FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPETENCE CENTER CHASE
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about CHASE, our research focus and collaboration opportunities for industrial partners and research institutions in the chemical process industry.
What is Competence Center CHASE?
​Answer:
Competence Center CHASE GmbH is a European research and technology organization based in Linz, Austria. We support companies in the chemical process industry in making their production processes more energy-efficient, resource-saving and sustainable through process digitalization, process intenstification and circular process streams.
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What services does CHASE provide?
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CHASE provides applied research and development services in three core areas:
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Process Digitalization
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Process Intensification
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Circular Processing Technologies
We work closely with industry partners to develop practical, scalable solutions that increase efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness.
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Explore our Process Digitalization activities ↗
Learn more about our Process Intensification ↗
Discover our Circular Process Streams research ↗
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Which industries does CHASE work with?
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CHASE primarily collaborates with companies and organizations in the chemical process industry, including chemicals, petrochemicals, gas processing, pharmaceuticals, polymers and pulp production. Our expertise is tailored to complex industrial production environments.
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See our industrial partner network ↗
See our academic partner network ↗
See our institutional partner network ↗
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How can companies benefit from collaborating with CHASE?
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Partner companies benefit from access to cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary expertise and a strong academic-industrial network. Together, we develop customized solutions that improve process efficiency, reduce energy consumption and support long-term sustainability goals.
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Explore collaboration opportunities for Process Digitalization ↗
Explore collaboration opportunities for Process Intensification ↗
Explore collaboration opportunities for Circular Process Streams ↗
How can my company start a project with CHASE?
Answer:
Companies can contact us to discuss their specific technological challenges or research needs. Based on this discussion, we define project objectives, methodologies and potential collaboration models. We support partners from initial concept development to implementation.
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Does CHASE support funding applications?
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Yes, as part of the Austrian COMET program, CHASE supports partners in identifying suitable funding opportunities and in preparing compliant project proposals. We have extensive experience working with public funding bodies such as the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
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Information about CHASE within the Austrian COMET framework ↗
What does process digitalization mean in the chemical industry?
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Process digitalization involves transforming operational data into actionable process intelligence. This includes the development of digital twins, advanced data analytics and predictive process models that enable optimized production control and reduced downtime.
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What is process intensification?
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Process intensification aims to significantly improve production performance by increasing output while reducing energy use, material input and equipment footprint. It focuses on making industrial processes more efficient, compact and sustainable.
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What are circular processing technologies?
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Circular processing technologies enable the transition from linear production models to closed material loops. This includes advanced recycling strategies, resource recovery and process innovations that reduce waste and increase raw material reuse.
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Does CHASE collaborate with universities and research institutions?
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Yes, CHASE is built on strong partnerships with leading universities and research institutions. This ensures scientific excellence while maintaining a strong focus on industrial applicability.
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Are there career or thesis opportunities at CHASE?
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Yes, CHASE offers opportunities for master’s theses, doctoral research and professional careers in applied industrial research. We support young scientists working on real-world technological challenges.
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Explore your career opportunities at CHASE ↗
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How is CHASE structured?
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CHASE was founded in 2019 and operates as a limited liability company (GmbH). The center is supported by a consortium of industrial partners and academic institutions within the Austrian COMET framework.
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What is process digitalization in industrial production?
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Process digitalization refers to the use of data, software, digital models and connected systems to monitor, analyze, optimize and control production processes. At CHASE, we develop digital workflows and digital twins that combine mechanistic models, data-driven methods and hybrid approaches to improve process stability, quality and efficiency in polymer and chemical systems.
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How do digital twins help improve process efficiency and product quality?
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Digital twins simulate physical production systems in a virtual environment. They integrate process data with predictive models, enabling real-time insights, predictive maintenance and adaptive control. This helps companies identify optimization potential, enhance resource efficiency, and maintain product quality under varying conditions.
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What types of data and modelling approaches are used in digitalization projects at CHASE?
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CHASE uses a combination of mechanistic modelling (first principles), data-driven analytics and hybrid modelling. These models are built from comprehensive process data and machine learning methods to transfer knowledge between similar processes, enabling robust analysis and optimization at different scales from individual steps to full plant systems.
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What does process intensification mean in the chemical industry?
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Process intensification focuses on increasing production performance by improving throughput, reducing energy and material use, and enhancing process flexibility. At CHASE, this is achieved by combining advanced Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) with simulation tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to better understand and optimize complex production phenomena.
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How do simulation and PAT tools enhance process understanding?
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Simulation tools (e.g., CFD, mass transfer models) provide insights into flow, reaction and thermal behavior of processes, while PAT tools such as spectroscopy and laser-based sensors enable real-time, in-line measurement of process parameters. Together, they help uncover bottlenecks, guide design decisions and improve control strategies.
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Discover the simulation and analytical capabilities at CHASE ↗
What benefits can companies achieve through process intensification with CHASE?
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Companies benefit from improved process efficiency, reduced resource consumption, enhanced product consistency and stronger competitiveness. Using tailored simulations and advanced sensing technologies, CHASE supports the identification of optimization opportunities and transition to more streamlined, sustainable operations.
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What are circular process streams and why are they important?
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Circular process streams refer to closed-loop flows in industrial systems where materials, energy and data are used, reused and recycled to reduce waste and improve sustainability. CHASE explores how data management and hybrid modelling enable resilient circular processes that transform linear production into sustainable, continuous cycles.
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How does CHASE support the transition to circular processes?
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CHASE develops model-based process design solutions and data-driven modelling workflows that maximize predictive capabilities. With pilot living labs and smart monitoring, we demonstrate next-generation processes and technologies that help companies optimize circular streams, increase resource efficiency and verify solutions in practical settings.
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Explore our model-based circular process design approach at CHASE ↗​
What role does data and knowledge management play in circular processing?
Answer:
Data and knowledge management turn raw process data into actionable insights. By combining real-world data with hybrid models, companies gain deeper process understanding, improve quality assurance and optimize continuous processing strategies. This creates a foundation for sustainable and resilient circular manufacturing systems.
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How can digital twins be scaled across multiple production sites?
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Digital twins can be implemented site by site, but scaling requires standardized data collection, integration of process models, and harmonized IT infrastructure. CHASE helps industrial partners develop scalable digital twin frameworks, ensuring consistent performance monitoring and process optimization across multiple plants.
How can process data be leveraged to reduce downtime and maintenance costs?
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By integrating sensor data, predictive models, and real-time analytics, companies can anticipate equipment failures and schedule preventive maintenance. CHASE combines advanced data analytics and modeling to optimize maintenance intervals, minimize unplanned shutdowns, and improve overall equipment efficiency.
How does CHASE support companies in integrating digital solutions into legacy systems?
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Legacy production systems often lack modern connectivity. CHASE develops hybrid integration strategies, combining edge computing, middleware, and digital twins, to ensure smooth digital transformation without disrupting existing operations.
How can process intensification increase throughput without increasing energy consumption?
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Process intensification leverages advanced reactor design, optimized flow patterns, and real-time monitoring. CHASE uses CFD simulations and PAT tools to redesign processes, enabling higher output with minimal additional energy input.
How can bottlenecks in complex chemical processes be identified and eliminated?
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By combining simulation tools, in-line sensors, and data analytics, CHASE identifies rate-limiting steps, heat/mass transfer inefficiencies, and flow irregularities. This targeted approach allows companies to redesign processes and improve overall productivity.
What technologies enable flexible and adaptive chemical production systems?
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Adaptive production requires real-time monitoring, predictive models, and automated control loops. CHASE integrates advanced sensing, control strategies, and simulation-based optimization to design flexible systems that can respond efficiently to changing production conditions.
How can companies implement circular material flows in chemical production?
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Circular material flows require identifying reusable streams, optimizing separation processes, and monitoring material quality. CHASE develops model-based strategies to integrate circular flows while maintaining product consistency and minimizing waste.
How can data-driven modeling improve recycling efficiency?
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By combining operational data with predictive models, companies can track material flows, detect impurities, and optimize recycling loops. CHASE uses hybrid modeling and analytics to maximize resource recovery and reduce environmental impact.
How can circular processes reduce raw material dependency?
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Circular processes recover valuable resources and reintegrate them into production. CHASE supports companies in designing closed-loop systems that lower reliance on virgin raw materials, enhance sustainability, and reduce operational costs.