The Purpose of the course
This course is suitable for persons who are involved in the operation or maintenance of water or wastewater treatment systems or those who desire a further knowledge of water hydraulics. Water and wastewater process controllers are expected to use of pumps and valves, reading flow measuring devices and maintain proper solid levels in unit processes. This unit standard will therefore equip learners with the principles applicable to flows in water and wastewater collection and treatment in a simple and straightforward manner. Learners will be able to explain the principles of hydraulics and know how to measure flow and protect pumps and pipelines on a works from water hammer and cavitation. This competence will enable the learner to contribute towards keeping the works functioning in an efficient manner to ensure continuous service to the community. Achieving this unit standard will enhance employability of the learner in both the water sector and other industry related jobs.
People completed this course will be able to:
• Explain the general principles of water hydraulics
• Explain measurement of flow.
• Explain flow characteristics in pressurised lines.
• Explain the general principles of water hydraulics.
• Discuss flow measuring devices and their application on the plant.
Course Outline
Learning unit 1
Explain the general principles of water hydraulics
• Defining the concept of hydraulics of water and wastewater
• Explaining factors affecting flow in pipes and channels in terms of their effect on the velocity of the flow.
• Factors include but are not limited to the hydraulic gradients, depth, roughness and bends in the channel
• Calculate volumes using the appropriate formulae
• Explaining gravity flow using a diagram
• Discussing maintenance requirements in terms of equipment and flow logs.
• Explaining hydrostatic pressure in terms of friction, pressure losses or movement
• Explaining syphoning in terms of velocity, friction, pressure losses and movement.
• Explaining pressure drop in pipe flow in terms of pipe length, gradient and friction
• Selecting fittings used in hydraulics for application purposes
Learning Unit 2
Explain measurement of flow.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of flow variations through a treatment works with examples
• Describing laminar and turbulent flow; uniform and varied flow and critical and sub-critical flow (the open-channel flow) in terms of its characteristics
• Explaining the parameters used in open channel flow in terms of their importance in maintaining the proper velocity
• Explaining measurement of flow in pipelines with examples.
• The hydraulic principles that apply in an open channel flow are explained in terms of normal water velocities
• The significance of flow measurement is defined and described in order to ensure that a weir is providing accurate flow data.
• Problems with flow are identified and explained in order to take corrective action.
• Methods to check accuracy of flow meters are described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.
Learning Unit 3
Explain flow characteristics in pressurised lines
• Principles of water hammer are explained in terms of pressure waves and effect on the pipelines.
• Principles of cavitation are explained in terms of its cause and impact on the pumping equipment
• Flow in pipelines is explained in terms of the effects of friction and pressure head
• Explaining the parameters used in open channel flow in terms of their importance in maintaining the proper velocity
• Explaining measurement of flow in pipelines with examples.
• The hydraulic principles that apply in an open channel flow are explained in terms of normal water velocities
• The significance of flow measurement is defined and described in order to ensure that a weir is providing accurate flow data.
• Problems with flow are identified and explained in order to take corrective action.
• Methods to check accuracy of flow meters are described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.
Learning Unit 3
Explain flow characteristics in pressurised lines
• Principles of water hammer are explained in terms of pressure waves and effect on the pipelines.
• Principles of cavitation are explained in terms of its cause and impact on the pumping equipment
• Flow in pipelines is explained in terms of the effects of friction and pressure head
Learning Unit 4
Discuss flow measuring devices and their application on the plant.
Flow measuring devices include but is not limited to weir, Parshall flume, venturi flow tube, magnetic meter, Doppler ultrasonic meters, transient time ultrasound, turbine, float operated system and propeller
• Different flow meters are described and explained in terms of their suitability, advantages and disadvantages
• Different flow meters refer to open channel and pipe flow meters in water and wastewater environments
• Procedures for cleaning meters are explained in accordance with organisational requirements
• Calculations of flow and retention time are performed in terms of units on own plant
Benefit of attending this course(delegates)
• The importance of measuring flow and measuring devices.
• The importance of accuracy when calculating flow measurements implications for a treatment works if there is water hammer or cavitation.
• Pressure drops.
• Flow dynamics of sludges and sewage.
• How and where flow is measured.
• Relationship between water depth and pressure. Calculations of flow and retention time are performed in terms of units on own plant
Benefit of attending this course (Employer)
Competent employees will have the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out maintenance tasks on industrial hydraulic systems.