Networking of pharma skids

Challenge

Pharmaceutical manufacturers must quickly scale up production after a new active ingredient is launched to the market in order to remain competitive. Modular production skids enable parallel manufacturing and reduce time to market. The challenge lies in the rapid and standardized networking of the modules with sensors, actuators and IT systems — both for operation and for testing prior to commissioning.

Solution

IP67 I/O modules from TURCK enable decentralized control of modular pharma skids without the need for control cabinets. Sensors and actuators are connected directly to the robust I/O modules, significantly speeding up wiring with preassembled standard connectors. Thanks to TURCK's multiprotocol technology, the skids communicate effortlessly with Profinet , Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP without any configuration effort. Before commissioning, each skid is tested at the manufacturer. TURCK I/O modules control all components so that a complete FAT (factory acceptance test) can be carried out without a central control system. The interaction of valves and sensors is simulated offline, which greatly accelerates subsequent integration at the pharmaceutical manufacturer (site acceptance test, SAT). The solution also enables parallel data access to process values without affecting the control system. Via the Ethernet data channel, skid data can be transferred directly to central IT systems or data lakes, allowing production processes to be flexibly analyzed and optimized.