When a Bristol-based start-up decided to expand its innovative concept of converting human urine into fertiliser, it needed a portable laboratory to begin the next step of its journey. Through close collaboration with our Conversions team, the perfect solution was developed.

NPK Recovery specialises in the recovery of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from human urine. By capturing these naturally occurring elements from human waste, they can be put to use as a natural fertiliser for the UK agricultural industry. This has the potential to reduce the sector’s dependence on synthetic alternatives to ensure fields have the necessary levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for high-quality plant growth.

Designing the perfect container

After selecting the conversion specialists following a positive recommendation from a fellow customer, NPK Recovery briefed our team to create a bespoke container laboratory. Immediately being assigned a direct contact for the duration of the project, the teams sat down to design the converted unit.

Although critical elements of the laboratory could be decided ahead of installation, aspects such as the location of certain pieces of machinery were unclear. Although this posed a minor issue in designing the internal structure, we were able to advise the NPK Recovery team on critical elements such as the access door placement and ventilation.

With the design finalised and in place, we set out to bring NPK Recovery’s laboratory to life. Selecting a 30-foot unit, our conversion team insulated the structure by installing a new lining and fitting a ventilation system to create a continuous air flow.

Internally, electrical plug sockets were installed to power equipment used by NPK Recovery alongside lighting and storage units.

Externally, an access door and windows on the side of the container were created as well as it being painted green so that it would blend with its surroundings when placed in rural locations. Alongside this, access ports for the pipework to the urine containers held outside were installed so that it could be easily accessible from within.

Once we had completed the structure, it was delivered to the NPK Recovery site.

Speaking on the process of delivering the new container laboratory, Lucy Bell-Reeves, lead project manager at NPK Recovery said: “Now that we have the unit in hand, we have a blueprint that we can use in the future for our next set of container laboratories. As we start to understand exactly what will be used within the structure, we have discovered minor tweaks and changes, but this was something that the S Jones Conversions team said would happen during the design process.

“Overall, we’re thrilled with our container laboratory that will hopefully assist in our journey to creating a natural source of vital nutrients that can help the agricultural industry move away from synthetic alternatives. When we make the jump and commission our next unit, we’ll be returning to S Jones Containers for their help and expertise.”