Reduced time-to-market: With shorter product life cycles, the time of market entry defines the value of a product far more than before.

Increased flexibility: Ever smaller product volumes increase the need of higher flexibility to produce more than one product with the available assets. While this is already widely applied in batch processes, having multipurpose production plants in continuous mode is usually still a significant challenge.

Improved efficiency: Efficiency can be increased by re-utilising not only engineering work but also physical equipment. This can lead to significantly reduced engineering efforts and costs and easier re-arrangement of assets. Combining these effects can leverage the cost efficiency of a process tremendously.

ZVEI status report 19/02

Through the use of modularization, process plants will build standardized, pre-automated modules with an appropriate intelligence. This allows modules to be added or rearranged easily. The distinction takes place according to individual procedural basic functions, such as

• Feed,
• Reaction,
• Purification.

These functions are realized by tested and executable process modules. The standardization takes place thanks to the cooperation of important associations of process industries. These specify the Module Type Packages called MTP and therefore define a standardized method for the interoperability between modules and orchestration systems. This offers the opportunity to connect the individual modules into a complete solution and to expand it flexibly with additional components, such as an additional feed module. Siemens supports the planning, documentation and the engineering, simulation and automation of the individual modules.

• Module automation with TIA Portal
• Module simulation with SIMIT

After connecting the modules to a functioning process plant, MTP packages with the integrated process pictures are imported and orchestrated into an overarching process control system.

• Plant engineering with COMOS 
• Plant orchestration with SIMATIC PCS neo

The digital twin comprehensively and consistently accompanies modular production throughout the entire plant life cycle. MTP is the answer to the need for flexible modification and modular expansion of plant units.