FIELD                        ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

 

Review of Fluid Power unit standards

 

Subfield

Domain

Id

Mechanical Engineering

Fluid Power

2722-2738, 17344, 17345

 

Competenz has completed the review of the unit standards listed above that were registered in January 1995 and February 2000.

 

Date new versions published                        May 2004

 

New comments by date                        May 2008

 

Expiry date of new versions of the unit standards                        December 2009

 

Summary of review and consultation process

 

Two northern and southern pilot meetings involving Competenz, industry representatives, and accredited providers were convened in September 2002 to initially deliberate the concept of Maintenance and Diagnostics as it applies to Mechanical Engineering. Group discussion centred on the mix of unit standards available to candidates in the current level 4 and level 5 qualifications, in addition to future qualification options that may be applicable to this technologically dynamic industry.

 

The groups were also advised that a significant number of unit standards available to candidates in the level 4 and level 5 qualifications show an expiry date of December 2002.  These unit standards were organised into logical sets and assigned to representatives on the basis of expertise and interest.  Consequently, six expert sub-groups emerged from the initial pilot groups to manage the full review on a progressive basis. The full review was scheduled for completion October 2003, however, the extent and complexity of the review program has now seen the completion date taken to mid 2004.

 

This review report summarises the outcomes of the second expert sub-group.

 

It was recognised that some of these unit standards applied to other Competenz sectors and qualifications, including Machining and Toolmaking and Lifts and Escalators. On this basis, representatives from these sectors were invited to provide input as applicable.

 

Main changes resulting from the review

 

Part 1: Domain changes.

Fluid power is a generic term for the specialist areas of hydraulics and pneumatics.  However, the two areas are fundamentally different in terms of function, system design, maintenance requirements, and industrial application.  As such, the review group considered that hydraulics and pneumatics unit standards should be classified under separate domains, named as follows:

·        Fluid Power - Hydraulics

·         Fluid Power - Pneumatics

These domains were registered in October 2003, and all reviewed unit standards have been reclassified accordingly.

 

Part 2: Unit standard changes

The review process has resulted in the following changes to the unit standards.

·        The term fluid has been removed from all titles.  This term has been replaced by either hydraulic or pneumatic, depending on which arm of fluid power the unit standard is applicable to.

·        The introduction of two new knowledge-based unit standards developed for hydraulics and pneumatics: 20611 and 20612.  These two unit standards capture underpinning knowledge previously implicit in unit standards 17344 and 17345.

·        Unit standards 17344 and 17345: Improved special notes to better indicate parameters for assessment.

·        Unit standards 2722 and 2723: These unit standards required performance against both hydraulic and pneumatic systems, a situation not normally encountered in many work environments.  Maintenance and safety performance outcomes are now captured against separate hydraulics and pneumatics unit standards of 20613, 20614, 20597, and 20598.  It will be noted that while the credit value of unit standard 2723 was split proportionally between the two replacement unit standards, the credit value of 5 for unit standard 2722 was maintained for each of its replacement unit standards. The effective increase in credits more accurately reflects the extent of learning and performance required against each fluid power category.

·        Unit standard 2724: Replaced by unit standard 20599, as the performance outcome is applicable to hydraulics only.  Credit value of 4 has been retained as it reflects the extent of learning and performance required for this activity.

·        Unit standard 2725: Improved special notes and performance criteria range items to better indicate parameters for assessment.  Title changed to indicate that performance is under supervision.

·        Unit standard 2726: Replaced by two new unit standards 20600 and 20601, and supported by the introduction of new unit standard 20602.  All three unit standards focus on system design, with learning and performance progressing from an integrated system under supervision, to the design of a more specialised air distribution system.

·        Unit standards 2727 and 2728: Reference to maintenance in titles changed to servicing, and a definition given for the latter in each unit standard.  Improved special notes to better convey parameters for assessment.  The same amendment rationale and improvements apply to unit standards 2731 and 2732.

·        Unit standard 2729: Improved special notes, and the addition/expansion of performance criteria range items to better convey parameters for assessment.

·        Unit standard 2730: Replaced by unit standard 20603, and supported by the introduction of 20604.  These unit standards continue the learning and performance progression from unit standard 20602 alluded to above.  Note that logic elements and servo positioning have been removed from unit standard 20603, thereby making it substantially different from its predecessor, unit standard 2730.

·        Unit standard 2733: Improved special notes, and the addition/expansion of performance criteria range items.

·        Unit standard 2734: Replaced by two new unit standards 20605 and 20606.  Each unit standard represents a progression in fault diagnosis complexity and performance expectation, as reflected in the title, level, and special notes.

·        Unit standard 2735: Replaced by unit standards 20607, 20608, and 20609

·        Unit standard 2738: Replaced by unit standard 20610.  Service/maintenance requirement in earlier unit standard removed.  Applicable to hydraulic systems only.

·        Unit standard 2736: Designated as expiring due to low usage.  Unit standards 20603 and 20604, coupled with unit standard 5926 Demonstrate knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLC), mayserve as a comparable performance outcome.

·        Unit 2737: Designated as expiring due to low usage.  A comparable performance outcome can be met via unit standard 11399, for which separate accreditation should be sought as appropriate.

 

Unit standards categorised as category C or D expire at the end of December 2005.

 

Impact on existing provider accreditations

 

Current Accreditation for

Accreditation extended to

Nature of accreditation

Classification or Id

Level

Nature of accreditation

Classification or Id

Level

Subfield

Mechanical Engineering

3

Unit standard

20601, 20602

4

Subfield

Mechanical Engineering

4

Unit standard

20604

5

Domain

Fluid Power

Any

Domain/Id

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Same

 

Same

Domain

Fluid Power

3

Unit standard

20601, 20602

4

Domain

Fluid Power

4

Unit standard

20604

5

Unit standard

2722

2

Unit standard

20613, 20614

2

Unit standard

2723

2

Unit standard

20597, 20598

2

Unit standard

2724

2

Unit standard

20599

2

Unit standard

2726

3

Unit standard

20600, 20601

2, 3

Unit standard

2730

4

Unit standard

20603, 20604

4, 5

Unit standard

2734

4

Unit standard

20605, 20606

4, 5

Unit standard

2735

5

Unit standard

20607, 20608, 20609

5

Unit standard

2738

5

Unit standard

20610

5

 

Impact on Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP)

 

AMAP 0013 has been updated to reflect the changes made to the domain and standards.

 

Impact on existing qualifications

 

The following Competenz qualifications are affected by the outcome of this review, and are currently under review.

 

Qualification title

Reference

National Certificate in Engineering Machining and Toolmaking (Level 4)

0123

National Certificate in Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4)

0125

National Certificate in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering (Level 1)

0126

 

The following Competenz qualifications are also affected by the outcome of this review, and will be revised in due course to take account of the changes made.

 

Qualification title

Reference

National Certificate in Composites (Level 4)

0121

National Certificate in Lifts and Escalators (Level 4) with strands in Installation, and Servicing

0662

National Certificate in Engineering (General Engineering - Mechanical) (Level 2)

0903

National Certificate in Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering (Level 5)

0718

National Certificate in Food Production - Baking (Craft Baking) (Level 4)

0590

National Certificate in Food and Related Products Processing (Level 2)

0342

National Certificate in Food and Related Products Processing (Level 3)

0343

National Certificate in Food and Related Products Processing (Level 4)

0344

National Certificate in Food Production - Baking (Level 2)

0588

National Certificate in Food Production - Baking (Level 3)

0589

National Certificate in Food Production - Baking (Plant Baking) (Level 4)

0591

 

The following qualifications are also affected by the outcome of this review.  The Standard Setting Bodies, as identified, have been informed and advised of the changes made to the domain and standards.

 

Qualification title

Reference

Standard Setting Body

National Certificate In Electricity Supply (Mechanical Fitter) (Level 2)

0890

Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Mechanical Fitter) (Level 4) with strands in Hydro, Networks, and Thermal; and an optional strand in Electrical Services

0918

National Certificate in Forestry (Mechanised Harvesting)

0489

Forest Industries Training

National Certificate in Forestry (Cable Harvesting - Extraction)

0828

National Certificate in Forestry (Ground Based Harvesting - Extraction)

0830

National Certificate in Forestry (Log Loading)

0831

National Certificate in Engineering and Technology (Glass Containers) (Level 2)

0947

Plastics and Materials Processing Industry Training Organisation Incorporated

National Certificate in Engineering and Technology (Plastics Engineering) (Level 3)

0477

National Certificate in Materials Processing (Level 1) with strands in General, Plastics Injection Moulding, Plastics Extrusion, Plastics Blow Moulding, Plastics Thermoforming, Plastics Blown Film Extrusion, Plastics Film Conversion, Plastics Injection Stretch-Blow Moulding, Plastics Rotational Moulding, Plastics Film Slitting, Expanded Polystyrene Moulding, Glass Containers, and Paint Manufacturing

0172

National Certificate in Materials Processing (Level 2) with strands in General, Plastics Injection Moulding, Plastics Extrusion, Plastics Blow Moulding, Plastics Pressure Thermoforming, Plastics Vacuum Thermoforming, Plastics Blown Film Extrusion, Plastics Film Conversion, Plastics Injection Stretch-Blow Moulding, Plastics Rotational Moulding, Expanded Polystyrene Moulding, Polystyrene Pre-expansion, Glass Containers, and Paint Manufacturing

0173

National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology (Level 2) with strands in Injection Moulding, Extrusion, Blow Moulding, Pressure Thermoforming, Vacuum Thermoforming, Blown Film Extrusion, Film Conversion, Injection Stretch Blow Moulding, and Rotational Moulding

0394

 

Summary of main changes to standards' Ids, classification, titles, levels, and credits

 

The following summary shows the changes made to the standards as a result of the review.  All changes are in bold.

 

Key to review category

 

A

Dates changed, but no other changes are made - the replacement standard carries the same Id and a new version number

B

Changes made, but the overall outcome remains the same - the replacement standard carries the same Id and a new version number

C

Major changes that necessitate the registration of a replacement standard with a new Id

D

Standard will expire and not be replaced

 

Subfield                   Mechanical Engineering

Id

Domain

Title

Level

Credit

Review Category

2722

20613

and

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Maintain a fluid power system

Maintain a hydraulic power system under supervision

2

 

5

 

C

 

20614

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Maintain a pneumatic power system under supervision

 

 

 

2723

Fluid Power

Make a fluid power system safe

2

8

C

20597

and

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Make a hydraulic power system safe

 

4

 

20598

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Make a pneumatic power system safe

 

4

 

2724

20599

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Clean a fluid power system for service

Clean a hydraulic power system for service

2

4

C

2725

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Design an open loop hydraulic fluid power system

Design a hydraulic power system under supervision

3

15

B

2726

Fluid Power

Design a pneumatic fluid power system

3

20

C

20600

and

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Design a basic pneumatic power system under supervision

3

15

 

20601

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Design a basic pneumatic power system

4

15

 

20602

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Design a pneumatic power air distribution system

4

10

NEW

2727

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Maintain hydraulic fluid power equipment and components under supervision

Service hydraulic power system components under supervision

3

20

B

2728

Fluid Power

Maintain pneumatic fluid power equipment and components under supervision

3

20

B

 

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Service pneumatic power system components under supervision

 

15

 

2729

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Design a hydraulic fluid power system

Design a hydraulic power system

4

15

B

2730

Fluid Power

Design a sequential pneumatic fluid power system

4

10

C

20603

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Design a pneumatic sequential power control system

 

 

 

20604

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Design a complex pneumatic power control system

5

10

NEW

2731

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Maintain hydraulic fluid power equipment and components

Service hydraulic power system components

4

20

B

2732

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Maintain pneumatic fluid power equipment and components

Service pneumatic power system components

4

15

B

2733

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Diagnose hydraulic fluid power system faults

Diagnose hydraulic power system faults

4

20

B

2734

Fluid Power

Diagnose pneumatic fluid power system faults

4

20

C

20605 and

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Diagnose pneumatic power system faults under supervision

3

10

 

20606

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Diagnose pneumatic power system faults

4

10

 

2735

Fluid Power

Specify and design integrated hydraulic fluid power systems

5

20

C

20607

and

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Design a closed circuit hydrostatic transmission power system

5

10

 

20608

and

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Design an open circuit, proportional hydraulic power system with closed loop control

5

10

 

20609

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Design an open circuit, proportional hydraulic power system with open loop control

5

10

 

2736

Fluid Power

Specify and design integrated pneumatic fluid power systems

5

15

D

2737

Fluid Power

Establish maintenance programmes for fluid power systems

5

15

D

2738

Fluid Power

Diagnose faults in and service specialist fluid power controllers

5

20

C

20610

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Diagnose faults in specialist hydraulic power equipment

5

10

 

20611

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Demonstrate knowledge of hydraulics and hydraulic power systems

2

5

NEW

20612

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Demonstrate knowledge of pneumatics and pneumatic power systems

2

5

NEW

17344

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Pneumatics

Draw a diagram, and explain the operating principles, of a simple pneumatic power system

2

3

B

17345

Fluid Power

Fluid Power - Hydraulics

Draw a diagram, and explain the operating principles, of a simple hydraulic power system

2

3

B