant to enable required events to realise at organisation and system level.
6. The energy flow through the conversion process is known and the key conversion process concepts are understood.
7. The theory of application of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation plant components and their interrelation to the plant are known and understood.
8. Interrelated plant processes and safety equipment are operated and controlled safely and efficiently.
9. Relevant documentation is completed accurately and processed correctly according to operating procedures, service notifications and authorisation requirements.
10. The trends/incidents related to the specific plant are understood.
11. The concepts, terms and theory of the specified technical field as for the prescribed subjects are known at N3 level.
12. Operation of the plant is controlled to stay within the set limits for environmental impact.
13. Process chemistry fundamentals applicable to process plant and the implications of operating outside of chemical specifications are known and understood.
14. The relevant regulatory requirements are known, understood and complied with, and subordinates are trained and controlled in their adherence to the Regulations.
15. The Organisation`s purpose, values it subscribes to and it`s vision are known and staff are led in accordance with this.
16. The computer is utilised to manage/control the plant processes and analise plant and conditions.
17. Production targets are met by planning, organising, leading and controlling of staff, and effective working relationships are created by motivating and influencing their behaviour. 

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
N/A 

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
N/A 


Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
Identifying & solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization, and community. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
Organising and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion. 

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

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

UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
a. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
b. Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
c. Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
d. Exploring education and career opportunities;
e. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

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 
Occupational Role: Power Plant Controller

The following references to assessment tools to be made through out this unit standard:

1
i) Preparing steam generator for loading
ii) Steam pressure regulating
iii) Pressure and temperature variations
iv) Establish primary fuel firing
v) Monitoring through alarm identification and responses, trend identification and analysis. Big picture understanding, out of normal conditions identification and follow-up actions, data recording and reporting
vi) Loading requirements and conditions
vii) Production capabilities and design specifications
viii) Specific procedure knowledge
ix) Inventory requirements understanding
x) Thermodynamic and combustion process understanding
xi) Control system optimisation - thermal efficiency
xii) Safety and regulatory procedure adhered to

2
i) Priority setting during load variations
ii) Environmental pollution understanding
iii) Mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment understanding
iv) Process control and protection systems understanding
v) Knowledge of regulatory requirement
vi) Process chemical understanding
vii) Incidents understanding
viii) Energy conversion process understanding
ix) Operating philosophies understanding

Terminology used in this unit standard is consistent with the following:
  • Electricity Supply Industry in South Africa
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

    A candidate will be regarded not yet competent should the safety of people, plant and materials be jeopardised during any stage of the assessment on any criteria of this unit standard. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  23679   National Diploma: Fossil Power Plant Process Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-02-18  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  61570   National Diploma: Power Plant Process Control Operations  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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.
     
    1. MPUMELELO TRAINING 


    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.