However, the advantages of modular processes, engineering, and automation are becoming most apparent in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, specialty chemical, and other “hybrid” process industry sectors. Here, the increased flexibility enabled by modular processes and automation can help end user companies rapidly roll out new products and product variations, shift production nimbly in response to market or supply chain demands, simplify validation, and increase resilience to future natural or human caused disasters.
To this end, NAMUR in Germany and other end user and industry groups have been working to develop the Module Type Package (MTP) approach and standards for chemical processes. While formal international standards have not yet been published, MTP proof-of concept (POC) projects have progressed well beyond the conceptual phase. These real-world concepts demonstrate both the practicality and benefits of MTP.
Jesse Hill, process industry manager at Beckhoff USA, addresses commonly asked questions about MTP-enabled modular automation
