MTP
Modularization is revolutionizing the process industry by offering significant advantages, particularly through the integration of package units using Module Type Packages (MTP). This approach is already widespread in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, biotech and food industries and is increasingly gaining ground in traditional chemical production.
Modular Automation Strengthens your Company
The so-called Module Type Package (MTP) describes the process module functions independently of the manufacturer. As it can be obtained from the automation engineering of a module, module manufacturers are able to generate it with little effort. Operators, in turn, are able to use the module functions with little effort by importing the MTPs into a higher-level automation level.
With MTP, the idea of flexible systems based on the plug & produce concept can be realized.
In addition to the physical interconnection, the integration of the data and automation structures must be clarified. There is also a need to integrate the modules of a system into a comprehensive orchestration level. The customers of the module manufacturers define the desired functionalities and services, the module manufacturers take care of the implementation and also generate the MTP-file required for simple integration
Existing plants or large-scale plants such as those in the petrochemical industry can benefit from MTP without great effort if the established process control systems become “MTP ready”. This is because the MTP concept brings intelligence into the field more than ever before.
Modular production is of great benefit to process plant operators worldwide. The MTP concept will therefore be standardized internationally.
Modular production can shorten time-to-market, increase production flexibility and reduce investment risks.
Standardized automation interfaces for the process modules allow them to be quickly integrated into systems. MTP offers a manufacturer-neutral description of the process module with various facets such as HMI, process control, maintenance and diagnostics, safety and security as well as alarm management. This offers advantages for module manufacturers and users!
Main Advantages of Modular Production with MTP
Here are some of the main advantages in terms of the flexibility and efficiency of production systems:
1. Speeding up the Development Process and the Transition to Industrial Production
By using modular process units, development processes can be scaled up and industrialized more quickly. This allows companies to quickly adapt their production lines to new products or processes. This is particularly important in industries that change quickly, such as the pharmaceutical or food industries.
Modularization facilitates the qualification of processes, as standardized and pre-qualified modules are used. Companies can easily expand their production capacities by adding additional modules without the need for extensive conversions.
2. Expandability and Reusability
Existing systems can be quickly expanded by adding modules. By using standardized modules, new systems or modifications can be planned and implemented more quickly. This reduces downtimes and increases productivity.
Modules already in use can be reused for new processes, which is particularly advantageous in industries with decreasing batch sizes, increasing product diversity and shorter product life cycles.
Modular systems make it easier to maintain and replace components, resulting in higher plant availability.
3. Reduced Time-to-Market and Time-to-go-on Stream
Tested and pre-qualified modules can be quickly combined to form the complete system and put into operation. The use of prefabricated modules can reduce the cost of planning and construction as less customization is required.
This shortens the time it takes to bring new products to market, which ensures competitiveness.
MTP promotes the integration of new technologies and processes, which helps companies to prepare for future requirements and market changes.
Cross-industry application:
Modular design is no longer limited to the pharmaceutical, biotech and food industries. Other industries also benefit from the flexibility and efficiency offered by modular systems.
Overall, modular production with MTP enables an agile response to market requirements and contributes to the optimization of production processes.
Summary:
Modularization in the process industry enables faster, more flexible and more cost-efficient production. Through the integration of MTP and the use of pre-qualified modules, time-to-market is shortened, production processes become more efficient and competitiveness is increased. This development leads to a significant optimization of the entire value chain in the process industry.
Who Should Use MTP?
MTP is characterized by interdisciplinary cooperation between machine manufacturers, plant manufacturers and system suppliers. This is the key to success!
In Joint working groups, all target groups work together towards a common goal:
| Module manufacturers | Plant operators | Engineering tool manufacturers |
| Control system manufacturers | Field device manufacturers | System builder |
In the past, users had to combine pre-automated modules from different manufacturers and integrate them into a higher-level system. Conversely, module manufacturers supplied many customers worldwide, who in turn required different interfaces. Both sides felt that there was great potential in agreeing on a standardized, service-oriented communication interface. It should be possible to use the modules automated by the manufacturer directly via plug and produce - with as little engineering and implementation effort as possible.
In future, module manufacturers will be able to differentiate themselves through the clearly specified performance of their skids, package units and modules. In a value-adding collaboration between module suppliers and system operators, it will be clarified which functions the module should have, which performance and availability are required, etc.
This means faster commissioning for the end user and greater protection of the module supplier's know-how. By standardizing the modules, the module manufacturer could also achieve cost advantages through economies of scale, from which the system operator can only benefit.
This means faster commissioning for the end user and greater protection of know-how for the module supplier. By standardizing the modules, the module manufacturer could also achieve cost advantages through economies of scale, from which the system operator can only benefit.
The module manufacturer's automation department is significantly relieved by concentrating on one standard.
One of the decisive factors for the success of the MTP concept is the necessary demand from users, who should include the delivery of an MTP in the specifications of their module and package unit suppliers.
A Successful, International Industry Standard
The standard can be seen from the first publications of the VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658 guideline: They describe the MTP concept, define the modeling of operating screens and module services as well as the interfaces for the data to be exchanged.
Modularization in the process industry is completed by the VDI 2776 guideline, which provides specifications and information on the process engineering design and operation of modular systems.
The “MTP host” is the PROFIBUS user organization (PNO/PI), which will be responsible for further standardization in the future, including at international level. The aim is also to establish the MTP concept as the international IEC 63280 standard. The PNO/PI is also responsible for managing the rights to MTP, certifying MTP products and marketing the concept. NAMUR, ZVEI and PNO/PI will complement the MTP concept and take it out into the world as partners.
MTP enables open and modular process automation. Experience Plug & Produce at its best with modular production based on the NAMUR NE 148.
Important Terms Relating to MTP Briefly Explained
Functional Equipment Assembly (FEA)
The term Functional Equipment Assembly (FEA) originates from automation technology and is used in mechanical engineering. It refers to the assembly of different components that together fulfill a specific function or process within a system.
An important feature of FEAs is that they can often have their own automation intelligence. This means that they are able to control or monitor certain processes autonomously. One example of this is intelligent mass flow controllers that not only measure the flow, but can also make adjustments to ensure optimal operating conditions.
FEAs are particularly useful in complex industrial applications, as they make it possible to integrate various functions in a modular way and thus increase the efficiency and flexibility of production processes.
Process Equipment Assembly (PEA)
Process Equipment Assembly (PEA) is used in process engineering, which focuses on the integration and automation of process systems. It is a modular unit that is able to carry out specific process engineering tasks autonomously.
A PEA consists of at least one FEA (Functional Equipment Assembly) and can be adapted to different process requirements by exchanging or combining different FEAs. It has its own automation intelligence, which means that it is able to control and monitor its functions independently. PEAs can cover various process engineering functions, such as the feeding of materials, chemical reactions or the emptying of containers. These functions are often interlinked and enable the entire process to run smoothly. Data is exchanged between different PEAs via manufacturer-independent, standardized interfaces. Thanks to their own automation intelligence, PEAs can operate independently of central control systems, which increases the flexibility and robustness of the entire system.
Process Orchestration Layer (POL)
The Process Orchestration Layer (POL) is a central component of modern automation systems, especially in the process industry. It acts as a higher-level control unit that coordinates and synchronizes various production and automation modules (PEAs - Process Execution Agents).
The POL works with MTPs (Modular Type Packages). Similar to a conductor leading an orchestra, the POL orchestrates the various PEAs to ensure that they work together harmoniously. This includes the timing of commands and the management of processes. The POL can be implemented not only in MTP-capable process control systems, but also in other software systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). This enables flexible integration into existing systems. Through central control and coordination, the POL can help to optimize processes, minimize downtimes and increase production efficiency.
Selection of Relevant PI Press Releases
MTP makes Plug & Operate accessible (2024)
The key to faster and more flexible responses to changing market requirements is the use of modular systems. MTPs—or Module Type Packages—which make the orchestration of process-technology modules, machines, and package units more efficient, play an important role here. “With MTP and the resulting modularization, the flexibility of production systems is increased considerably and subsequent changes can be implemented much faster than before,” said Dr. Mathias Maurmaier, MTP Committee Leader of the joint working groups NAMUR, ZVEI and PI, with regard to its biggest advantage.MTP Activities Have Picked-up Speed (2023)
PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) has been chosen as the host of MTP technology by NAMUR and ZVEI, and cooperative work on the Joint Working Groups (JWG) has already begun. The next goal is to revise and speedily provide the already available versions of specification documents on the topics of modeling, HMI integration and process control.First live demo of MTP at Hanover Fair (2023)
At the Hanover Fair, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) will install a new demo wall in Hall 9, Booth D68, to demonstrate how process equipment assemblies (PEA) can be integrated into a higher-level control or SCADA system from the process orchestration layer (POL) within minutes using module type packages (MTP). This significantly increases efficiency in engineering. Using module type packages (MTP), automation systems can be modularized across vendors. This allows for increasing the flexibility of production plants.
MTP added to PI technology portfolio (2021)
The production of modern goods requires production plants of ever-increasing complexity. The time and effort required for planning, configuration and commissioning is increasing, and costs are rising accordingly as well. This is where Module Type Package (MTP) technology comes into play. The modularization of a production plant makes it possible to use standardized plant parts. Flexibility can also be increased in this way. As a result, changes can be made to production plants more easily. MTP was created by NAMUR and ZVEI. In PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), both organizations have found a solid partner for the further development, quality assurance and international distribution of MTP.
Presentations, Specs, Interviews & More - Free Downloads
Status and Roadmap
Learn all about flexible production and package unit integration in the slides. Get information about the motivation and use cases, as well as the first products and solutions for POL and PEA.
Download the PDF now and see how NAMUR, ZVEI and PI are combining their potential in joint technology development to make MTP a successful, international industry standard.
The main goal of this version of the MTP Specification is to release a consistent set of documents as successor of VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658. This release of the MTP Specification is structured and uses the precise wording like IEC documents. The new structure, the precise terms as well as many detailed modifications in the wording and in figures leads to a clarification of the requirements for PEA automation solutions and POL systems.
The release will contain the following parts:
- Part 1: General Concept, Interfaces and Models
- Part 2: Process Displays
- Part 3: Base Interfaces
- Part 4: Automation Services, Process Values, Text Definitions
- Part 5: Runtime and Communication
- Part 5.1: Runtime and Communication – Open Platform Communications – Unified Architecture
- Part 6: Events and Alarms
Besides the new document structure and many smaller modifications and clarifications, MTP Specification part 1 contains the following changes compared to VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658-1:
- Alignment of terms to other IEC standards
- Specification of basic conventions has been added.
- Introduction of a general concept of profiles and versioning based on profiles.
- TextSet moved from VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658-4 to this part.
Details:
Version: d0.9
Order No.: 30.002
Language: English
Interview as part of the ACHEMA 2024
As part of ACHEMA 2024, prozesstechnikTV conducted an interview on “Module Type Package - MTP solutions have arrived in the process industry”. Take a look inside!
Since 2013, Namur, VDE and VDI have been driving the development of module automation (MTP), which enables plug-and-produce manufacturing in the process industry.
Dr Mathias Maurmaier, Committee Head for MTP at PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), NAMUR and ZVEI, reports on the status of MTP standardization as well as how many MTP solutions are already available to buy out of the box and what the next steps will be. Work is currently underway on the so-called Standard Set 2.0. The core specifications for MTP version 2.0 are due to be approved in the fall.
And Sebastian Härtner, Process Development - Principal Project Lead, Electronics | Integrated Supply Chain at Merck, one of the early adopters of MTP, talks about the current status of implementation and his company's experiences in practice.
Join MTP - Become a PI Member!
Benefit from modular production with Module Type Package (MTP) and modify your system quickly and efficiently for new processes and future requirements.
Strengthen your company with modular automation. So don't miss the opportunity to contribute to the standard and take part in the increasing importance of MTP, because self-sufficient, system-tested modules offer companies numerous advantages. They make it possible to act much more flexibly and quickly and to respond to individual customer requirements.
Principles of cooperation of joint technology development:
- All members of NAMUR, ZVEI, and PI can get engaged in the committee and have access to documents
- PI owns all documents and review comments of VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658
- IP rights concerning the MTP standard owned by any partner must be granted to all other partners.
- Liaison with IEC
- Conformance tests based on test labs
- Close alignment with further industry organizations
As a member of PI, you can play a key role in shaping the development of MTP!
Regional PI Associations (RPAs) represent PI around the world. Each RPA acts independently to support MTP in its own region.
Currently there are 24 of these local organisations all around the world and you are free to choose which RPA you become a member of!
PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) is one of the 24 Regional PI Associations (RPA) and is responsible for the membership of companies with branches in D-A-CH region. The PNO is a pioneer in the development of the MTP standard.
Upcoming Webinars & Workshops
Interoperability and flexibility with MTP 2.0
Coming soon!
Date: tbd
Time: tbd
Location: Conveniently from anywhere via Teams meeting.
Target group: Entire MTP community and all those interested in this promising new technology
Language: English
Costs: No participation fee!
Main topics:
- Flexibility and efficiency with Module Type Package
- News from standardization: What's new in MTP 2.0?
- MTP certification - plans and status
You will be informed here as soon as possible about the date and registration option for the next webinar! We ask for your understanding!