In February, the association representing the German electrical industry, ZVEI, published a white paper that deals with modular production in the process industry and its effects on automation in an industry 4.0 environment. The paper summarizes the latest topics discussed in connection with modularized processes. Among these topics figure the requirements placed on final control elements. SAMSON, as a member of ZVEI's automation division, contributed its specialist knowledge and expertise in this field. Other topics covered include the economic potential and markets for modular automation, viable schemes for system suppliers, and engineering. The modular automation working group, who drafted the white paper, considered the different aspects and formulated six fundamental theses, for example that modular automation changes the operation, monitoring and maintenance of processes.
The white paper, which is currently available in German only, can be downloaded at www.zvei.org under Association, Publications.
SAMSON has over 100 years of expertise in valve engineering. Based on this expertise, SAMSON has been a major contributor to developing control valves into field units comprising smart positioners with diagnostic features, and the company will continue to play an active role in this development in a modular automation environment as well.
The modular automation working group was established in 2013 as part of the measurement and process automation section in ZVEI's automation division; the goal was to jointly develop solutions for questions arising in process automation in close cooperation with the NAMUR organization.
Technologies revolving around industry 4.0 are growing more and more important for the German process industry in keeping up with the global competition. A product's time-to-market cycle, i.e. the period between the concept stage and its market launch, becomes shorter. In response, flexibility in production must increase, which is achieved by changing plant design towards modular production. Manufacturers of pharmaceuticals as well as fine and specialty chemicals are particularly affected by this development.