PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION
In this research area, we focus on the optimization of production processes in the chemical process industry across diverse fields by combining laser-based developments in Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) with open-source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. This integrated approach allows us to enhance throughput, reduce energy and material consumption, and improve process flexibility.
By turning complex production challenges into actionable insights, we help your operations become more efficient, sustainable, and competitive, reducing resource consumption in a cost-effective way and delivering measurable benefits for your processes, resources, and overall performance.
AREA MANAGEMENT
DI Dr. Karin Wieland
Area 2 Manager for
Process Intensification,
Head of PAT-Team
Karin Wieland is Area Manager for Process Intensification at the Competence Center CHASE. She is also heading the team for process analytical technology.
She has 10+ years of experience in the application, adaptation, evaluation and interpretation of vibrational spectroscopy from nanoscale analysis to process analytical technology on an industrial scale. By integrating advanced sensing methods into process environments for non-destructive, in-line analysis, and continuous process monitoring, she contributes to improved process understanding, intensified operation, and more efficient and sustainable production.
She received her PhD Technical Chemistry from TU Wien in 2019. Her work is underlined by an extensive list of publications and has also been recognized with several awards.
Research Gate: ↗
LinkedIn: ↗
Contact:
Phone: +43 664 8568532
Email: Send email
KEY SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS
CHASE collaborates with leading scientific institutions and partners to advance research in sustainable process intensification:
Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. techn. Michael Harasek, TU Wien - Profile↗
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Lendl, TU Wien - Profile↗
INDUSTRY REFERENCES
CHASE works closely with and for industrial partners to intensify and optimize their production processes:
Agrana Fruit, Agrana Research and Innovation Center, Borealis GmbH,
Endress+Hauser, Engel GmbH, Heraeus, OMV Aktiengesellschaft, Sappi Austria, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Austria) GmbH
OUR GOALS
The following objectives are pursued in our research area:
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To model and simulate key process steps in (bio-)chemical, food, and polymer processes, and to validate these models using extended laboratory analytics and dedicated PAT tools.
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To develop and implement generic tools for simulating multi-phase and multi-physics processes using CFD simulations based on the OpenFOAM® platform.
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To validate CFD, discrete element (DEM), and coupled models on larger-scale processes through Design of Experiment planning.
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To guide process optimization through simulation, considering reaction models, process-relevant thermodynamics, multi-phase and multi-physics phenomena, and adaptable CFD meshing and reactor geometries.
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To advance particle and chemical sensing technologies via cross-sectional developments, including vis- and mid-IR lasers, cavity-based enhancement, ultrasound particle manipulation, and hyperspectral imaging systems.
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To implement isotope-selective trace gas sensors based on mid-IR laser spectroscopy for differentiation of carbon sources.
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To advance indirect laser-based sensing schemes, such as photoacoustic and photothermal spectroscopies, for novel in-line applications.
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To implement laser-based on-line sensors for detection and monitoring of pollutants in refinery streams and polymer recycling processes.
OUR APPROACH
The following approach is pursued in our research area:
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To collect kinetic data for olefin polymerization, accounting for temperature, catalyst systems, pressure, hydrogen, and other process variables.
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To develop generic automated workflows for CFD analysis of process intensification problems, enabling optimized and de-bottlenecked designs.
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To implement homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction and mass transfer models in OpenFOAM® for generic and application-specific process intensification tasks.
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To build an OpenFOAM® generic model library, ready for customized simulation-supported projects.
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To simulate plant processes, including prediction of preferential operating conditions for SO2 recovery, supported by novel on-line PAT tools.
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To implement in-line PAT sensors, such as Raman spectroscopy combined with Laser Doppler Velocimetry, for spatially resolved chemical and fluid flow monitoring.
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To develop and test novel sensing schemes based on polarization-sensitive measurements, decentralized NIR, and laser-based gas or humidity sensors.
Intensifying polymer production value chain
ONE OF OUR PROJECTS
Watch the video about our Raman Spectroscopy Demonstrator Project here or visit our Youtube channel:
