The solution: a flexible tailor-made cooling installation
TNO’s request posed a unique challenge for Vink. Initially, the precise technical specifications were not fully defined, which required Vink to explore the boundaries of feasibility. TNO needed an installation with a wide temperature range and sufficient cooling capacity for yet-to-be-determined test scenarios. Leveraging their expertise and in-house production capabilities, Vink developed a unique solution. The installation is housed in a soundproof and weather-resistant container and uses CO₂ as a refrigerant to achieve the broad temperature range. To enable the wide span of temperatures and capacities, a stepwise system with two heat exchangers was implemented. Stainless steel and copper were used in the construction due to diameters, pressures, and expected vibrations in the installation. The control system was fully customized, allowing users to adjust many parameters themselves. This enables TNO to operate flexibly with temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C, depending on the specific research scenario. Such a wide-range installation had never been built before, and the team is proud of the result.
Onderzoek naar CO₂-opslag in de bodem
TNO is a leading research institute focused on innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. One of the key areas of research at TNO is the capture, transport, and storage of CO₂ in the subsurface. This process, known as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), is a promising method to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and mitigate climate impact. To gain deeper insight into the processes surrounding CO₂ transport and injection underground, TNO has developed a specialized research facility that requires a cooling installation capable of simulating specific conditions.
TNO’s need: insight into the CO₂ transition phase
For this research, TNO aims to study in detail what happens to CO₂ during transport and injection. Harmen Slot, project leader at TNO, explains: “With CO₂ capture and transport we directly influence the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. But it is not that simple. CO₂ behaves differently from other gases such as natural gas, with which the Netherlands has extensive experience. The CO₂ captured from industry is transported under high pressure in liquid form, for example via pipelines or ships, to the storage site. Storage of CO₂ in the North Sea often takes place in depleted gas fields that have relatively low pressure. The challenge is that CO₂ will liquefy at low pressure, potentially leading to very low temperatures. That transition phase is crucial to investigate, so we understand the physical process and how to manage it optimally. This facility is a valuable intermediate step between theoretical research and field operations.”
Specific requirements: a partner that thinks along and delivers custom solutions
For this research project, TNO had specific requirements for the installation and the collaboration with a supplier. They were looking not only for a party capable of handling the technical challenge, but also one that could evaluate feasibility from the outset and propose the best solutions. “We wanted, for example, an adjustable temperature range for measurements between -40°C and +50°C. We noticed that the people at Vink have strong technical expertise and are highly motivated by complex challenges. That gave us confidence to tackle this project together,” says Harmen.
Collaboration: technical expertise and shared ambition
The collaboration between TNO and Vink was smooth and highly valued. “It was a pleasure working with Simon and Nico, who clearly enjoy technical challenges and aim to deliver the best possible outcome,” says Harmen. Thanks to the shared passion for technology and innovation, an installation was realized that not only meets TNO’s current requirements but is also flexible enough to support future research needs. With this tailor-made cooling installation, TNO can further advance its research into CO₂ transport and storage and contribute to the development of a safe, efficient, and cost-effective CO₂ transport and infrastructure chain.
For more information about this research, visit [the website of TNO (https://www.tno.nl/nl/).
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