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

Operate coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246440  Operate coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes 
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 2  NQF Level 02  10 
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
12322  Operate coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard will be able to contribute towards optimal functioning of plant processes. The learner will be provided with skills and knowledge relevant to the operation of the coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes within the relevant health, safety and legislative guidelines. This unit standard will contribute to the delivery of quality water to consumers.

Learners achieving this unit standard will demonstrate competence in:
  • Performing jar tests.
  • Evaluating the flash mixing and coagulation process.
  • Monitoring the flocculation process.
  • Operating the sedimentation process.
  • Operating sludge withdrawal process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Results:
  • Results include but are not limited to pH, turbidity, physical and chemical parameters of raw water.

    Types of flash mixers:
  • Static baffle, wave static, hydraulic jump, mechanical stirrer - fixed or variable speed/combination etc.

    Safety equipment:
  • Overalls, gloves, gumboots, safety shoes, mask, safety harness. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Obtain chemical solutions for jar testing. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Collect chemicals and samples to perform the jar test in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for undertaking a jar test are explained in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Laboratory equipment is assembled to perform jar testing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Laboratory equipment refer to but is not limited to jar stirrer, glass beakers, measuring cylinder, stopwatch and pipettes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Jar testing is demonstrated using the required apparatus. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Apparatus refer but are not limited to jar stirrer, stop watch, glass beakers and pipettes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Physical attributes of the samples are measured using standard tests. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Standard tests refer to but are not limited to pH, turbidity, physical and chemical parameters of raw water.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Results are documented in terms of work policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Evaluate the flash mixing and coagulation process. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Operate and evaluate the coagulation process in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of flash mixing and coagulation is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chemical solutions are identified and their uses explained for jar testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The actual doses of chemicals are determined for coagulation process using the jar test. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Actual doses refer to measurements in terms of milligrams per litre or parts per million.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The process of flash mixing is explained in relation to the jar test. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process of flash mixing refers but are not limited to the mechanical mixers, weirs, orifices and special mixing flumes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Types of flash mixers are identified and listed in terms of their features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The dosers on the plant are set in accordance with jar test results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The dosing point is monitored to ensure optimum distribution of chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Problems on the flash-mixer are identified and explained to take corrective action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor the flocculation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of the flocculation process is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Flocculation process is evaluated visually in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of reporting flocculation conditions is explained for record keeping purposes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate the sedimentation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of the sedimentation process is explained in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Causes of poor flocculation particles settlement are identified and described to take corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for keeping launders clean and free from algae are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Performance of shut down and start up procedures is demonstrated with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Possible problems relating to sedimentation are identified to take corrective action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Operate sludge withdrawal process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need to withdraw sludge is identified in accordance with work policies and procedures in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sludge blanket level is observed to determine abnormalities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems identified are documented for reporting purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A briefing on follow-on shift is demonstrated with examples. 


    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 concepts of sludge production and sludge removal.
  • The sedimentation process.
  • The sludge blanket level.
  • Optimum chemical dosing regime.
  • The flocculation process.
  • The coagulation process.
  • Sampling points.
  • Different types of flash mixers.
  • The importance of keeping records and handing over the shift correctly.
  • The importance of delivering samples to the laboratory within agreed time frames. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in connection with and flash-mixers in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team by applying logging in instructions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by ensuring that safety equipment is obtained and checked for safe use. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to chemicals required to jar testing. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation for follow-on shift reported. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by applying safe working practices. 

    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 12322, "Operate coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes", Level 2, 10 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 among 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.
  • Simulation.
  • Observation. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58951   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. ATTI NELSPRUIT (PTY) LTD 
    2. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    5. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    6. URSIVOX (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.