Water and Wastewater Treatment

In this course students will study various aspects of the Process Industry, including its history; roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the Process Technician; team dynamics; basic physics and chemistry; safety, and quality management. In addition, the course will cover basic components of the Process Industry environment, such as piping and valves; tanks, drums, and vessels; pumps and compressors; steam turbines; electricity and motors; heat exchangers; cooling towers and fans; furnaces and boilers; distillation columns; process control instrumentation; process utilities and auxiliary systems; and process print reading.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Algebra score of 75 or Math 098 with a C or better. ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a C or better, and ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 71 or ENGL 092 with a C or better. CAP 101 with a C better OR passing scores in the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) test battery or successful completion of Digitools or Tech Connections completed at Whatcom County high schools.

Future Offerings:

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the equipment and tools used in the process industry, including piping, tubing, hoses and fittings; valves; pumps; compressors; turbines; motors and engines; power transmission and lubrication; heat exchangers; cooling towers; furnaces and boilers; filters and dryers; vessels; and process diagrams. Students will be introduced to many process related equipment concepts, such as purpose, components, operation, and the Process Technician’s role for operating and troubleshooting the equipment.

Prerequisites:
CAP 101 with a C or better

Future Offerings:

This course introduces concepts of plane geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and vectors. The elements of algebra are extended into applications for technical professions using approximate numbers in measurement and emphasizing the rules of accuracy and precision. Included are the topics: unit conversions in metric and English systems, scientific notation, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and proportions. Textbook and scientific or graphing calculator required.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Algebra score of 75 or a C grade in MATH 098.

Future Offerings:

In this course, students will study industrial hazards types, including physical, chemical, ergonomic, and biological. Within these four general types, specific agents, causative factors, and effects will be identified along with controls, alarms, and detection systems. The course will focus on hazardous chemicals found in the process industry.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 101 and PTEC 102

Future Offerings:

In this course students will study various process drawings such as a Process Flow Diagram (PFD) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID). This course will cover how to read detailed diagrams in the process industry which shows the piping and vessels in the process flow, together with the instrumentation and control devices. Students will use these drawings to analyze process flows, equipment, isolation valves, instrumentation and process control loops. Additionally, students will use process diagrams for determining safe isolation procedures.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 101 and PTEC 102

Future Offerings:

This applied English course focuses on the workplace communication skills needed to send, receive, and process oral and written information. Along with a review of writing fundamentals, learners will use principles of clear communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness in occupational contexts. Learners will sharpen their reading, writing, and presentation skills.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.

Future Offerings:

In this course, students will be introduced to the various methods and processes for fresh water and wastewater treatment. These will include the steps of preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment which involve the operations of sedimentation, biological and chemical reacting, thickening, drying, filtration, mixing, and disinfection. The equipment necessary to provide and control these operations, quality control, safety, and jobs available in this industry will also be covered. Students will also do a project related to water processing.

Future Offerings:

In this course, students will study process variables and the various instruments used to sense, measure, transmit, and control these variables. The course also introduces students to control loops and the elements that are found in different types of loops, such as controllers, regulators, and final control elements. The course concludes with a study of instrumentation drawings and diagrams along with a unit on troubleshooting instrumentation.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 103 and PTEC 105 and AMATH 111 or Instructor Permission

Future Offerings:

This course provides introduction to basic concepts of biology, with an emphasis on the cells as the fundamental unit of life. Topics include cell structure, basic chemical and biochemical concepts, metabolism, cell division, principles of genetics, biological diversity, and methods of scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Course establishes foundation necessary for continued biology study, especially in human anatomy and physiology. Lab included.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 85 or B grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 86 or B grade in ENGL 092 or C grade in AENGL 100 and Accuplacer Algebra score of 75 or a C grade in MATH 098.

Future Offerings:

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or a C grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or a C grade in ENGL 092.

Future Offerings:

Continued instruction in the application of concepts presented in Safety, Health, & Environment I with an emphasis on emergency response concepts. The student will demonstrate appropriate response to emergency situation; recognize hazardous situations for personnel, environment, and the community; and apply team skills in response to emergency situations.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 110

Future Offerings:

In this course, students will be introduced to troubleshooting controllers, control schemes, and advanced control schemes at a level appropriate for the process technician. The student will learn about different types of Process Technology troubleshooting techniques, procedures, and methods used to solve process problems. Topics include application of data collections and analysis, cause-effect relationships, and reasoning.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 110

Future Offerings:

Students will be introduced to the various methods and processes for preliminary and secondary treatment of wastewater. These will include the steps of preliminary, primary, and secondary treatment which involve the operations of contaminant removal equipment, sedimentation systems, biological and chemical reactors, thickeners, and mixing systems. The class will discuss the equipment necessary to provide and control these operations, quality control methods, and safe work practices. Students will also do a project related to waste water processing

Prerequisites:
PTEC 109 with a D or better or Instructor Permission

Future Offerings:

This course will cover methods and technology associated with solids treatment and regulatory issues associated with Water Treatment processes. Processes, equipment, operations and operator duties/responsibilities will be covered. Regulations related to permit compliance and standard record keeping will also be covered.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 109 with a D or better or Instructor Permission

Future Offerings:

This elective course provides work experience in a Process Technology related environment so that students may expand their technical knowledge and skills. Specific performance skills and customized objectives will be developed for each student. Clock hours are variable and may be repeated for clock hour credit.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 101

Future Offerings:

This course is a broad overview of chemistry concepts useful to technical program education. Topics include basic atomic theory, chemical bonding, solutions, organic chemistry, hydrocarbon reactions, analytical separations, gasses, thermodynamics, and intermolecular forces.

Prerequisites:
BTC College Level Math score of 75 or MATH 099 or AMATH111 with a "C" grade or better.

Future Offerings:

This course will cover methods and technology associated with fresh water treatment, water disinfection and advanced treatment of wastewater. Processes, equipment, operations and operator duties/responsibilities will be covered. The class will discuss the equipment necessary to provide and control these operations, quality control methods, and safe work practices. Students will also do a project related to fresh water processing.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 109 with a D or better or Instructor Permission

Future Offerings:

This elective course provides work experience in a Process Technology related environment so that students may expand their technical knowledge and skills. Specific performance skills and customized objectives will be developed for each student. Clock hours are available and may be repeated for clock hour credit.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 101

Future Offerings:

This course will prepare the participant to successfully apply for and take the Operator in Training exam. Topics include managing the operational and maintenance needs of water and wastewater treatment facilities; water quality concerns and disinfection; interpreting and applying Federal, State and Local rules and regulations; planning and record keeping requirements.

Prerequisites:
PTEC 109 with a D or better or Instructor Permission

Future Offerings:

A course for non-science majors exploring the central concepts of physics while focusing on applications. The principles and laws of physics are covered on a conceptual level and everyday examples are treated. Topics include Newton’s laws of motion, fluids, energy and magnetism, and waves (sound and light). Laboratory work provides an introduction to the scientific method and role of measurement in science and serves to demonstrate the application of physics concepts.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Algebra score of 75 or better or MATH 098 or AMATH 111 (or higher) with a C or better.

Future Offerings: