Process cooling in the chemical industry refers to the targeted removal of reaction heat from chemical processes in order to control temperature, reaction rate and product quality. Applications include reactor cooling, distillation condensation, crystallisation, solvent cooling and the supply of cooling water for compressors. Temperature ranges: +15°C to −80°C. SOS-Rentals’ rental refrigeration systems cover cooling capacities ranging from 4 to 1,000 kW.
Chemical reactions generate heat — often more than the product can withstand. Uncontrolled temperatures lead to yield losses, quality issues or, in the worst case, dangerous runaway reactions.
Precise process cooling is therefore not just a ‘nice-to-have’ in the chemical industry, but a safety-critical core element of every process.
This article highlights which cooling tasks in the chemical industry are particularly challenging, what temperatures are typically required — and how SOS-Rentals provides fast and reliable support with flexible rental cooling solutions.
| Here’s what you can expect from this article: |
| ✔ The most important cooling tasks in the chemical industry |
| ✔ Temperature ranges from +15°C to −80°C |
| ✔ Coolants in the chemical industry: glycol, thermal oil, brine |
| ✔ Typical applications for rental cooling systems in chemical plants |
| ✔ What SOS-Rentals offers — products, services, process |
The most important cooling applications in the chemical industry
The chemical industry is diverse — ranging from the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients to large-scale chemical manufacturing. What they all have in common is that heat is always generated, and it must be dissipated with precision.
Reactor cooling
Exothermic reactions — from polymerisation to hydrogenation — release heat. Coolers must dissipate this heat in a controlled manner and maintain the reaction temperature within a narrow range.
Too much heat → reaction gets out of control (thermal runaway).
Insufficient cooling → loss of yield and quality issues. Precision is crucial.
Distillation and condensation
When separating mixtures by distillation, vapours must be condensed. The condenser cools the vapour below its dew point — for solvents, this is often between 0°C and −30°C.
Critical: Incomplete condensation leads to product loss and increased VOC emissions.
Crystallisation
To purify many chemicals and pharmaceuticals, solutions are deliberately cooled until the desired product crystallises out.
Temperature ranges vary depending on the product: 0°C to −40°C. Precise cooling curves are crucial for crystal size and purity.
Solvent cooling
Solvents such as acetone, ethanol or dichloromethane are volatile and flammable. They must be kept cool during use — both for safety reasons and to minimise evaporation losses. Compliance with TA-LUFT regulations is required.
Cooling water supply for compressors and pumps
Compressors and pumps generate a considerable amount of heat during operation. Cool circulating water keeps the operating temperature within safe limits and extends the service life of the units.
💡 Process cooling in the chemical industry requires precision: tolerances of ±2°C or less often have to be maintained — this applies to both standard chillers and low-temperature systems.
Temperature ranges in chemical process cooling
The required temperature depends heavily on the specific process and product. SOS-Rentals covers the entire spectrum.
| Application | Temperature | Plant | Typical processes |
| Cooling water supply | +10°C to +20°C | Standard Chiller Unit | Compressors, reactor water |
| Process cooling | +5°C to -80°C | Lowest temperature | Reactors, distillation |
💡 SOS-Rentals supplies cryogenic systems down to −80°C — a capability that no other rental provider in the DACH region can match.
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Coolants in the chemical industry
Choosing the right refrigerant (brine) is particularly important in the chemical industry — compatibility with process substances and pipework materials must be ensured.
| Coolant / Brine | Properties & Applications in Chemistry |
| Glycols (Polar N) | Standard for most chemical applications. +15°C to −25°C. Non-flammable, easy to dispose of, compatible with most steels and polymers. Available for direct delivery from SOS-Rentals. |
| Thermal oil | Precise cooling down to -80 °C. |
| Silicone oils (heat transfer fluids) | For high-temperature applications (combined heating and cooling). Temperature-resistant up to +300°C and capable of being cooled to −60°C. Expensive, but highly stable. |
💡 When making an enquiry: please let SOS-Rentals know the temperature range and the substances used in the process — we will then recommend the most suitable refrigerant.
Typical applications for rental cooling systems in chemical companies
In the chemical industry, outsourced cooling is not a stopgap measure — it is used strategically and as part of a planned approach.
Plant shutdowns and maintenance
If a cooler or chiller needs to be overhauled, the hire unit takes over seamlessly. No production downtime, no loss of quality.
Capacity expansion for campaigns
Special productions and campaigns require additional cooling capacity on a temporary basis. Rather than permanently upgrading the system, rented cooling units are brought online for the duration of the campaign.
Pilot and test plants
New processes are initially tested on a pilot scale. Rented refrigeration enables precise temperature control at laboratory and pilot scale — without the need to purchase your own refrigeration infrastructure.
Emergency provision in the event of a system failure
A radiator failure whilst the machine is in operation requires immediate action. In an emergency, SOS-Rentals will deliver a replacement unit within 24 hours (subject to stock availability) — anywhere in Germany.
Emergency provision in the event of a system failure
Until the permanent cooling infrastructure is in place, rented cooling systems bridge the start-up phase — often lasting between 6 and 18 months.
What SOS-Rentals offers the chemical industry
Scope of services for chemical industry clients:
✔ Air- or water-cooled chillers: 4 to 1,000 kW, +20°C to +5°C
✔ Cryogenic systems: 4 to 366 kW, down to −80°C
✔ Polar N coolant available for immediate delivery
✔ Water treatment for cooling water circuits available on request
✔ Delivery and commissioning throughout Europe
✔ Project consultancy on the design of ATEX-compliant systems
✔ Technical documentation for regulatory authorities and operating licences
Frequently Asked Questions: Process Cooling in the Chemical Industry
Can SOS-Rentals also supply equipment for very small-scale laboratory processes (< 10 kW)?
Yes. SOS-Rentals has systems available from 4 kW — also suitable for laboratory and pilot-scale applications. When making your enquiry, please specify the required temperature range and the approximate heat output (kW).
How is the cooling capacity for my process calculated?
The required cooling capacity (kW) is calculated by adding the heat load of the process (kJ/h) to the heat losses in the pipework and the energy consumed by the pumps. SOS-Rentals can help with this calculation.
Are the rental units designed for continuous operation (24/7)?
Yes. SOS-Rentals equipment is designed for continuous, round-the-clock operation. SOS-Rentals takes care of regular maintenance throughout the hire period.
Can high-pressure processes (e.g. autoclaves) also be cooled using rented refrigeration?
Yes — the refrigeration unit cools the circulating fluid (brine), which then flows through the autoclave’s external heat exchanger. The pressure and process fluid remain within the customer’s closed system.
How quickly can SOS-Rentals deliver in an emergency (radiator failure)?
Standard chillers held in stock can often be supplied at very short notice in an emergency. Low-temperature systems down to −80°C:
Call us directly on: +49 2935 / 9690 370
Conclusion: Flexible process cooling for demanding chemical processes
The chemical industry places high demands on the precision, reliability and temperature range of its cooling systems.
SOS-Rentals delivers exactly that: rental refrigeration systems available immediately, ranging from +20°C to −80°C, with the appropriate refrigerant, delivered to the construction site or factory gate — and with the technical support required for sensitive chemical processes.
Process cooling for your chemical application — enquire now
Free project consultancy · +5°C to −80°C · 4–1,000 kW · 24-hour service
☎ +49 2935 / 9690 370 | info@sos-rentals.com | sos-rentals.com/contact
