In the chemical industry and in biotechnology, the conversion of substances and purification of the desired products is usually carried out either in (i) multifunctional units or in (ii) closely linked unit operations.

(i) The integration of unit operations in multifunctional units very often gives rise to synergetic effects which can be technically exploited. Possible advantages of process integration are e.g. higher productivity, higher selectivity, reduced energy consumption, improved operational safety and improved ecological harmlessness by avoidance of auxiliary agents and chemical wastes. Due to the interaction of several process steps in one apparatus, the steady-state and dynamic operational behavior of an integrated process unit can be much more complex than the behavior of a single unit. Therefore, suitable methods for the design and control of integrated processes have to be developed and applied, ensuring optimal and safe operation of the considered integrated process

(ii) Complex technical processes routinely consist of several individual sub-processes interacting in tandem. Numerous examples are found in bio/chemical engineering where the analysis, design and optimization of such processes require not only a detailed understanding of the structural and dynamic properties of the individual sub-processes but also a thorough characterization of the interaction of all subunits. Complexity further increases when the behavior of the coupled overall process cannot be correctly predicted through dependence upon previous knowledge of the individual units, particularly when a qualitatively new behavior emerges from the coupling.

The foremost objectives of the research within both application fields are the development of new design concepts, the investigation of their efficiency, and the enhancement of availability for technical application. For these reasons, experimental tools and theoretical methods are intimately combined. In addition, mini-plant technologies are used in the institute's experimental investigations to guarantee the applicability of new processes at industrial scale.