GEA and Siemens jointly use MTP automation standard

The GEA and Siemens technology groups announced their cooperation on a Module Type Package (MTP) digitalisation project. MTPs functionally describe the properties of process modules independent of manufacturer and technology. The MTP project adds an important process perspective to the theoretical preparations achieved so far by working groups such as Namur, ZVEI and VDMA. For this, Siemens is providing both a superior process control system and modular automation system, whereas GEA is acting as the practice partner. “We have been producing modular products for more than 20 years, because every single component – be it a separator, a homogeniser, a pasteuriser or drying system – has to be integrated into the higher-level automation system of the entire facility,” explains Matthias Wiemann, Head of Automation and Controls for GEA separators. “If both the control system and the components to be connected were talking the same language, it would run as smoothly as a printer connected to a PC using a printer driver.” The common language for this should be the MTP information protocol.