The PIA successfully staged its Installation & Commissioning course a number of times over the course of 2016, most recently in September. The purpose of the course is to provide pump professionals with the chance to update and upgrade their skills, and to give attendees national accreditation in the installation and commissioning of pumps.
The one-day training course was developed by industry experts, and is recommended for all people involved in the supply and installation of pumping systems, including pump suppliers, consultants, contractors and installers.
The course suits people still learning, workers who need a refresher in the intricacies of installation and commissioning, or anyone who wants to take their skills to the next level and have official accreditation by the wider industry.
The course is split into two sections: a theory session in the morning, followed by hands-on practical work in the afternoon.
The theory session for installation covers foundation construction, erection of the pumpset, levelling of the pumpset, grouting, installation of pipework and the alignment of the pump and drive.
This not only teaches participants how to install a pumpset, but also how to inspect an installation prior to commissioning to ensure the work by others has been done correctly.
Once everyone has full knowledge of all the skills, the afternoon practical session allows you to apply these skills by checking the pump level and alignment of a pumpset and participating in commissioning, including taking the appropriate readings.
The practical session also includes an evaluation session of the data and a discussion on corrective actions that could be taken.
The September course was particularly successful, with eight experienced pump professionals attending.
The size of the group, and their combined experience, made the presentations more dynamic, and course leaders Ken Kugler and Keith Sanders both found the interaction within the group was particularly beneficial.
The PIA now has plans to run the course a number of times over the course of 2017 in both Melbourne and Sydney, providing a wider group within the pump industry the opportunity to gain this valuable industry accreditation.
Why accreditation?
Installing and commissioning a pump correctly is critically important, as doing so will ensure a pump has a trouble-free working life when it begins operation.
Within the industry there has been increasing concern over the quality of commissioning personnel, and authorities in one state are planning to place restrictions on the people who can install and commission pumps in water services, via a National Occupational Licensing System.
Learning the most up to date techniques and skills from the industry’s peak body, PIA, and then being registered on its site, is vital to any pump professional who deals with installation and commissioning.
If you’re interested in gaining your installation and commissioning accreditation in 2017, contact Kevin Wilson at pumpsaustralia@bigpond.com.
