Application

This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to determine and record control loop responses in open and closed loop modes, tune control loops and complete service records.

Included is the application of step response (open loop tuning calculations and closed loop ultimate sensitivity trials) to achieve specified loop characteristics in conformance to operational specifications.

Where fault-finding is required to electronic component level unit MEM18056 Diagnose and repair analog equipment and components should also be selected.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two (2) occasions and include:

following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work practices

identifying and interpreting engineering specifications, technical information, diagrams and drawings, documents and historical records and obtaining relevant data with respect to tunning control loops

consulting with system operators and other relevant personnel with respect to the control loop characteristics, including an open and closed loop system and confirming function/malfunction of the system and/or its components

checking operational characteristics of the control devices, signal conversion instruments and final control elements for conformance to specifications

locating, reading and interpreting in-built fault indicators and error codes and identifying faults/defects in control system

obtaining relevant pneumatic, electrical and electronic circuit diagrams and testing and monitoring control loop for correct operation and recording the operational responses of the control system/loop

using fault-finding and diagnostic techniques and procedures throughout the monitoring and testing phase and comparing collected data with the operational specifications of the control system

dismantling/disassembling serviceable items using appropriate tools, techniques and procedures

setting and adjusting the controller modes using appropriate test and calibration equipment for the monitoring and adjustment of control loop tuning

checking the control instrumentation for correct zero, span and range and making final adjustments, as required

tuning the control loop to optimum mode settings and recommissioning the control system

completing all service reports, including appropriate follow up procedures in accordance with SOPs.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

proportional integral differential (PID) control loops tuning/calibration techniques

mathematical computations, including algebra, exponentials and logarithms, equations, graphs, charts, vectors, complex numbers and Boolean algebra

relevant data, including information from in-built devices on the control loop characteristics

specifications of each system component

control programming

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, distributive control systems (DCS) and computer-based systems

procedures for:

documenting/reporting information

documenting control system tests and analysis

isolating and testing the control system and its components

verifying apparent faults in circuits and/or control system components

dismantling/ disassembling components for repair or replacement

assembling repaired and/or replacement items

calibration of control system components and necessary equipment

checking control instruments for zero, span and range

making final adjustments to ensure all control system components conform to specification

commissioning the control system

signal transmission, including the principles of operation of the final control element, procedures for calibrating and adjusting the control system

correct function of the circuits and components within the control loop

calibration and adjustment methods for the control loop devices

configuration of the digital control system software

operational responses and procedures for monitoring and recording test and operational data

fault-finding and diagnostic techniques throughout the monitoring and testing process

devia­tions/variations from specification

correct maintenance procedures for serviceable item(s)

adjustments which affect the calibration to control system components

controller modes and actions

reporting/recording requirements associated with the commissioning of the control system

follow-up actions to be undertaken after maintaining/repairing control system instrumentation.

Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

have vocational competency in tuning control loops – multi controller or multi-element systems at least to the level being assessed with relevant industry knowledge and experience

satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 or its replacement and comply with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, its replacement or equivalent legislation covering VET regulation in a non-referring state/territory as the case requires

Where possible assessment must occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Foundation Skills

• text: This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency. Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Prerequisite Units

• {'code': 'MEM09002', 'title': 'Interpret technical drawing'}
• {'code': 'MEM11011', 'title': 'Undertake manual handling'}
• {'code': 'MEM12023', 'title': 'Perform engineering measurements'}
• {'code': 'MEM13015', 'title': 'Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering'}
• {'code': 'MEM16006', 'title': 'Organise and communicate information'}
• {'code': 'MEM18001', 'title': 'Use hand tools'}
• {'code': 'MEM18002', 'title': 'Use power tools/hand held operations'}
• {'code': 'MEM18054', 'title': 'Fault find, test and calibrate instrumentation systems and equipment'}
• {'code': 'MEM18055', 'title': 'Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components'}
• {'code': 'MEM18062', 'title': 'Install, maintain and calibrate instrumentation sensors, transmitters and final control elements'}
• {'code': 'MEM18064', 'title': 'Maintain instrumentation system components'}

Parent Qualifications

• MEM40119 — Certificate IV in Engineering
  MEM

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