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

Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of water hydraulics 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255981  Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of water hydraulics 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12059  Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of hydraulics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is suitable for persons who are involved in the operation or maintenance of water or wastewater treatment systems or those who desire a further knowledge of water hydraulics. Water and wastewater process controllers are expected to use of pumps and valves, reading flow measuring devices and maintain proper solid levels in unit processes. This unit standard will therefore equip learners with the principles applicable to flows in water and wastewater collection and treatment in a simple and straightforward manner. Learners will be able to explain the principles of hydraulics and know how to measure flow and protect pumps and pipelines on a works from water hammer and cavitation. This competence will enable the learner to contribute towards keeping the works functioning in an efficient manner to ensure continuous service to the community. Achieving this unit standard will enhance employability of the learner in both the water sector and other industry related jobs.

People credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Explain the general principles of water hydraulics.
  • Explain measurement of flow.
  • Explain flow characteristics in pressurised lines.
  • Discuss flow measuring devices and their application on the plant. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Open channel devices:
  • V notch, venturi, rectangular weir and head measuring techniques.

    Pipe measuring devices:
  • Mag flow, rotameters, positive displacement pump and orifice plate. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the general principles of water hydraulics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of hydraulics of water and wastewater is defined and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concept of hydraulics include but are not limited to density, pressures, flow, mass and weight and viscocity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Factors affecting flow in pipes and channels are explained in terms of their effect on the velocity of the flow. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to the hydraulic gradients, depth, roughness and bends in the channel.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Volumes are calculated using the appropriate formulae. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Gravity flow is explained using a diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Maintenance requirements are discussed in terms of equipment and flow logs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hydrostatic pressure is explained in terms of friction, pressure losses or movement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Syphoning is explained in terms of velocity, friction, pressure losses and movement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Pressure drop in pipe flow is explained in terms of pipe length, gradient and friction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Fittings used in hydraulics are selected for application purposes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain measurement of flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of the effects of flow variations through a treatment works is demonstrated with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The open-channel flow is described in terms of its characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics include but is not limited to laminar and turbulent flow; uniform and varied flow and critical and sub-critical flow.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The parameters used in open channel flow are explained in terms of their importance in maintaining the proper velocity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measurement of flow in pipelines is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The hydraulic principles that apply in an open channel flow are explained in terms of normal water velocities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The significance of flow measurement is defined and described in order to ensure that a weir is providing accurate flow data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems with flow are identified and explained in order to take corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Methods to check accuracy of flow meters are described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain flow characteristics in pressurised lines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of water hammer are explained in terms of pressure waves and effect on the pipelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of cavitation are explained in terms of its cause and impact on the pumping equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Flow in pipelines is explained in terms of the effects of friction and pressure head. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Discuss flow measuring devices and their application on the plant. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Flow measuring devices include but is not limited to weir, Parshall flume, venturi flow tube, magnetic meter, Doppler ultrasonic meters, transient time ultrasound, turbine, float operated system and propeller. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different flow meters are described and explained in terms of their suitability, advantages and disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different flow meters refer to open channel and pipe flow meters in water and wastewater environments.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Procedures for cleaning meters are explained in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Calculations of flow and retention time are performed in terms of units on own plant. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by 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 at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • The importance of measuring flow and measuring devices.
  • The importance of accuracy when calculating flow measurements implications for a treatment works if there is water hammer or cavitation.
  • Pressure drops.
  • Flow dynamics of sludges and sewage.
  • How and where flow is measured.
  • Relationship between water depth and pressure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems with flow measurements in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made in the correct choice of meters. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community by applying the necessary supervisory skills to guide and provide support to workers in order to carry out their respective duties to reduce any negative impact on the environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by applying time management principles in his/her work schedule in order to carry out his/her responsibilities in accordance with associated tasks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to flow charts, totaliser readings and SCADA for proper course of action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation with key stakeholders to provide accurate information for decision-making purposes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by applying accurate measurement principles to control the process. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 12059, "Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of hydraulics", Level 4, 6 credits.

    Integrated Assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment Option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions.
  • Simulations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61709   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    2. EMANZINI STAFFING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. ERWAT 
    5. KGWEBISWANO SUPPLIES & SERVICES 
    6. PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING (PTY) LTD 


    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.