Grolsch

Chemical free cooling water treatment at Grolsch

Grolsch needs little introduction. The brand is known for craftsmanship, character, and a clear commitment to doing things its own way. That same conviction is reflected in the choices Grolsch makes in sustainability and technology.

In cooling water management, Grolsch was already thinking circular long before the term became common. In the past, ice from the Grolse Gracht was used for cooling during summer. The ice was cut in winter and stored in insulated cellars. Circularity avant la lettre. Much has changed since then, including the demands placed on modern cooling water treatment.

Hot summers and recurring challenges

In the years leading up to the installation of the IVG C system, Grolsch maintained regular contact with Pathema driven by technical interest. The trigger was a recurring issue during hot summers.

Biofouling developed in the cooling towers. A slimy layer that clogged spray nozzles and returned year after year. The impact was serious. Microbiologically induced corrosion caused accelerated wear of heat exchangers and zinc pipe bundles.

Increasing or varying chemical dosing did not solve the problem. The composition of the chemicals changed, but the outcome remained the same. Based on earlier contact, Grolsch reconnected with Pathema to explore a fundamentally different approach.

From separate systems to one integrated approach

Before implementation, Grolsch operated a chemical cooling water treatment program using two types of chemicals. The site included four evaporative condensers for ammonia cooling and one cooling tower for oil cooling. Each tower or condenser had its own individual water treatment system.

Pathema integrated these separate systems into one central solution. All cooling towers and evaporative condensers were interconnected and connected to a single Pathema cooling water treatment system.

The selected solution was an IVG10 C CoolWater skid, installed in a 10 ft plug and play container. The installation was placed on the roof at the Grolsch site.

Clear results in daily operation

After commissioning, results became visible quickly. The concentration factor of the cooling water increased to a factor of five, resulting in a water saving of 13 percent. Phosphate levels were reduced, preventing further biofouling.

Chloride levels were also lowered, significantly reducing corrosion stress. Microbiological corrosion was fully eliminated.

In addition, the IVG water treatment delivered the following results:

• 100 percent chemical free cooling water treatment
• Fully recyclable blowdown water
• Improved safety during cooling tower cleaning

The annual use of approximately 1,760 kilograms of chemicals was completely eliminated. CO₂ emissions were reduced by 83 percent.

Result: sustainable cooling with character

By switching to chemical free cooling water treatment, Grolsch implemented a robust and future ready solution. The system is stable, safe, and easier to control, even during hot summers.

This case shows that character and craftsmanship also come together in technology. By thinking circular and choosing a fundamentally different approach, Grolsch now cools more sustainably, more reliably, and in a way that makes the water transition rigorously simple.

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