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: 

Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244093  Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
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 3  NQF Level 03  4 
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 
Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this unit standard will be able to read and interpret basic process and instrumentation diagrams in a chemical processing plant.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Read and interpret process and mechanical flow diagrams.
  • Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Interpret piping equipment from P&IDs.
  • Identify equipment from P&IDs.
  • Identify instrumentation from P&IDs.

    This will ensure that the use and interpretation of process and instrumentation diagrams in a chemical processing plant is performed in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of the use and interpretation of process and instrumentation diagrams in a process environment is needed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • National Certificate Chemical Operations NQF Level 2 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The context of this unit standard includes a complete process, from the point of receiving a commodity raw material to the point of supplying a commercially saleable product.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of cognitive skills and offers a considerable choice of solutions. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Locate and identify process and instrumentation diagrams. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The unique features distinguishing process flow diagrams (PFDs), mechanical flow diagrams (MFDs) and process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) are listed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The distinctive purposes of PFDs, MFDs and P&IDs are described as applicable to own workplace and the processing industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    PFDs, MFDs and P&IDs are identified from drawings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Required P&IDs are located from a filing system with the assistance of a catalogue-or other record keeping system. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Read and interpret P&IDs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different line structures used in P&IDs are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information contained in the legend and information block are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different symbol types used in P&IDs are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Symbol types include, but are not limited to labels, arrows, symbols and legends.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Abbreviations used in P&IDs are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify piping and valves from P&IDs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pipe specifications are identified from the P&ID in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different line break conventions are interpreted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Line break conventions include but are not limited to line codes, off-page connectors, tie-in symbols, tagging conventions and bubble connectors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Peripheral piping equipment is identified from P&IDs in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Peripheral equipment includes, but is not limited to flanges, reducers, vents, drains, steam traps, filters, strainers, interlocks, expansion loops and expansion bellows.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different valve types are identified from P&IDs in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Valve types include but are not limited to ball, gate, globe, butterfly, check, 3-way, 4-way and relief valves.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The piping network for a process, as shown on a P&ID, is verified on-site. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify equipment from P&IDs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A list of equipment symbols used in P&IDs is compiled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Process equipment symbols are identified from a P&ID in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process equipment includes but is not limited to pumps, compressors, blowers, heat exchangers, storage tanks, furnaces and columns.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment labels appearing on the P&ID are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The flow of product through a system is described with the assistance of a P&ID. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A freehand P&ID drawing showing key equipment is made for a known process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key equipment includes piping and all major pieces of equipment.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Identify instrumentation from P&IDs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A list of instrumentation symbols and acronyms used in P&IDs is compiled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Primary instrument element symbols are identified and their function explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Instrumentation line symbols are identified and explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Instrumentation actuator symbols are identified and their function explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Instrumentation labels are identified and explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Basic control loop systems are identified from a P&ID. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The logic of each loop is explained as applicable to own workplace and the processing industry. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 3 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an assessor with at least three years experience in a process operation will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and can:
  • Read and interpret process and mechanical flow diagrams.
  • Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Interpret piping equipment from P&IDs.
  • Identify equipment from P&IDs.
  • Identify instrumentation from P&IDs. 
    		•

    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:
  • Interpreting process flow diagrams (P&IDs).

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Read and interpret P&IDs.
  • Identify piping and valves from P&IDs.
  • Identify equipment from P&IDs.
  • Identify instrumentation from P&IDs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage him/herself self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying knowledge of process drawings to his/her activities.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Applying knowledge of components, legends, symbols, scale , proportion, line structures and shading concepts to the interpretation of diagrams and drawings.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Reading and interpreting P&IDs.
  • Reading and interpreting a range of legends, symbols, scales and components on drawings and diagrams.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by:
  • Interpreting basic process engineering drawings.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 

    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 
    Supplementary Information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Block diagram; A block diagram is a graphic representation showing the interconnections between the components of a system. Often used to indicate procedural systems or physical processes.
  • Layout diagram (also known as a "plot plan"); A diagram (often to scale) showing the physical arrangement of buildings or equipment in an area.
  • Basic engineering component drawing; A type of drawing that is technical in nature, used to define requirements for engineered items, and usually created in accordance with standardised conventions.
  • Process flow diagram (PFD); A Process Flow Diagram is a functional one-line diagram showing hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) systems like piping, and cable block diagrams.
  • Mechanical Flow Diagrams (MFD); A diagram showing the internals of the equipment in the process.
  • Process and instrumentation diagram (P&ID); A diagram showing piping and instrumentation connections between process units in chemical plants, power plants, water treatment and similar plants. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58537   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-06-17  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  78528   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61971   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  66071   Further Education and Training Certificate: Computer Aided Drawing Office Practice (CAD)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    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. istudent Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    2. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES 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.