Reference Curriculum for International Power Engineer (5th Class) Examination Candidates
Topic 1 Introduction to Thermodynamics
Learning Outcome
Explain the principles of thermodynamics and the modes of heat transfer.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the three states of matter.
- Describe the expansion of solids and liquids.
- Explain the different temperature scales used in thermodynamics (Celsius and Fahrenheit).
- Explain sensible and latent heat, and the thermodynamic transformation of ice to steam.
- Describe the three modes of heat transfer.
- Explain the energy in the expansion of water to steam.
Topic 2 Fire Safety and Site Hazards
Learning Outcome
Discuss acceptable methods of extinguishing various classifications of fire. Briefly describe site hazards awareness.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the overall need for and the intent of fire protection standards, laws, and regulations.
- Explain the different fire classifications and describe the extinguishing methods for each.
- Explain the application and operation of standpipes, hoses, and sprinklers in buildings.
- Explain the various types of fire and smoke detectors.
- Describe the operation, placement, and maintenance of the common types of portable extinguishers.
- Discuss the need for and use of a fire pump.
- Briefly describe safety aspects of common site hazards.
- Explain how to perform a pre‐job hazard assessment.
Topic 3 Building Safety
Learning Outcome
Describe how the building operator can prevent accidental situations to protect the occupants of their facility.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the personal safety responsibilities and precautions that must be applied by the building operator.
- Describe the general safety precautions required in the maintenance and operation of buildings.
- Identify common scenarios where the building operator can prevent accidents, and explain the importance of first aid and CPR training.
Topic 4 Confined Space Entry
Learning Outcome
Describe procedures needed to enter into, or work safely in confined spaces.
Learning Objectives
- Define confined space, list some confined spaces, and describe the hazards of being in a confined space.
- Refer to local jurisdictional regulations and describe procedures to be followed when performing a confined space entry, including completion of an entry checklist.
Topic 5 Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
Learning Outcome
Discuss the provincial legislation addressing occupational health and safety.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the general intent of occupational health and safety standards.
- Discuss some of the responsibilities, according to the Act, of workers, employers, and others in relation to health and safety.
- Describe the conditions that must exist before a worker can refuse to work.
- Identify jurisdictional regulations related to health and safety.
- List the two different types of logs kept in boiler plants and the importance of each.
Topic 6 Introduction to Heating Plant Safety
Learning Outcome
Describe general plant safety as it relates to Power Engineers.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the cost and effects of workplace accidents.
- Describe the basic hazards that may exist in an energy plant, and the basic personal protective equipment that may be required.
- Define, give examples of, and describe common workplace hazards. (Note that additional training will be required beyond this course material.)
- Describe equipment isolation and lockout procedures.
Topic 7 Handling of Dangerous Materials
Learning Outcome
Describe the policies and procedures for safe storage and handling of dangerous goods and materials.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the WHMIS.
- Describe the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) required in the WHMIS.
- Identify the labels required in the WHMIS.
- Describe the safe handling and use of gas cylinders in an energy plant (power plant).
- Discuss the safe handling of hydrocarbons.
Topic 8 Introduction to Electricity
Learning Outcome
Discuss the design and accessories of an electrical circuit; describe the design and troubleshooting of lighting systems and electric motors.
Learning Objectives
- Explain electricity, electric circuits, and voltage drop.
- Calculate current and power in an electric circuit, estimate the cost of electrical power for a facility, and describe how to read a power meter.
- Describe circuit accessories, including switches, fuses, breakers, and receptacles. Explain the danger of electric shock.
- Explain what constitutes a good lighting system. Explain maintenance of a lighting system and troubleshooting of incandescent and fluorescent systems.
- Describe simple electrical system problems, including short circuits, grounds, and bad connections. Describe static electricity.
- Describe transformers and electric motors. Explain motor types, bearing care, and troubleshooting of motors.
- Explain the CSA approval and markings for electrical appliances.
Topic 1 Watertube Boilers (Heating, Power, and Tubular)
Learning Outcome
Describe the various types of watertube boilers used in small industrial and heating systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the construction of watertube and copper‐tubular boilers.
- Describe the water circulation in a longitudinal drum straight tube boiler.
- Describe two‐drum bent tube boilers, and the advantages of a bent tube boiler compared to a straight tube boiler.
- Describe the construction of the “A” type, “D” type, and “O” type and the advantages of packaged watertube boilers.
Topic 2 Cast-Iron Sectional and Modular Boilers
Learning Outcome
Describe and explain the uses of cast‐iron boilers.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the general construction of cast‐iron sectional boilers.
- List the advantages of cast‐iron sectional boilers over watertube and firetube boilers.
- Describe the arrangement of equipment in a multiple cast‐iron sectional boiler heating plant.
- Describe the construction and operation of cast‐iron modular boilers.
Topic 3 Firetube Boilers (Heating and Power)
Learning Outcome
Describe the various types of firetube boilers used in power and heating systems.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the difference between power and heating boilers.
- Describe the historical significance, the construction, and application of the early types of firetube boilers: the HRT, or horizontal return tubular, locomotive, and firebox boilers.
- Describe the construction and application of wetback and dryback Scotch boilers.
- Describe the construction and application of vertical firetube boilers and tubeless boilers used in heating plant service.
- Describe the construction of packaged firetube boilers.
Topic 4 Electric Boilers
Learning Outcome
Describe electric boilers with regard to their use and general design.
Learning Objectives
- Compare electric boilers to fuel‐fired boilers.
- Describe the construction and operating principle of electrode‐type electric boilers.
- Describe the construction and operating principle of immersion‐type electric boilers.
Topic 5 Basic Fittings for Steam Boilers
Learning Outcome
Name, identify, and explain the operating principles and the differences, if any, between the following low and high pressure boiler fittings: pressure gauges, gauge siphons, safety valves, gauge glasses and water columns, safety shutoff valves, quick opening valves, stop valves, check valves, and vent valves.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the construction, purpose, and operation of pressure gauges and gauge siphons (pigtails).
- Describe the testing of pressure gauges.
- Describe the construction, operation, installation, and testing of low‐pressure (safety relief) and high‐ pressure (safety or pop) valves.
- Describe the purpose, function, and testing of gauge glasses and water columns.
- Explain how to change a gauge glass.
- Describe the construction, operation, and purpose of the following valves: gauge glass safety shutoff valves, gauge glass quick closing valves, stop valves, check valves, blowoff (blowdown) valves, and vent valves.
Topic 6 Basic Fittings for Hot Water Boilers
Learning Outcome
Name, identify and explain the operating principles of the following hot water boiler fittings and equipment: pressure, altitude or combination gauges, thermometers, safety relief valves, temperature relief devices, stop valves or drain valves, backflow preventers, and expansion tanks.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the required instruments, fittings, and controls on a hot water boiler system.
- Explain how to change a gauge glass on an expansion tank.
- Describe the construction and operation of the “auto fill valve.”
- List the usual devices and fittings that are used in hot water heating boiler systems.
Topic 7 Low Water Fuel Cut-Offs and Feedwater Controls
Learning Outcome
Discuss the design, operation and testing of low‐water fuel cutoffs and describe feedwater control methods and devices used on low‐pressure boilers.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the construction and operation of float and electrode low water level fuel cut‐off equipment.
- Describe the testing and maintenance of float and electrode low water level fuel cut‐offs.
- Describe the operation of a feedwater float switch operating a valve and a float switch operating a pump.
- Explain the purpose and function of heating boiler feedwater and condensate piping connections.
Topic 8 Heating Boiler Operating Controls
Learning Outcome
Name and describe the various operating controls found on low‐pressure boilers.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the operation of the on‐off control, the high‐low fire control, the modulating control, and the high limit control found on low‐pressure steam boilers and hot water heating boilers.
- Explain the operation of the common control switches found on a low‐pressure heating boiler.
- Describe the operation of the safety switches or interlocks found on the fuel supplies of low‐pressure heating boilers.
- Explain the required testing and maintenance of heating boiler controls.
Topic 9 Boiler Combustion Controls
Learning Outcome
Explain the design and operation of various combustion controls on heating boilers.
Learning Objectives
- List and discuss the various types of boiler flame failure detectors.
- Describe the testing of boiler flame failure safety devices.
Topic 10 Boiler Programming Controls
Learning Outcome
Describe the basic operation of boiler programming controls.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the operation of equipment that is used to automatically start up and shut down boilers.
- List a typical sequence of startup and shutdown events.
- Describe common 5th Class Power Engineer responses to a boiler programmer startup or shutdown.
Topic 11 Basic Boiler Operation
Learning Outcome
Describe the preparation, start‐up and shutdown, abnormal conditions, and routine operational checks in the operation of steam and hot water boilers.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the preparation required before starting a steam or hot water boiler.
- Explain the startup steps once the boiler has been prepared.
- State possible abnormal conditions during startup and the cautions required to avoid uneven expansion and thermal shock.
- Describe the procedure required when “cutting in” an additional boiler.
- Describe the operating conditions for hot water and steam boilers that must be checked daily, and state the required monthly checks.
- Explain the procedure for removing a hot water boiler from service.
- Describe the procedure for removing a steam boiler from service.
- Explain the emergency conditions that can occur during the operation of a steam boiler. Explain the causes and prevention of furnace and pressure explosions.
- Explain the reasons for boiler accidents, and describe the role and design of operating logs in the safe operation of a boiler.
- Operator traits, good operating practice, curiosity, using your senses, (sense‐interpret‐analyze‐perform
= SIAP), trusting your instincts, experience and due diligence.
Topic 12 Routine Boiler Maintenance and Inspection
Learning Outcome
Describe the service and maintenance required for boilers. Discuss the procedure for preparing a boiler for inspection and cleaning, and describe mechanical boiler cleaning methods.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the general servicing and routine maintenance of packaged firetube and cast‐iron sectional boilers.
- Explain the importance of layups and state the procedures to be followed for wet and dry boiler layups.
- Describe the symptoms of a leaking firetube.
- List the steps and precautions to be taken to prepare a boiler for inspection.
- Describe the inspection of a boiler.
- Describe the methods and tools used for mechanical and chemical cleaning of a boiler.
- Discuss the standard procedure for a hydrostatic test and the reason for doing the test.
Topic 13 Combustion and Draft
Learning Outcome
Discuss the characteristics of common fuels used in heating boilers, conditions for complete and incomplete combustion, draft methods, and the application of flue gas analysis.
Learning Objectives
- Explain natural and mechanical draft arrangements.
- Describe draft measurement using U‐tube and inclined draft gauges.
- Describe the use, advantages, and characteristics of common boiler fuels.
- State the requirements and reactions for complete and incomplete combustion.
- Explain the difference between a pressure explosion and a furnace explosion.
Topic 14 Burners for Boilers
Learning Outcome
Describe the operation of the various types of gas and oil burners used on boilers.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the operation of atmospheric and ring gas burners.
- Describe the construction and operation of automatic valves.
- Describe the principle of oil atomizing burners for boilers.
- List and describe the auxiliary equipment needed for an oil combustion system.
- Describe the overall components and operation of fuel oil systems.
Topic 15 Piping Materials and Connections
Learning Outcome
Discuss the various construction materials, size classification, and connection methods for the piping in a plant.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the characteristics and applications of the various materials used to manufacture piping and fittings.
- Explain pipe size, schedules, and classifications.
- Identify screwed, flanged, and welded pipe connections.
Topic 16 Piping Expansion, Support, and Insulation
Learning Outcome
Discuss piping expansion, support, and insulation.
Learning Objectives
- Explain pipe expansion and the principle of expansion bends and joints.
- Explain the purpose of pipe supports and describe various pipe support designs.
- Explain the purposes for pipe insulation and describe the use of the common insulation materials.
Topic 17 Steam Traps
Learning Outcome
Explain the purpose of steam traps and describe the installation and operating principles of the various steam traps found on piping systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the designs and operating principles of mechanical traps.
- Describe the designs and operating principles of thermostatic steam traps.
- Describe the correct piping arrangement and procedures for a steam trap.
- Explain the purpose and design of a strainer.
- Explain the causes, effects, and prevention of water hammer.
Topic 18 Introduction to Valves
Learning Outcome
Discuss the design, application, and maintenance of common types of valves used in piping systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe five standard valve designs: gate, globe, butterfly, ball, and plug.
- Describe the design and operation of check and non‐return valves.
- Describe the function of a pressure‐reducing valve.
- Describe valve identification markings.
- Describe typical valve maintenance requirements.
Topic 1 Steam Heating Equipment
Learning Outcome
Describe the operating principles of steam heating equipment and components.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the construction and operation of steam heating system devices used to transfer heat from the steam to a heated space.
- List and describe the auxiliary equipment used in a steam heating system, including air vents, radiator valves and traps, and condensate return equipment.
Topic 2 Steam Heating Systems
Learning Outcome
Describe the operating principles and maintenance procedures of steam heating systems and the components of these systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe standard types of piping and equipment layout for steam heating systems.
- Describe the general operation and maintenance of steam heating systems.
- Apply a steam heating system troubleshooting guide.
Topic 3 Hot Water Heating Systems
Learning Outcome
Describe the various designs of hot water heating systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the standard piping and circulation layouts of hot water heating systems.
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of hot water and steam heating systems.
- Describe radiant panel and snow melting hot water systems.
Topic 4 Hot Water Heating System Equipment and Operation
Learning Outcome
Describe accessories, operation and troubleshooting of a hot water heating system.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the purpose and function of standard hot water heating system components such as diverter fittings, air vents, air separators, flow control valves, balancing valves and fittings, riser stop valves, pressure reducing valves, circulating pumps, expansion tanks, and steam to hot water converters.
- Explain how the location of the hot water circulating pump and the expansion tank are determined.
- Describe the cleaning, filling, starting, routine operation, and troubleshooting of hot water heating systems.
- Apply a hot water heating system troubleshooting guide.
Topic 5 Warm Air Heating System Equipment
Learning Outcome
Describe the operating principles of warm air heating sources.
Learning Objectives
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of forced air and gravity warm air systems.
- List and describe the common sources of warm air heat.
- List and describe the operational characteristics of directly fired space heaters.
Topic 6 Warm Air Furnace Components and Maintenance
Learning Outcome
Describe the components and maintenance requirements of typical warm air heating and ventilating systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the operation of furnace components.
- Describe and discuss the relative merits of three types of air distribution and duct systems.
- Describe the recommended maintenance procedures for warm air heating and ventilating systems.
- Apply a troubleshooting guide for forced warm air systems and components.
Topic 7 Ventilation and Air Filters
Learning Outcome
Describe the various ventilation systems found in buildings, as well as describe the various types of air filters used in these systems.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the difference between natural and mechanical ventilation.
- Describe the types of contaminants found in air.
- Describe the types of air cleaning devices used in buildings.
Topic 8 Electric Controls for Heating Systems
Learning Outcome
Describe and explain the function of the various components of an electric control circuit.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the various terms associated with electric control systems.
- Describe the basic construction and operation of electric thermostats, humidity controllers, and pressure controllers.
- Describe the function and operation of the controlled devices in electric control systems.
- Explain the operating sequence of a basic electric control circuit.
Topic 9 Refrigeration Theory
Learning Outcome
Explain the theory and terms associated with refrigeration.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the fundamentals of refrigeration.
- Describe the practical cycle of operations in a vapor compression refrigeration system.
- State how the capacity of a refrigeration system is described and how refrigeration tables are used to calculate system performance.
Topic 10 Refrigerants
Learning Outcome
Describe the different refrigerants used and explain the various properties of these refrigerants.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the identification and classification of refrigerants.
- Describe the characteristics and thermodynamic properties of refrigerants.
- Describe the physical properties of refrigerants.
Topic 11 Compression Refrigeration Systems
Learning Outcome
Describe the operating principle of compression refrigeration systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the basic layout of compression refrigeration systems.
- Distinguish between direct and indirect refrigeration systems.
- Explain how compression refrigeration system temperatures and pressures are related.
- Describe the layout of packaged refrigeration systems and the role of a refrigeration economizer.
Topic 12 Refrigeration Compressors
Learning Outcome
Describe the operating principles and the components of refrigeration compressors and perform simple compressor calculations.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the construction and operation of a reciprocating refrigeration compressor.
- Describe the construction and operation of a rotary refrigeration compressor.
- Describe the construction and operation of a centrifugal refrigeration compressor.
- Describe the construction and operation of seals for refrigeration compressors.
- Calculate the capacity, efficiency, and ratio of a refrigeration compressor.
Topic 13 Heat Exchangers for Refrigeration Systems
Learning Outcome
Describe the different types of heat exchangers used in refrigeration systems.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the designs and construction of refrigeration system evaporators.
- Describe the designs and construction of refrigeration system condensers.
- Discuss refrigeration condenser operation and maintenance.
Topic 14 Refrigeration Accessories
Learning Outcome
Describe the various accessories used in refrigeration systems.
Learning Objectives
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List and describe the operation of the gauges, separators, strainers, and indicators that are used as accessories in refrigeration systems.
Topic 15 Cooling Towers
Learning Outcome
Describe the operation and maintenance of cooling towers.
Learning Objectives
- List the factors that determine rate of cooling in a cooling tower and the basic components of a cooling tower.
- Describe the construction and operation of a natural draft cooling tower.
- Describe the construction and operation of a mechanical draft cooling tower.
- Discuss cold climate operation for cooling towers.
- Apply a cooling tower troubleshooting guide.
Topic 16 Air Conditioning Systems
Learning Outcome
Describe the operation of various air conditioning systems.
Learning Objectives
- List the functional components and categories of air conditioning systems.
- Describe the operation of air handling units.
- Describe the general layout and operation of unitary air conditioning systems.
- Describe the general layout and operation of central air conditioning systems.
