Biowaste decontamination equipment specialist Suncombe has completed the design and installation of an effluent decontamination system (EDS) for the Pirbright Institute's new Brooksby building.
The UK research centre is dedicated to controlling viral livestock diseases, while avoiding their spread to humans.
The biological containment facility regularly supports in vivo studies involving high-consequence animal pathogens such as foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Led by Kier Construction, the facility incorporates Suncombe's advanced biosafety infrastructure required for Containment Level 4 operation.
The system integrates validated decontamination processes, fully automated control and system redundancy, which ensures uninterrupted safety, reliability and compliance with biosafety standards when decontaminating biological waste.
“The Brooksby Building project exemplifies Suncombe’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for some of the world’s most challenging and high-stakes environments,” said Steve Overton, Suncombe Operations Director.
“This facility required not only an advanced effluent decontamination system but a partner who could collaborate seamlessly with multiple stakeholders, adhere to the highest safety standards, and integrate innovative technologies into a highly regulated environment. I’m proud of how our team rose to this challenge, delivering a system that meets and exceeds expectations.”
Suncombe's system is designed to safeguard both personnel and the wider environment from potential exposure, while integrated data capture and reporting functions support ongoing compliance with environmental regulations.
The inclusion of energy-efficient components and energy recovery systems also brings significant sustainability gains, helping to reduce both operational costs and carbon footprint.
Plus, with a modular, future-ready design, the system can be easily adapted as the Institute’s research needs evolve over time, offering both immediate performance and long-term flexibility.
The full case study is available to view at Suncombe's website.