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

Install and maintain irrigation pumps 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336015  Install and maintain irrigation pumps 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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
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 
A person credited with this Unit Standard will be able to:
  • Construct a concrete base and install an irrigation pump.
  • Construct and install the suction and delivery manifolds to an irrigation pump.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance inspections on a range of dynamic and positive displacement pumps.
  • Utilise knowledge of the hydraulic principles of pumps to troubleshoot problems.
  • Replace a pump with an alternative unit and make the necessary changes to the baseplate and mountings.
  • Test and verify the performance of a repaired pump. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the hydraulic principles that pertain to the installation and maintenance of irrigation pumps. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to properties of water, volumetric ratios, specific gravity, height and pressure relationships, SI units, primary role of a pump, pressure in closed valve conditions, energy conversion in a pump, factors that cause friction, cavitation, measures to prevent cavitation, destructive effects of water hammer, causes of water hammer, importance of priming. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The properties of water are stated and the role that its mass to volumetric relationship has on pressure determination is explained with regard to irrigation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The primary role of a pump is explained within the context of imparting energy to the water that flows through it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The closed valve pressure in a dynamic pump is described in terms of its similarity to the potential energy that is present in hydrostatic conditions of a gravity fed reticulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The concept of friction is explained with regards to the pressure loss that occurs when water flows through a pipe or chamber. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Cavitation is described in terms of the creation of a low pressure condition in which vacuum pockets are formed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The factors that cause the onset of cavitation are listed and the measures to prevent this from occurring are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Water hammer is described in terms of the creation of a shock wave when a sudden cessation of flow occurs and the destructive nature of this phenomenon is explained in terms of the possible damages that may be experienced. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The conditions that cause water hammer in a pipeline and pump installation are listed and the precautions that should be taken to prevent the onset of these surges are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Priming is described in terms of the purging of all air from a pump and the necessity to ensure prime before it operates is explained with respect to the damages that will occur if this is neglected. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the potential hazards that can be encountered in the installation and maintenance of irrigation pumps and the safety precautions that must be adhered to. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to hazard awareness in the workplace, personal protective clothing, personal protective equipment, mandatory safety requirements for pump installations, equipment that poses a safety risk, electrical safety precautions, lock out stops, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The benefits of integrating hazard awareness in the workplace are described in terms of the positive effects that this has on minimising safety incidents and reducing down time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The personal protective clothing and personal protective equipment that should be worn when working with irrigation pumps are described in terms of the protection these items afford an artisan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specific safety requirements that are mandatory for pump installations are listed and the procedures for testing and verifying the effectiveness of these measures are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The worn or poor condition of pump components and other related equipment that may pose a safety risk are identified and the preventative maintenance checks that must be followed are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The electrical safety precautions that must be followed when conducting work on pumps are described in accordance with the Electrical Wiring Codes and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify the various types of positive displacement pumps that are used in irrigation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • Operating principles, inflexible stroke volume, minimal seal losses, need for pressure relief valve and reasons for an accumulator or pressure tank.
  • Types of positive displacement pumps: progressive cavity, piston and diaphragm. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating principles of positive displacement pumps are explained with regard to their specific stroke volumes and positive sealing characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why a pressure relief valve must be installed on a positive displacement pump's delivery piping are explained with respect to the damage that will occur if these pumps operate against a closed valve. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The range of positive displacement pumps that are used for irrigation and fertigation are listed and their typical applications are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operating features of a progressive cavity pump are described in terms of their unique screw action and high pressure capabilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operating features of a piston pump are described in terms of their pulsating flow characteristics and precise flow rates. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The operating features of a diaphragm pump are described in terms of their ability to pump fertigation and other chemical solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons why an accumulator or pressure tank should be fitted to a positive displacement pump's delivery piping are explained with respect to the absorption and dissipation of pulses. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify the different types of dynamic pumps that are used in irrigation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Energy transfer, the relationship between exit velocity and pressure, closed valve operation, factors that govern flow, benefits of multistage pumps, types of dynamic pumps, centrifugal, peripheral and turbine. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The way in which the rotation of a dynamic pump's impellor imparts energy to the water that flows through it is explained in terms of the water's increase in velocity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reason why a dynamic pump may operate against a closed valve for a short period, is explained with regard to the pump's lack of a positive seal and the recirculation of the water in its volute. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The determination of flow through a dynamic pump is described in terms of the impellors holding capacity (volume) and its speed of rotation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The benefits of utilising multistage centrifugal pumps for high pressure applications are explained with respect to the pressure's direct proportionality to the number of stages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operational benefits of using centrifugal pumps are explained in terms of their flexibility and suitability to deliver a wide range of flow rates at varying pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The factors that contribute to the exceptionally high operational efficiencies of turbine pumps are described with respect to their smooth coaxial flow paths. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The unique operating characteristics of peripheral pumps are described in terms of their particular method of water displacement. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Mount an irrigation pump on a concrete base and construct the suction and delivery manifolds. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to construct a concrete base, only install a foot valve on a suction lift, isolation valve on flooded suction, eccentric not concentric on suction, support manifolds, pipes must not hang on pumps, consequences to pump and it's alignment, "non slam" non return valve, accessible "break joints", pressure sustaining valve. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods of constructing a concrete base for a pump are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why no valve, other than a foot valve, can be fitted to a suction line that has a negative lift are explained in terms of the loss of prime that may occur due to air entering through gland seals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of fitting an isolation valve to the outlet on a flooded suction manifold is explained in terms of preventing flooding and the loss of water from the tank when the pump is removed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why an eccentric reducer should be fitted on the suction manifold in preference to a concentric reducer are explained with regard to the prevention of air entrapment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of ensuring that both the suction and delivery manifolds have integral supports and do not "hang" on the pump is explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The necessity of installing a "non slam" non-return valve on the delivery manifold is explained with regard to preventing backflow and "turbining" of the pump when it is switched off. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The essential need for easily accessible "break joints" to be fitted to both the suction and delivery manifolds is explained and the techniques of constructing these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The occasions when a pressure sustaining valve should be installed, are explained in relation to preventing cavitation and the methods of installing and setting this valve are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Service and maintain a range of irrigation pumps. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Single stage centrifugal pumps-checking and component renewal procedures, stripping, Multistage centrifugal pumps-inspecting and replacement of the serviceable components.
  • Progressive cavity pumps-inspection, lubrication and servicing.
  • Trouble shooting a pumping problem-sequence of tests and procedures.

    Realignment after a repair, adjusting/replacement of the gland packing and v belts, changing a mechanical seal, replace a pump with another sized unit, testing and verifying the pressure and flow from a repaired dynamic pump. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The components on a single stage centrifugal pump that require checking and renewal in a preventative maintenance inspection are listed and the frequency at which this maintenance should take place is described in keeping with the manufacturer's recommendations and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods of stripping, inspecting and replacing the serviceable components of a multistage centrifugal pump are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The components on a progressive cavity pump that require regular inspection, lubrication and servicing in a preventative maintenance inspection are listed and the frequency at which this maintenance should take place is described in keeping with the manufacturer's recommendations and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The techniques for realigning a pump and motor on a common baseplate following a repair, are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of adjusting/replacing the gland packing and V- belts on a progressive cavity pump are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The techniques for changing a mechanical seal on a single or multi stage centrifugal pump are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The sequence and specific tests that should be conducted when trouble shooting a pumping problem is demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The procedures for replacing a pump with a differently sized unit and the adjustments that must be made to the baseplate to accommodate the new unit are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The methods of testing and verifying the pressure and flow from a repaired dynamic pump are demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Complete all necessary documentation involved in the maintenance of irrigation pumps. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to importance of documentation, completion of servicing job card, impact of incorrect data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of noting all the materials used and the time involved in the maintenance of irrigation pumps is explained with respect to allocating the costs for the service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The completion of the job card at the end of the service is demonstrated in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of incomplete documentation are explained in terms of the impact this will have on the finances and stock replenishment for the business/company. 


    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 or moderator respectively with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA), or with another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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, or with another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA, or by another ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal (provider-based) and external (ETQA-based) moderation of assessment, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment against this Unit Standard should encompass achievement of competencies described in the individual Unit Standard and may encompass achievement of integrated competencies with other Unit Standard(s).
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    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:
  • Applying knowledge of the hydraulic principles in trouble shooting pumping problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Combining with others in the installation of new pumps and their manifolds. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the sequence of tests and inspections when conducting trouble shooting. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Document the materials used in the maintenance of irrigation pumps. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting on the condition of a pump set and indicating the repairs necessary to bring the unit back to full functionality. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the energy transfers that take place in a dynamic pump and how this allows these pumps to be used for a variety of pressure and flow combinations. 
    		•

    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 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the Specific Outcomes and the related Assessment Criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary Specific Outcomes and related Assessment Criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  73109   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.
     
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