Recognition for outstanding services provided

AquaManage regularly provides technical support and maintenance for Membrane Systems to major water supply wholesalers across Australia and New Zealand. Recently, we were called upon for urgent ultrafiltration membrane replacements at several plants in preparation for increased demand.

On this occasion, our brief was to ensure timely procurement and delivery of critical components, pre-fabrication, and carefully scheduled installation and commissioning. Throughout, we maintained continuous water supply to their consumers whilst adhering to strict safety & reporting protocols and budgetary constraints.

As a result, AquaManage was formally “...recognised for working under their strict policies and standards, whilst going above and beyond to support their contract team and delivery for their client”.

Urgent Whyanbeel WTP Retrofit Upgrade 

During December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper struck the Daintree area in Far North Queensland, triggering prolonged rainfall that led to severe flooding. This flooding affected various areas, including Falls Creek, which supplies water to the Whyanbeel Water Treatment Plant. The aging membranes in the plant struggled to process the high turbidity feed water.

In response, the Douglas Shire Council promptly enlisted AquaManage to upgrade the plant by retrofitting the existing skid with 36 new DuPont MEMCOR® L40AM Type II membranes.

AquaManage were able to complete the retrofit swiftly, utilising reputable local subcontractors. This type of upgrade had already proven successful at the Mossman Water Treatment Plant, where three out of five Ultrafiltration skids had undergone similar enhancements.

The new membrane technology not only improved throughput and efficiency but also ensures the plant now provides a reliable water supply to the community of Whyanbeel and surrounding areas.

Queensland WATER INDUSTRY Operations 

conference & exhibition

AquaManage will be in attendance at the Annual WIOA Queensland Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition at Sippy Downs, held on 24^th -25^th July. The exhibition is the largest annual water exhibition in Queensland and provides a great opportunity for those in the industry to see the  latest technology, equipment and ideas.

We can be found at Stand 71 and look forward to catching up with new and existing clients.

We’re also doing a paper presentation at 4:40pm on Wednesday 24 July on “Adaptive Membrane Plant retrofits” referencing recent projects that we’ve completed for Douglas Shire Council.

Mossman WTP phase 2 complete

AquaManage has recently completed phase 2 of the Mossman Ultrafiltration WTP upgrade for the Douglas Shire Council (DSC) in Far North Queensland.

Phase 2 of the project was designed, installed, and commissioned by AquaManage Group, utilising reputable local subcontractors during late August and September 2023. We converted UF2500 and UF2400 from the existing Koch membrane modules to new MEMCOR® L40AM membranes. Three Memcor membrane module skids are now operating to supply potable water at an average of 160-180 L/sec. The UF systems are performing well, with an overall reduction in water consumption and power savings due to less backwashing and chemical cleaning.

The Mossman WTP has two remaining skids yet to be converted to L40AM Series membrane technology. This will mark the project's final phase and is scheduled for mid to late 2024.

Recent Projects & Services completed in august

The month of August was very busy with AquaManage carrying out the first scheduled service to the Jenolan Caves Resort Trust water treatment plant (WTP), a newly completed project utilising our UFPRO Quad Ultrafiltration units. 

The WTP itself is carefully laid out within a shipping container and comprises 2 UFPRO Quad units, a Feed Pump set, a Transfer Pump set, Chemical Dosing components, UV Disinfection technology, and Water Quality Instrumentation. 

In addition to this, we successfully completed the installation of new Memcor® L10N v2 Sub-Modules at a WTP in the Snowy Mountains area. This enhancement provided an immediate 22% increase in filtration surface area for our valued customer, all without any additional capital investment. 

We made preparations for Phase 2 of the Mossman WTP Upgrade, which we’re undertaking for the Douglas Shire Council. Phase 1 of this project was executed seamlessly back in March and has been operating smoothly ever since. It delivered an impressive 32% increase in capacity to the Filtration Train without the need for any civil infrastructure modifications. Stay tuned for more updates on Phase 2, which we’ll be sharing next month!

Adaptive Membrane Plant Upgrade 

The recent Adaptive Membrane plant upgrade (AMU) undertaken by Goulburn Valley Water has confirmed the astute client OEM choice and highlighted the clear "value proposition".

The WTP upgrade proposed and managed by AquaManage involved the installation of Memcor® Adaptive UF Modules - AM L 40N MK2 TYPE 1 into the existing skid. On-site modifications were easily facilitated to accommodate the Memcor® modules. This work included changes to the manifold pipework, a new support frame, and new filtrate Victaulic pipe spools. The operational benefits are clear and significant with a 34% uplift in the existing capacity (i.e., same footprint). Most importantly, the membrane modules can now be serviced independently of the housing, and each membrane element only weighs 22kgs for an improved WHS regime. The clincher for the client was the fast-track six-week delivery from the OEM supplier for a genuine Australian-sourced solution, and hence, accelerated operational benefits.

Ask AquaManage to discuss their innovative MemRegen upgrade offers and programmed service packages.

AquaManage will be attending the 47^th Annual Queensland Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition on the Sunshine Coast on the 18th - 19th July.

You can find us at Site 11.

Interstate Service run

AquaManage routinely service 60+ treatment facilities throughout Australia, including the remote regions of SA, NSW and QLD as well as New Zealand.  We recently travelled into Tasmania to conduct a 6 monthly service run where we visited the Grange Resources mine located at Savage River,  situated 100km southwest of Burnie. The Savage River mine produces some of the highest iron-concentrated magnetite in the country. 

The 120 kl/d water treatment plant consists of two AQM-UFPRO-TRI Ultrafiltration membrane units and was a design, supply & install project that AquaManage delivered and commissioned in 2015. The UF units have been fitted with a Horner model XL4 all-in -one controller, which are ideally suited to an industrial environment and are fully customisable to suit individual site requirements and include remote access capabilities.

Let us know if you would like further information on these controllers or UFPRO units.

Water Industry Conferences 2023

AquaManage participated in the 84th WIOA Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition in Bendigo, Victoria. During the event, which took place on March 29th and 30th, we were fully engaged with customers and suppliers at our exhibition stand.

The conference and exhibition was a success for the water industry, with 1,296 individuals attending the event. WIOA expressed their gratitude to everyone who participated.

We’re excited to announce our upcoming participation in the WIOG Water Industry Operations Group New Zealand Conference and Exhibition in Dunedin, 17th -19th May. This conference will provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to network, attend presentations, and stay informed about industry trends.

MOSSMAN WTP UPGRADE

AquaManage achieved another industry first this month by completing the Mossman WTP Stage 1 Upgrade for Douglas Shire Council (DCS), in Far North Queensland. Leigh Heath commented, “This is an astute strategic upgrade for DSC which immediately yields a 32% increase in capacity for the client with no civil outlays”.  

AquaManage retrofitted 52 new release DuPont MEMCOR L40AM membranes into the existing skid arrays. The onsite modifications included new inter-connections and pipework to convert from inside-outside (IO) filtration path to a more efficient outside-inside (OI) filtration mode. This is the first municipal potable water conversion of this type that has been carried out in Australia. Rick Maffescioni commented, “We are already experiencing strong demand for legacy plant conversions for conventional and membrane configurations. Water utilities can see realisable value in these GENSTEP conversions. The MEMCOR L40AM will be a  game changer for many clients. The short lead time delivery from MEMCOR and their technical backup is a massive intrinsic bonus for our clients”.
The new release MEMCOR L40AM modules are a PVdF hollow fibre, low-pressure, auto-backwashable membrane with nominal 0.04-micron pore size and in this project has increased the total membrane surface from 2626m2 to 3484m2 per skid. 

AquaManage was selected by DSC based on the proven ability to team with local sub-contractors and assist with the integration works, which included mechanical, electrical and control system upgrades. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled for later this year, which will see two additional skids converted to the L40AM series membrane technology. 

See you at the 84th WIOA Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition in Bendigo next week on 29-30 March 2023. You’ll find us at site no 23.

Busy Start for the new year

Our Queensland based team are currently onsite in Far North Queensland, preparing for a project at a Water Treatment Plant located on the edge of the World Heritage Daintree National Park. The economy of the area relies heavily on tourism with well over 1 million visitors annually, and agriculture of sugar cane farming.

The project involves the design, construct and commissioning of an Ultrafiltration membrane retrofit at the plant. Australian made membranes will be installed into the existing 5 skids and carried out in stages with the first phase happening this month.  The new air vessel has been installed and components to reconfigure the racks are being assembled. Local companies have also been engaged to assist with fabrication of stainless steel pipework required for the new system and modules.

2022 wraps up....

Another DN200 validated Ultraviolet Disinfection System upgrade project was completed at a high profile ski resort in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales.

The weather was unusually cold for this time of year with plenty of snow still around, but it didn’t hamper our efforts to complete the project on time and within budget.

We also completed our Tasmania Service run covering Fisheries & Aquaculture, Mining and Municipal Water Customers from the SE through to the NW.

We wish all of you a Safe and Happy Christmas and New Year from the team at AquaManage.  We look forward to working with you in 2023.

AQuaManage Service Team

Our dedicated Service Team who also looks after demineralisation, reverse osmosis and water softening systems have recently completed major improvements and service works to a large scale demineralisation system in the dairy area, on the picturesque Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

We’re booking up fast with service work leading up to Christmas. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like us to visit your site.

Another one of our valued Customers has recently been awarded “IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia 2022”.  Congratulations to the Operations Team at Melbourne Water for the fantastic win at the Creswell Water Treatment Plant. 

Bellbridge WTP Update

Our Bellbridge Project is advancing well the the delicate removal of the old clarifier and associoated equipment, clearing the way for the new dosing system installation.

Successful membrane retrofit

In September, the AquaManage team travelled to the Southwest Slopes Region of NSW where over a very challenging but successful week we installed and commissioned a MEMCOR Submerged Ultrafiltration Membrane system to retrofit an older cassette style membrane system.

AquaManage  have been contracted for the design, construct, deliver to site and  commission of a 100 kL/day Water Treatment Plant for the Jenolan Caves Resort, approximately 175 kilometres west of Sydney in a remote valley of the southern Blue Mountains National Park, NSW.  The spectacular caves precinct can accommodate approximately 220 overnight visitors and also receives a large number of day visitors.

The containerised water filtration plant is currently under construction at our facility in Queensland and will be shipped to site later in the year  The plant will provide water to the Jenolan Caves precinct using duty/standby Ultrafiltration Membrane skids, each fitted with PVdF hollow fibre membranes complete with in-situ Clean-In-Place (CIP) and Membrane Integrity Testing (MIT/PDT).

The WTP also incorporates a validated Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system for primary disinfection followed by additional Chlorine dosing for secondary disinfection.  This system will be another WTP connected to our secure remote network for monitoring, control and remote technical support for their Operations team.

New Zealand service visit

In August AquaManage travelled into New Zealand to carry out service work and convene with some of our clients on the North Island.

• We covered over 1,000 Km’s in the week servicing one of the remote community Water Treatment Plants in the North and catching up with our clients in Tauranga and Te Puke.

• It was terrific to meet up with the operation and management teams who are doing an excellent job. 

HMI Upgrade now available

←    These old HMI screens can be replaced with colour touch screens and the option of full remote access    →

A new Human Machine Interface (HMI) PanelView, complete with a full remote access package, has been engineered as a direct replacement for Memcor UF/MF Continuous Membrane Filtration (CMF) systems.  This latest upgrade is located at a Winery vineyard in North East Victoria. The installation of this new HMI is pre-engineered to replace an ageing and redundant Allen-Bradley Panelview 550 with this modern ‘smart’ colour touchscreen that now offers some key advantages:

• Full 7” Colour touch TFT with enhanced navigation and ease of use for system operations, including clean in place (CIP) and pressure decay test (PDT)
• New “MIMIC” overview screen now provides the operator with a visual overview of plant operation with valve and pump status
• Full remote access package using the secure managed VPN system.  This means AquaManage can provide our customers with an even higher level of support by being able to connect in remotely via both PC and mobile devices to provide real time support and complement our existing Service offering
• AquaManage have now upgraded more than 20 A-B Panelview 550‘s with this newer technology, with great success.

Where are we going to upgrade next? Give us a call if we can help you. 

AquaManage have further developed the industrial control system, that for several years has been offered for the UF Pro membrane filtration unit.

We now offer (included as standard on all industrial controllers) an automatic PDT option that can also be retro fitted to any existing AquaManage built industrial controller. Key features of the PDT option are:

• Feed and filtrate pressure transmitters
• Additional data – feed/filtrate pressure, and TMP now displayed
• Enhanced flowmeter
• Zero differential valves on filtrate outlets
• In built instrument compressor for PDT air supply
• Automatic logging of PDT results , with option of Emailing these results (modem option required)

PDT method is as per Memcor PDT process, and meets all requirements to validate results.

Bellbridge project update

The Bellbridge WTP upgrade is now well progressed after work commenced onsite in August 2021. This multi- faceted project is nearing a critical milestone with pre commissioning due to start in July 2022. The project involves a number of key tasks including a gravity sewer construction, building construction, main switchboard, new  Floc-DAF-MMF process installation and integration into existing infrastructure. Once completed, the upgraded WTP will ensure a reliable water supply, treated to a high standard for the growing community of the NSW-Victorian border town of Bellbridge. The project is due for completion prior to Summer 2022 and represents one of the largest multi-faceted projects that the AquaManage Group has completed. AquaManage have engaged all local specialists, trades and service providers, with an emphasis on ensuring local business benefits from this key project for North East Water.

New Aquamanage branch in queensland

2022 brought about an exciting change for AquaManage with a new branch now established in Queensland.  From this new base, AquaManage will continue providing service and support to our existing clients and be well-positioned to expand our customer base in the Sunshine State.

Picturesque Beachside holiday park receives new water treatment plant

The Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks is located 35 kms South of Forster, New South Wales on the Seal Rocks Road. The Park is a popular destination for tourists providing an idyllic setting for surfing, fishing, boating and camping. The population is variable from approximately 25 semi-permanent residents to as high as around 460 guests during peak periods in summer.
The WTP project was designed, installed and commissioned by AquaManage with some local contractors providing necessary works to complete the project. The work was carried out though a quiet period at the park caused by COVID lockdowns.  The objective of the upgrade to the existing water supply was to improve treated water quality to ensure that the treated water meets or exceeds the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Onsite construction involved the removal of an existing WTP shed, extending the 7m x 10m concrete slab to 7m x 18m and erecting a new colourbond steel frame shed with bays for workshop, laundry and the Water Treatment Plant. We then installed all process equipment for the WTP, electrical lights and power to the building. A concrete pavement area was also constructed from the shed and tied into existing channel and kerbing. The process technology selected is based on our Ultrafiltration systems with nominal fibre pore size of 0.04micron using oxidant resistant PVdF sub-modules with ancillary equipment and chemical dosing systems to suit. A concerted effort was made to select key equipment that is Made in Australia (where possible), particularly the membrane process.

BELLBRIDGE WATER SYSTEM UPGRADE 

AquaManage has been awarded the North East Water contract to Design and Construct the Bellbridge WTP upgrade.  The project incorporates all facets of Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Process Engineering being for construction of a Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF) system followed by Multi-Media Filtration (MMF) and associated chemical dosing systems and ancillary equipment.

Initial works at the Bellbridge WTP are now well underway with site drainage and waste pipework  in progress and the new retaining wall almost completed. Work on the new Plant Room building and extension will commence shortly. Most, if not all the works are being carried out by local sub-contractors.

The township of Uki, in Northern NSW is now receiving highest quality of potable water from the recently completed Water Treatment Plant upgrade on the banks of the Tweed River

The WTP project was designed, installed and commissioned by AquaManage Group utilizing reputable local sub-contractors during 2020 throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in close consultation and co-operation with Tweed Shire Council (TSC) Operations and Technical teams.  Commissioning then followed from December 2020 through to February 2021 incorporating the new plant with the original clarification process, whilst maintaining water supply to the township of Uki.  Handover was effectively achieved in March 2021 and the plant has proven to consistently produce excellent quality drinking, exceeding the Specification and in compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). AquaManage would like to thank all those involved with making this project successful, particularly given the challenges presented.

The structural design for the building incorporated micropiles adjacent to the Tweed River, with a concrete slab at ground level for parking a vehicles and to house the Treated Water transfer system.  The Concrete besser block building stands on 2.8m high columns at a finished floor level exceeding 1:100 year flood level for extra asset protection.  Structural aluminium handrails, steps and walkways were custom built to access the existing building and top of the new tank farm area.  This project also incorporated all Civil works associated with roadways, drainage, landscaping and erosion control.

The new Filtration plant room houses the Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane system, Clean-In-Place (CIP) tank and pump, Water Quality instrument and wet bench, Ultraviolet (UV) primary disinfection system, Air Scour Blowers for membrane maintenance, safety eye wash station and associated equipment.

Ultrafiltration Membrane system

The UF unit (FIL-40001) comprises of a Memcor Model CPII 16-L40N, low pressure PVdF hollow fibre membrane sub-modules.  Fitted with a custom-built local control system, water quality and quantity instrumentation for performance monitoring and all electric actuators for process controls. The UF unit is programmed to monitor membrane performance, cycle initiation and control and in-situ membrane maintenance.  Membrane backwashing is carried out periodically with dedicated Air Scour Blowers and Feed Water flushing, no need for large Compressed Air systems.  Membrane protection is also achieved using ODIS Filtering 400 m auto-backwashable pre-screens.  Fibre integrity testing is carried out daily using a dedicated Air Pump to ensure validated pathogen removal is being maintained.

Ultraviolet Disinfection system

The Wedeco Spektron 180e St/St UV Chamber is mounted off the wall of the building with the Control Cabinet installed nearby, the UV provides disinfection by Ultraviolet Radiation to damage the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, validated to ONORM certification.

Storage and Transfer systems

The tank farm area consists of 3x concrete tanks with aluminium walkway and handrails to access the tops of each tank from the WTP building. The Chlorine Contact Tank (CCT – TK-80000) is fitted with internal baffles to provide an arduous path and detention time for the residual disinfection with Sodium Hypochlorite after the UF, UV treatment and pH correction processes. Water flows through the CCT to the Treated Water Balance Tank (TWBT – TK-80000) before being pumped to town reticulation and storage.  The third tank is the CIP Waste tank (CIP – TK-41001) which accommodates the wastewater from the UF CIP cycle every 6-8 weeks.  There is a recirculation system provided for pH correction and neutralization before automatically discharging to sewer at a controlled rate or removed by vacuum truck.

uki wtp upgrade 

AquaManage are currently in the process of constructing a new Water Treatment Plant for the township of Uki in northern NSW.  The existing plant sits on the banks of the Tweed River and was extensively damaged in the 2017 flood.

The project included the construction of a new plant room to house an Ultrafiltration Membrane facility followed by Ultraviolet disinfection and associated chemical system upgrades.

Timely Upgrade for Bendeela wtp 

AquaManage were recently engaged by the Shoalhaven City Council for the Design & Construction of Water Filter Membrane Duplication Unit at the Bendeela Treatment Plant in Kangaroo Valley.

This project involved the design, supply and installation of a new Ultrafiltration Membrane skid to be located adjacent to the existing skid and be capable of delivering a minimum of 1.5 ML/day.  It was designed to operate in a duty/standby configuration with the existing plant and infrastructure.

The new Ultrafiltration skid consist of 28 MEMCOR® L40 Hollow Fiber Membranes. The system was also designed to incorporate the existing backwash tank, CIean-In-Place and air scour systems along with the raw water supply and treated water delivery systems.

"It was very successful and timely as it got us through the fires in KV in the new year – not long after commissioning. Couldn’t have done without it!"

Mark Jennings
Unit Manager – Water operations
Shoalhaven City Council

New water treatment plant for Cudgegong 

Mid Western Council engaged AquaManage to design and construct a containerized 150KL/Day Filtration Plant for the Cudgegong Waters Caravan Park provide potable water supply to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) and NSW Health Regulations. The park, located on the southern shore of Windamere Dam is widely used for fishing, walking, boating, camping and other outdoor activities.

A 20ft Shipping container was converted to house the plant which has a PLC/HMI control system complete with remote monitoring and Data logging. The equipment used to achieve the clients requirements consisted of an AQM Pro 4 Module Ultrafiltration unit with a 200micron manual Pre filter plus an Activated Carbon Filter for taste & odour removal. 

New headquarters for aquamanage

AquaManage's new head office at 8 Chris Drive, LILYDALE.

The offices and warehouse area will act as a central base, providing extra space to manage the busy servicing schedule and project work.

Multiple Barriers Project

AquaManage Group were engaged by North East Water to carry out upgrade works at 4 water treatment plants. The project known as the “Multiple Barriers Project”  was completed in 4 stages  at 4 water treatment plants, namely, Oxley, Moyhu, Walwa and Wangaratta. Completed over an 18 month period, the primary objectives were to provide a higher level of water disinfection with the installation of fully validated (USEPA) UV disinfection systems. In addition improvements to electrical control and SCADA systems were completed, replacement of media filters and improvements to waste water disposal and recovery systems. Each site presented unique challenges and opportunities for Engineering solutions to meet the project objectives. The end result has been vastly improved operability and reliability, a higher level of treated water security and overall improved efficiency. Specific sites works included:

Oxley: new switchboard, control system, SCADA system and valving. Upgrade of backwash waste system. Installation of validated UV

Wangaratta: Installation of large validated UV,UVT monitoring system and pit/shelter

Walwa: new switchboard, control system, SCADA system, pipework, Backwash recovery system. Removal of exiting clarifier and installation of new pressure filters. Installation of validated UV

Moyhu: new switchboard, control system, SCADA system. Installation of new river feed system, backwash waste system. Installation of validated UV.

kokoda track challenge

Rick and Leigh were recently given the opportunity in joining some mates to tackle the challenging Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.  This trek was not just for personal achievement but also involved raising awareness and funds for Epilepsy Action Australia, who provides support to those suffering with the condition.  So in mid April, after several months and many kilometres of training for the trip, the team flew into Port Moresby to meet up with the rest of their group and trek leaders to set off from Owers’ Corner through the jungle along the gruelling track.

The 96km track passes through the inhospitable terrain of the Owen Stanley Ranges and comprises of unbelievably steep precipices that seem to never end, deep ravines and numerous river crossings.  Along the way stories of amazing courage, survival and camaraderie were shared and an insight to the hardship faced by our Diggers made the journey emotionally challenging as well as physically demanding.  Commemorating Anzac Day at the dawn service at Isurava’s Memorial was a highlight of the journey.

On the final day heading into Kokoda the group had a sense of personal triumph, overcoming many challenges that including relentless tropical rain and severe gastro that lead to one group member needing medical evacuation. Overall, the preparation that Rick and Leigh put in prior to their adventure put them in good stead and they arrived safely home (although several kilos lighter) with a greater appreciation of those involved in that era of Australia’s history.

Rick and Leigh greatly appreciated the effort and input from Team Leader, Peter (from Kokoda Spirit) and the support from the local guides which helped to make their trek such an amazing experience. Thanks also to Todd and Matt at Qubed for putting the idea into action and many thanks to the individuals and businesses who have donated via the Every Day Hero page in support of Epilepsy Action Australia.  https://give.everydayhero.com/au/qubed-kokoda-trek#