Gasproducent

From green hydrogen to circular cooling water

In 2016, Pathema’s vortex technology attracted the attention of one of the world’s largest industrial gas suppliers. This international company is currently developing an import terminal for green hydrogen in the Port of Rotterdam. Green hydrogen is transported by tanker from the Middle East to the Netherlands, where it is converted into liquid ammonia for safer storage and transport.

At the terminal, the ammonia is converted back into green hydrogen. This conversion process involves high temperatures and generates significant amounts of residual heat. To reliably and efficiently dissipate this heat, large scale cooling towers are used.

Chemical free cooling water treatment as a deliberate choice

For the treatment and recycling of cooling water, the company deliberately chose Pathema’s chemical free technology. This decision aligns seamlessly with its ambition to further decarbonize processes and design them in a circular way. By applying vortex technology, the ecological footprint is reduced while operational costs are lowered at the same time.

With this approach, the company responds to the rapidly growing demand for green hydrogen, while positioning itself as a frontrunner in both the energy and water transition.

From test phase to long term collaboration

The collaboration started with a 36 month test period at the site in Ghent. During this period, cooling water chemicals were gradually phased out, while existing performance indicators were fully maintained. The results were convincing. Cooling water quality remained stable and reliable without the use of chemical agents.

Based on these outcomes, the collaboration was not only continued but expanded. Pathema was entrusted with the realization of a second installation in Rotterdam for a new cooling tower with a capacity of two times 50 megawatts. This installation also includes denitrification, actively removing nitrogen compounds from the water and further optimizing water quality.

Construction of this large scale and innovative cooling water treatment installation started in 2024 and was completed in 2025. Installation on site is scheduled for 2026. Building a large installation takes time, although it can be completed significantly faster than shown in this case. In this project, placement was postponed several times due to delays in the client’s planning. No problem, flexibility is part of our approach.

Modular construction for maximum control and quality

The latest installation for this client is being realized in six interconnected 40 ft sea containers. Thanks to the modular design, the different technologies can be integrated efficiently. The container walls are opened up so that, after installation, one large technical space is created.

This approach makes it possible to fully assemble the cooling water treatment installation in advance at Pathema’s workshop. Here, an extensive Factory Assessment Test is carried out, allowing all components to be tested under controlled conditions.

For transport, the containers are temporarily closed and then reassembled on site. After connection to the electrical systems and the water inlet and outlet, a Site Assessment Test follows. Once all systems perform as designed, the installation is commissioned.

Working together on the water transition

This case shows how technological innovation, sustainability, and reliability come together in a future ready solution. By combining chemical free cooling water treatment with modular construction and circular water use, Pathema actively contributes to making the water transition for industrial large scale users rigorously simple. Exactly as our mission promises.

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