AUSTRALIA'S PREFERRED PARTNER FOR MEMBRANE CHANGE-OUTS
Neumann Water is a specialist provider of membrane change-out and train refurbishment services for desalination plants and reverse osmosis facilities. Our team has completed major membrane replacements at some of Australia's most critical water infrastructure, delivering safe, efficient change-outs with minimal operational disruption.
What sets us apart is our investment in custom membrane handling equipment that eliminates manual handling risks entirely. Our purpose-built trolleys, lifting frames and handling systems enable single-person membrane element installation and removal, dramatically reducing change-out duration while improving safety outcomes. This equipment is designed specifically for the repetitive, high-volume work involved in complete train refurbishments.
We work directly with plant operators to plan and execute membrane change-outs during scheduled maintenance windows. Our comprehensive service includes pre-shutdown preparation, safe removal and disposal, pressure vessel inspection and cleaning, new membrane installation and sealing, and performance testing support—all delivered with full WHS documentation and proven processes refined over hundreds of membrane installations.
A PROVEN, SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO MEMBRANE REPLACEMENT
01
PRE-SHUTDOWN PLANNING
Thorough planning ensures successful membrane change-outs. We develop detailed shutdown schedules, coordinate membrane deliveries, prepare handling equipment, conduct safety assessments and establish waste management arrangements. Our project management ensures all stakeholders are aligned and critical path activities are clearly defined.
02
SAFE MEMBRANE REMOVAL
Using custom handling equipment, we systematically remove spent membrane elements from each pressure vessel. Our purpose-built trolleys eliminate manual lifting, reduce element damage risks, and enable efficient work progression. All spent elements are documented, inspected for failure modes where required, and properly managed for disposal.
03
PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTION
We conduct detailed pressure vessel inspections to identify corrosion, seal damage, or mechanical issues. Vessels are thoroughly cleaned using approved methods, o-rings and seals are inspected and replaced as required, and any identified issues are documented and rectified before new elements are installed.
04
NEW MEMBRANE INSTALLATION
New membrane elements are carefully installed using our handling equipment to eliminate manual lifting and ensure correct element orientation and seating. Our systematic approach maintains quality control across thousands of element installations, with full traceability and documentation of serial numbers and positions.
05
TESTING & COMMISSIONING
Following installation, we support pressure testing, leak detection and progressive commissioning activities. Our team works alongside plant operators and commissioning engineers to ensure successful startup and achievement of design performance. We provide comprehensive handover documentation including element traceability and installation records.
PURPOSE-BUILT EQUIPMENT ELIMINATES MANUAL HANDLING
Neumann Water has developed and fabricated custom membrane handling equipment specifically designed for large-scale membrane change-outs. This equipment eliminates manual handling risks, reduces change-out duration, and enables safer, more efficient membrane replacement.
Single-person handling of 8" membrane elements eliminates manual lifting.
Safe working positions and controlled element extraction from pressure vessels.
Our handling systems reduce change-out duration while improving safety outcomes.
WHY CHOOSE NEUMANN WATER FOR MEMBRANE WORK
MAJOR FACILITY EXPERIENCE
Successfully delivered membrane change-outs at Australia's largest desalination and water treatment facilities, including projects involving tens of thousands of elements.
SAFETY-FIRST APPROACH
Custom handling equipment eliminates manual handling risks entirely, enabling single-person operation and dramatically reducing injury potential.
EFFICIENT DELIVERY
Our efficient processes, custom equipment and experienced crews minimise change-out duration without compromising quality or safety.
OUR MEMBRANE WORK IN ACTION
Frequently Asked Questions
We handle membrane change-outs of all scales, from single-train replacements to complete facility refurbishments involving tens of thousands of elements. Our custom handling equipment, experienced crews and proven processes enable us to deliver large-scale projects efficiently. We can mobilise multiple crews for rapid delivery or stage work across extended periods to suit your operational requirements.
DISCUSS YOUR MEMBRANE CHANGE-OUT REQUIREMENTS
Whether you're planning a complete facility refurbishment or a single-train replacement, our membrane team has the expertise and equipment to deliver safe, efficient results. Contact Neumann Water today.