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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of steam generation and of combustion theory relating to boiler operation
Level / 3 / Credits / 5
Purpose / This theory-based unit standard is for entry-level people working as boiler operators.
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of: the basic principles of steam generation; and combustion theory relating to a boiler operation.
Classification / Energy and Chemical Plant > Operation of Energy and Chemical Plant
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to – Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, Resource Management Act 1991.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of steam generation relating to a boiler operation.
Evidence requirements
1.1The properties of steam are explained in terms of their effect on a boiler operation and downstream usage.
Rangeproperties include but are not limited to –dryness factor, superheat, specific heat, specific volume, latent heat, sensible heat, enthalpy.
1.2Causes of water hammer are identified and explained in terms of the steps to avoid it.
Rangeevidence is required of three steps.
1.3Water circulation in a boiler is explained in terms of the processes and factors that influence it.
Rangefactors include but are not limited to – density, temperature;
processes include but are not limited to –natural circulation (convection), forced circulation.
1.4Steam tables are interpreted at specified temperature and pressure readings to identify saturation temperature, sensible and latent heat content and specific volume.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of combustion theory relating to a boiler operation.
Evidence requirements
2.1Principles of combustion and heat transfer are explained in terms of boiler operations.
Rangeprinciples of combustion and heat transfer include but are not limited to – combustion theory, chemical reaction, radiation, convection, conduction, flue gas quality, economy of operation.
2.2Monitoring of flue gas parameters is explained in terms of combustion process efficiency.
Rangeparameters include but are not limited to – oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, opacity.
2.3Methods used to provide combustion air to boilers are explained in terms of operating principles.
Rangemethods include but are not limited to – forced draught, induced draught, balanced draught.
Replacement information / This unit standard, unit standard 21462, and unit standard 21463 replaced unit standard 4554, unit standard 4555, unit standard 16297, unit standard 16298, and unit standard 16299.Planned review date / 31 December 2019
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 27 June 2005 / 31 December 2014
Rollover and Revision / 2 / 25 July 2006 / 31 December 2014
Review / 3 / 22 May 2009 / 31 December 2016
Review / 4 / 24 October 2014 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0079
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Primary Industry Training OrganisationSSB Code 101558 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2019