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

Demonstrate understanding of the principles of fluid power 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244686  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of fluid power 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of fluid power engineering who are required to interpret schematics, fault find and maintain electro-hydraulic systems. The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the fluid power NQF Level 2 qualification.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of basic physics.
  • Demonstrate understanding of fluids and fluid flow.
  • Demonstrate understanding of flow and pressure.
  • Demonstrate understanding of fluid power conversion to mechanical power. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that a person is already competent in terms of the following outcomes when starting to learn toward this unit standard.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of basic physics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physics terms are described with reference to international definitions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This will include energy, work done, force, pressure, power, velocity and acceleration.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Symbols and SI units are explained in terms of basic measurement units. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Symbols and SI units include distance, flow, force, mass, power, pressure, speed, temperature, time, torque, volume, acceleration, angle and area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic mathematical relationships between physics terms are explained with reference to international standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Types of energy transfer are explained with reference to fluid power. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Energy transfer between air and fluid are explained in terms of advantages and disadvantages. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate understanding of fluids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fluid power terms are described with reference to international definitions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This will include volume, flow, density, viscosity and viscosity index.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects of turbulent and laminar flow are explained with reference to pressure drops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effect of temperature on hydraulic fluid is explained with reference to viscosity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relationship between compressibility and pressure is explained with reference to hydraulic fluid and air. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of fluid flow and pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Energy conservation is explained with reference to Bernoulli's principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relationship between fluid flow, velocity and cross sectional area is explained with reference to hydraulic fluid and air. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relationship between pressure loss, fluid velocity and cross sectional area is explained with reference to hydraulic fluid and air. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Fluid velocity in a given pipe is calculated and compared to recommended industry standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pipes include suction, pressure, return, and drain lines.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate understanding of fluid power conversion to mechanical power. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationship between fluid flow and linear velocity is explained with reference to a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relationship between pressure and force is explained with reference to a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relationship between fluid flow and angular velocity is explained with reference to a hydraulic motor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relationship between pressure and torque is explained with reference to a hydraulic motor. 


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

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Understanding and interpreting of physics terms.
  • Understanding and interpreting of fluid flow dynamics.
  • Manipulating basic mathematical relationships.
  • Understanding the transfer of fluid power to mechanical power. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to identify difficulties and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • This outcome is not met in this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • This outcome is not met in this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to gather relevant information relating to fluid power principles. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • This outcome is not met in this unit standard. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to integrate physics principles in fluid power. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to integrate physics principles in fluid power. 
    		•

    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 
    Terminology:

    The terminology used in this unit standard is consistent with generic engineering practices.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78523   National Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  65809   National Certificate: Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.