Apparatus for cooling liquids

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling liquids, comprising: a tank, comprising an inlet, an outlet and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank; an assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments for transporting cooling gas through at least a portion of the tank, wherein said pipes have an outer diameter and a wall thickness; a pressure-control unit for regulating the pressure of the cooling gas in said pipes; wherein the cooling gas is carbon dioxide (CO₂), and that the ratio between the outer diameter and the wall thickness of the pipes and / or pipe segments is between 5:1 and 10:1.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR COOLING LIQUIDS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling liquids, such as water. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus comprising an assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments for the transport of a cooling gas through the said liquid.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Cooling liquids is a crucial process in various industrial and commercial applications. From the chemical industry to the food and beverage industry, and from HVAC systems to medical equipment: maintaining the correct liquid temperature is essential for ensuring product quality, safety, and / or process efficiency. Cooling liquids is often applied to prevent overheating, control chemical reactions, extend the shelf life of products, or ensure that machines and systems continue to operate within their optimal operating parameters.

[0006] Despite advances in cooling technologies, there are still significant challenges that limit the efficiency and effectiveness of liquid cooling systems. One of the principal obstacles is energy consumption. Traditional cooling methods are often energy-intensive, which not only increases operating costs but also contributes to a larger ecological footprint.

[0007] Another common problem is non-uniform cooling within cooling systems. This can lead to temperature differences in the liquid to be cooled, which can negatively affect the quality of the end product or the reliability of the process. The design of the cooling systems plays a crucial role: poorly designed cooling components may hinder the flow of the liquid to be cooled, resulting in suboptimal cooling performance.

[0008] WO1999 / 061850 describes a cooling system in which use is made of ice formation around an assembly of tubes. However, this makes use of a mixture of ethylene glycol and water as a coolant. However, this combination is not environmentally friendly.

[0009] Each of the above challenges and / or problems emphasizes the need for continuous innovation in the design and materials of cooling systems to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and ensure the sustainability of the processes. The present invention aims to find a solution for at least some of the above problems.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates in a first aspect to a cooling system according to claims 1. Further embodiments are described in claims 2 to 15. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for cooling liquids according to claims 16 to 20.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 shows a side view of a pipe segment of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling liquids, such as water, in which a refrigerant circulates through an assembly of pipes. Said assembly is placed in the liquid to be cooled and via heat exchange the liquid is cooled.

[0017] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by the skilled person in the technical field of the invention. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

[0018] As used in this document, the articles "a", "an" and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more segments.

[0019] When "about" or "around" is used in this document with respect to a measurable quantity, a parameter, a time or moment, and the like, variations are meant of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and even more preferably + / -0.1% or less than and of the quoted value, insofar as such variations are applicable in the described invention. However, it must be understood that the value of a quantity used where the term "about" or "around" is used, is itself specifically disclosed. The terms "comprise", "comprising", "consist of", "consisting of", "provided with", "have", "having", "include", "including", "contain", "containing" are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, as known from or disclosed in the prior art.

[0020] Quoting numerical intervals by the endpoints comprises all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, these endpoints included.

[0021] In a first aspect the present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling liquids. The apparatus is designed to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling process. The apparatus comprises at least a tank, comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank. The apparatus further comprises an assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments for the transport of a cooling gas through at least a portion of the tank, wherein said pipes have an outer diameter and a wall thickness, preferably with an outer-diameter-to-wall-thickness ratio between 5: 1 and 10: 1. The apparatus further comprises a pressure-control unit for controlling the pressure of the cooling gas in said pipes. The cooling gas is preferably carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0022] According to some embodiments, a cross section of said tank has a square, circular, rectangular, or oval shape. According to a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the tank is rectangular. The length and width of the tank may depend on the liquid to be cooled and / or the desired initial and final temperatures. According to some embodiments, the tank has a length between 0.5 m and 30 m, preferably between 1 m and 20 m, more preferably between 1 m and 10 m, still more preferably between 1 m and 5 m, yet more preferably between 1 m and 2.5 m. According to some embodiments, the tank has a width between 0.5 m and 30 m, preferably between 1 m and 20 m, more preferably between 1 m and 10 m, still more preferably between 1 m and 5 m, yet more preferably between 1 m and 4 m. According to some embodiments, the tank has a height between 0.5 m and 10 m, preferably between 1 m and 6 m, more preferably between 1.5 m and 6 m. The dimensions as described herein are advantageous to better ensure the required cooling capacity and to ensure that the liquid can be efficiently cooled during transport.

[0023] In one embodiment, the walls of the tank are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, glass fiber-reinforced plastic, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the walls of the tank are manufactured from stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel. The selection of materials is made strategically to meet the diverse requirements of the cooling apparatus and to ensure the durability of the tank.

[0024] Preferably, the walls of the tank are low to non-thermally conductive in order to increase the cooling efficiency of the apparatus. By minimizing thermal conductivity, the tank can better maintain the temperature of the liquid and thereby optimize the cooling process. In addition to improved performance, this also leads to a reduction in operating costs. A material with low thermal conductivity has a heat-transfer coefficient between 0.01 and 0.5 W / (m2K). In one embodiment, the walls have a thermal insulation layer made from a material with low thermal conductivity. This thermal insulation layer is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, glass wool, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, mineral wool, cork, or combinations thereof.

[0025] The term "heat-transfer coefficient" is used herein as a measure of heat transfer in convection, in particular between a solid material and a liquid or gaseous material. The value of the coefficient depends, inter alia, on factors such as the velocity of the liquid, the thermal properties of the medium, and the nature of the surface.

[0026] Moreover, the selected materials can contribute to improved resistance to chemical corrosion and mechanical wear, thereby extending the service life of the tank. This makes the apparatus suitable for use in various environments and applications, including those in which the liquids to be cooled have aggressive or corrosive properties. The choice of high-quality, low-thermal-conductivity material therefore offers significant added value in terms of both the functionality and the durability of the cooling apparatus.

[0027] In one embodiment, the tank is designed to be open or closed at the top, depending on the specific requirements of the application and the properties of the liquid to be cooled. An open tank offers advantages such as accessibility and air circulation. A closed tank can be safer and provides more controlled temperature and pressure control. To this end, the tank comprises one or more elements that allow the tank to be closed.

[0028] In one embodiment, there are two or more tanks connected in series or in parallel. According to a further or alternative embodiment, there are two or more tanks connected in series. In some cases, the maximum achievable temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the tank is not sufficient for the application of the liquid to be cooled. In that case, two tanks connected in series can achieve a lower temperature. According to a further or alternative embodiment, there are two or more tanks connected in parallel. When the volume of liquid to be cooled is greater than the maximum volume of the tank, two or more tanks in parallel can be used to obtain a larger volume to be cooled in the same time.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inlet has a diameter between 0.1 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 0.3 cm and 8 cm, most preferably between 0.5 cm and 6 cm. In one embodiment, the outlet has a diameter between 0.1 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 0.3 cm and 8 cm, most preferably between 0.5 cm and 6 cm. The stated diameters optimize the performance and efficiency of the apparatus. The diameters affect, inter alia, the liquid flow, pressure losses, and energy consumption of the apparatus. The inlet and outlet may be located on the same side of the tank, or they may be located on different sides of the tank. For example, the inlet may be located at a short side of the tank and the outlet at the opposite short side of the tank or at an adjacent long side of the tank.

[0030] In one embodiment, the pipes and / or pipe segments have an outer diameter and a wall thickness. The outer diameter and wall thickness are selected carefully, as they largely determine the performance and reliability of the system. The outer-diameter-to-wall-thickness ratio is between 1: 1 and 20: 1, preferably between 5: 1 and 15: 1, more preferably between 6: 1 and 14: 1, still more preferably between 9: 1 and 13: 1.

[0031] In one embodiment, the aforementioned cooling gas is propane, isobutane, a chlorofluorocarbon, a hydrofluorocarbon, or carbon dioxide (CO2). In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned cooling gas is carbon dioxide.

[0032] In one embodiment, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments comprises at least one straight pipe and / or pipe segment and at least one curved pipe and / or pipe segment. Thus, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments is configured in multiple, sequentially arranged coils. Thus, the assembly can make one or more turns over a distance and / or form one or more coils, with the assembly comprising alternating curved and straight sections. A coil may be spiral-shaped or a continuous loop. Between the aforementioned coils there may preferably be a spacing between 0.1 m and 2 m, preferably between 0.2 m and 1 m, more preferably between 0.2 m and 0.5 m. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a manifold to which the pipes and / or pipe segments are coupled. Thus, multiple coils can run in a parallel configuration alongside one another. By this arrangement, a greater volume of the tank can be filled with the assembly of pipes, which provides more efficient heat transfer.

[0033] In one embodiment, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments is positioned in the tank such that the liquid to be cooled flows transversely against the straight sections. The straight sections can be arranged horizontally or vertically with respect to the liquid flow.

[0034] In one embodiment, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, Inconel, galvanized steel, plastics, or combinations thereof. It is also possible to use other alloys known from the prior art. Important in the choice of material is efficient heat transfer, so that the refrigerant and the liquid to be cooled experience as little resistance as possible in transferring heat. In one embodiment, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments has a heat-transfer coefficient of at least 10 W / mK, preferably at least 50 W / mK, more preferably at least 100 W / mK, most preferably at least 200 W / mK.

[0035] In addition to heat transfer, it may be important that the assembly of pipes is corrosionresistant. Due to a temperature difference between the refrigerant and the liquid to be cooled, a turbulent environment may arise, to which the material is preferably resistant. Cooling gases may furthermore be used under high pressure. The pipes are preferably able to withstand this pressure without incurring damage.

[0036] In one embodiment, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments is provided with a polymer coating. According to some embodiments, the polymer coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of epoxy, polyurethane, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, or combinations thereof. The purpose of the coating is to protect the pipes and / or pipe segments that are under high pressure. The polymer coating may furthermore provide increased corrosion resistance. In one embodiment, the polymer coating has a thickness between 10 pm and 1000 pm, preferably between 20 pm and 500 pm, more preferably between 20 pm and 250 pm, most preferably between 20 pm and 100 pm. The thickness of the polymer coating is intended to achieve a better balance between increased corrosion resistance and sufficient thermal conductivity. In one embodiment, the pipes and / or pipe segments have a round, oval, or square cross-section. Preferably, the pipes and / or pipe segments have a round cross-section. All pipe segments may have the same cross-sectional shape, or, alternatively, the pipe segments may assume different cross-sectional shapes.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pipes and / or pipe segments comprise one or more fins. The fins may be located on the inner surface, on the outer surface, or on both surfaces. The fins may be oriented along the longitudinal direction of the aforementioned segments or transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aforementioned segments. In a preferred embodiment, the fins are oriented along the longitudinal direction of the segments. Fins allow the contact surface to be increased between the pipe and the refrigerant on the one hand and between the pipe and the liquid to be cooled on the other hand. This provides more efficient cooling. The fins may have a width between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The fins may have a depth between 1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm. The fins can be manufactured by extrusion, rolling, or by fastening separate fins to the surface of the pipes and / or pipe segments.

[0038] In one embodiment, the pipes and / or pipe segments have an outer diameter between 3 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm. The outer diameter affects the performance and efficiency of the cooling system. Larger diameters increase the surface area for heat transfer and reduce the pressure drop in the pipes. Smaller diameters, on the other hand, provide a higher flow velocity of the refrigerant, which may result in faster cooling. Within the ranges described herein, the balance herebetween is improved with increasing preference.

[0039] In one embodiment, the pipes and / or pipe segments have a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, still more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. The wall thickness is an important parameter, as it will determine the cooling efficiency. A thin pipe allows a high efficiency to be ensured, but since the pipes are subjected to high pressure of the cooling gas, their thickness is important to prevent cracking or deformation. Wall thicknesses as described herein keep the efficiency high and also provide sufficient resistance against cracking or deformation.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cooling gas undergoes a low operating pressure and a high operating pressure. In the high operating range, the cooling gas has a maximum pressure between 50 bar and 100 bar, preferably between 70 bar and 90 bar, preferably about 65 bar. In the low operating range, the cooling gas has a pressure between 10 bar and 40 bar, more preferably between 15 bar and 30 bar, still more preferably between 20 bar and 25 bar. The pressure differences play a role in the efficient operation of the cooling system, especially in applications where rapid and efficient heat transfer is required. By alternating between a high and a low pressure, the coolant will alternately absorb and release heat so as to extract heat from the liquid to be cooled.

[0041] To achieve this pressure, a pressure-control unit such as a compressor or a pump can be added to the cooling system. The pumps are manufactured from pressure-resistant materials and are designed for continuous operation under high pressure. In a further embodiment, the cooling system comprises one or more overpressure valves that automatically open upon exceeding a predetermined maximum pressure. The overpressure valves ensure the safety of users of the cooling system and limit potential damage to the system.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the cooling gas has an inlet temperature between -60 °C and 50 °C, more preferably between -55 °C and 45 °C, still more preferably between -50 °C and 40 °C, still more preferably between -45 °C and 35 °C, most preferably between -40 °C and 30 °C. According to some embodiments, the cooling gas has an outlet temperature between -50 °C and 120 °C, more preferably between -45 °C and 115 °C, still more preferably between -40 °C and 110 °C, still more preferably between -35 °C and 105 °C, most preferably between -30 °C and 100 °C. The inlet temperature determines how well the refrigerant can absorb heat from the liquid to be cooled. A lower inlet temperature means that the refrigerant can absorb more heat. A significant temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperature is desirable because this indicates efficient heat transfer. By optimizing this, energy consumption is minimized and the performance of the cooling system is maximized.

[0043] In one embodiment, the tank comprises a filter. The filter may be placed at the inlet or at the outlet of the tank. The tank may comprise a filter at both the inlet and the outlet. The function of the filter is to filter any solids suspended in the liquid to be cooled out of the liquid. In a specific example, liquid may freeze around the assembly of pipes due to the low temperature of the cooling gas. Due to a turbulent flow, frozen portions may detach from the pipe and may not have melted before they reach the outlet. To prevent the outlet from becoming clogged, a filter may be appropriate.

[0044] The aforementioned filter may have a pore size from 0.05 mm to 10 cm. The pore size depends on the size of the fragments that must be filtered and the diameter of the outlet of the tank. The filter may comprise material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, stainless steel, glass fiber, a combination thereof, or any material known from the prior art. In one embodiment, multiple filters are arranged sequentially, with the filters having different materials and / or pore sizes.

[0045] In one embodiment, the tank comprises a thermal insulation layer selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, glass wool, foam rubber, vacuum-insulated panels, rock wool, EPX, XPS, EPS, aerogel, or combinations thereof. The purpose of the insulation layer is to minimize the influence of the ambient temperature on the liquid to be cooled. Additionally, the insulation layer serves to prevent the cold in the liquid from being lost to the external environment.

[0046] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cooling liquids. The method comprises a step in which a liquid circulates through a tank that is cooled. Said tank comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank. Additionally, the method comprises a step in which cooling gas, such as CO2, circulates through an assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments being placed in the liquid to be cooled. According to a further or alternative embodiment, the aforementioned pipes and / or pipe segments comprise an outer diameter and a wall thickness having a ratio between 5: 1 and 10: 1.

[0047] In one embodiment, cooling gas is circulated through the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments, the assembly being arranged in the liquid tank such that the liquid to be cooled flows transverse to the straight portions of the pipe segments. In this way, the heat transfer is maximized by a short contact between the liquid and the pipe. In a further embodiment, the assembly is arranged such that the liquid to be cooled flows in the longitudinal direction of the straight portions of the pipe segments. The refrigerant can flow in the same or in the opposite direction to the liquid to be cooled. In yet a further embodiment, the pipe segments are arranged at an angle relative to the direction in which the liquid flows.

[0048] In one embodiment, the step of circulating a liquid through a tank concerns circulating the liquid through two or more tanks connected in series or in parallel. By means of these two ways of arrangement, a customized cooling system is possible, depending on the liquid to be cooled and the desired inlet and outlet temperature of this liquid.

[0049] In one embodiment, the pressure of the cooling gas is dynamically adjusted based on the temperature of the liquid in the tank. This pressure can be adjusted via pumps. In one embodiment, the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments comprise real-time sensors that measure the temperature and the pressure. The sensors can be connected to an actuator that regulates the pump and thus increases or decreases the pressure, depending on the need of the system.

[0050] In one embodiment, the cooling gas has a coolant velocity between 4 m / s and 15 m / s, more preferably between 7 m / s and 12 m / s. Proper tuning and control of the coolant velocity play a role in the efficient operation of the cooling system. A high flow rate provides for better heat transfer, as more cooling gas flows through the system in a given time and therefore more heat can be removed. However, an excessively high coolant velocity also results in a higher pressure drop, due to an increase in friction with the pipe segments. This results in a greater energy demand for the pumps that regulate the pressure of the cooling gas. In one embodiment, the coolant velocity of the cooling gas is constant or variable. A variable velocity may be variable in time, in other words, the velocity may increase or decrease at certain time intervals, or a velocity may be variable in space, in other words, the velocity may increase or decrease depending on the pipe segment in which it is located.

[0051] In one embodiment, the liquid to be cooled has a flow rate between 0.05 m3 / s and 0.3 m3 / s, more preferably between 0.1 m3 / s and 0.2 m3 / s. For efficient operation, the flow rate of the liquid to be cooled is optimized based on the needs in terms of desired temperature and quantity of liquid to be cooled. A lower flow rate of the liquid to be cooled provides a higher heat transfer, but also slows the system. If a smaller temperature difference between inlet and outlet is needed, the flow rate can be increased, with a higher energy demand for the transport unit that effects the transport of the liquid.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid to be cooled has a flow rate between 0.00 m3 / s and 0.05 m3 / s, more preferably between 0.00 m3 / s and 0.03 m3 / s, still more preferably between 0.00 m3 / s and 0.02 m3 / s, still more preferably between 0.00 m3 / s and 0.01 m3 / s, most preferably 0.00 m3 / s. In this case, the water may be stationary or the water may move within the tank via an air blower, jet nozzles, agitators, circulation pumps, vortex mixers, or a combination thereof.

[0053] In one embodiment, the heat that is extracted from the liquid to be cooled is used or stored for later use in other processes.

[0054] According to a further or alternative embodiment, the method according to the second aspect is carried out by means of one or more apparatuses according to the various embodiments of the first aspect. In what follows, the invention is described by way of non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0055] FIGURES

[0056] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows an apparatus for cooling liquids (1), comprising a tank (2), comprising an inlet (3), an outlet (4) and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank (not shown). Further, the apparatus comprises an assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments (5) for transporting cooling gas, CO2, through at least a portion of the tank and a pressure-control unit (6) for regulating the pressure of the cooling gas in said pipes. The pipes and / or pipe segments (5) have an outer diameter and a wall thickness with a ratio of 6: 1. Further, the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) are manufactured from copper and have a round cross section, with a diameter of 7 mm.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows an apparatus for cooling liquids (1), comprising a tank (2), comprising an inlet (3), an outlet (4) and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank (not shown). The tank (2) comprises an insulation layer of foam rubber (not shown). Further, the apparatus comprises an assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments (5) for transporting cooling gas through at least a portion of the tank and a pressure-control unit (6) for regulating the pressure of the cooling gas in said pipes. In this case, the assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments (5) is present in triplicate, wherein the pipe segments are connected in parallel to a manifold (7). The pipes and / or pipe segments (5) have an outer diameter and a wall thickness with a ratio of 8: 1. Further, the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) are manufactured from aluminum and have a round cross section, with a diameter of 7.5 mm. There is a distance of 5 cm between the individual pipe segments (5).

[0058] Figure 3 shows a side view of a pipe segment (5) of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pipe segment is configured in a coil shape, in this case in a continuous loop. At one end of the pipe segment a pressure-control unit (6) is present.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for cooling liquids (1), comprising: a tank (2), comprising an inlet (3), an outlet (4) and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank; an assembly of one or more pipes and / or pipe segments (5) for transporting cooling gas through at least a portion of the tank, wherein said pipes have an outer diameter and a wall thickness; a pressure-control unit (6) for regulating the pressure of the cooling gas in said pipes; characterized in that the cooling gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), and that the ratio between the outer diameter and the wall thickness of the pipes and / or pipe segments is between 5: 1 and 10: 1.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) comprises at least one straight pipe and / or pipe segment, and at least one curved pipe and / or pipe segment.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) is configured in multiple, sequentially arranged coils, wherein a distance between said coils is between 0.01 m and 1 m, preferably between 0.07 m and 0.12 m.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) comprises a manifold (7), wherein multiple pipes and / or pipe segments run in coils arranged in parallel.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, plastic, or combinations thereof.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) is provided with a polymer coating.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) have a round, oval, or square cross section, preferably a round cross section.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) comprise fins, said fins being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the pipes and / or pipe segments.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) have an outer diameter between 3 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm, still more preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the outer diameter and the wall thickness of the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) lies between 5: 1 and 15: 1, more preferably between 6: 1 and 14: 1, still more preferably between 9: 1 and 13: 1.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipes and / or pipe segments (5) have a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling gas has a maximum pressure between 100 bar and 150 bar, preferably between 110 bar and 125 bar, preferably at most 125 bar.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling gas has an inlet temperature between -40 °C and 30 °C and wherein the cooling gas has an outlet temperature between -30 °C and 100 °C.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank (2) comprises a filter.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank (2) comprises a thermal insulation layer selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, glass wool, foam rubber, or combinations thereof.

16. A method for cooling a liquid, comprising the steps of:circulating a liquid through a tank (2), comprising an inlet (3), an outlet (4) and a transport unit to transport the liquid through the tank; circulating a cooling gas through an assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5), wherein the assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) is placed in the liquid; characterized in that the cooling gas comprises carbon dioxide (CO2) and wherein said assembly of pipes and / or pipe segments (5) comprises an outer diameter and a wall thickness with a ratio between 5: 1 and 10: 1.

17. The method according to claim 16, carried out by means of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the liquid flows transversely to the straight sections of the pipe segments (5).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein two or more apparatuses, as described in claims 1-15, are configured in parallel or in series.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 16-18, wherein the pressure of the cooling gas is dynamically adjusted based on the temperature of the liquid in the tank.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 16-19, wherein the cooling gas has a liquid velocity between 7 m / s and 12 m / s.

Images