Overview
IEC 61987-14:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies data structures and elements for process equipment catalogues, specifically focusing on temperature measuring equipment. Part 14 of this series defines Lists of Properties (LOP) that enable standardized electronic data exchange for temperature measurement devices used in industrial process control. The standard covers both contact and non-contact temperature measuring instruments and provides Operating Lists of Properties (OLOP) and Device Lists of Properties (DLOP) essential for describing device parameters and requirements.
Effective data exchange between suppliers, manufacturers, engineering firms, and end-users is vital for streamlined workflows in industrial environments. IEC 61987-14 supports this need by enabling consistent, interoperable representations of temperature measuring equipment in digital catalogs and information systems.
Key Topics
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Temperature Measuring Equipment
The standard addresses a range of temperature measurement devices, including temperature gauges, temperature transmitters (contact and radiation types), and associated components such as thermowells and temperature connection heads.
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Operating and Device Lists of Properties (OLOPs and DLOPs)
- OLOPs define operating parameters useful for inquiries and quotations.
- DLOPs describe detailed device properties required for engineering, maintenance, and integration into automation systems.
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Data Structures and Modelling
IEC 61987-14 builds upon the data models established in IEC 61987-10 and IEC 61987-11, providing a framework for the consistent classification and digital representation of temperature measuring device attributes.
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Electronic Data Exchange
The standard promotes the use of electronic data exchange formats to eliminate redundant data entry, reduce errors, and enhance interoperability across different business and engineering workflows including procurement, commissioning, and plant maintenance.
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Property Libraries and Block Libraries
Includes normative annexes defining standard libraries of properties and building blocks tailored for various temperature measurement device types, ensuring consistency and reusability of data.
Applications
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Process Automation and Control Systems
Enables automated systems in factories and plants to accurately integrate and manage temperature measurement devices with reliable device description data.
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Engineering and Design Tools
Facilitates the use of standardized device data in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and plant design software, streamlining specification and equipment selection processes.
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Supplier and Manufacturer Catalogues
Supports standardized electronic catalogues that manufacturers and suppliers use to describe temperature measurement instruments, simplifying communication with customers worldwide.
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Maintenance and Asset Management Systems
Allows plant owners and maintenance teams to efficiently track device parameters, operational data, and device-specific information to improve equipment lifecycle management.
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Procurement and Quotation Processes
Simplifies the generation and exchange of device inquiries and quotations by standardizing how temperature measuring equipment properties are requested and provided.
Related Standards
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IEC 61987-10 - Defines the general structure and data modelling methods for lists of properties used in industrial process equipment catalogues.
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IEC 61987-11 - Provides the generic framework for both operating and device lists of properties (OLOP and DLOP) applicable to various process measurement devices.
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IEC 60584 (Thermocouples) and IEC 60751 (Resistance Temperature Detectors, RTDs) - Complement IEC 61987-14 by standardizing sensor characteristics relevant to temperature measuring equipment.
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ISO/IEC Directives – Provide procedural and editorial guidelines followed during the preparation of IEC standards including IEC 61987-14.
Conclusion
IEC 61987-14:2016 plays a crucial role in harmonizing the exchange of product information for temperature measuring equipment in the industrial process sector. By standardizing the lists of properties through clearly defined data structures, it enhances interoperability between manufacturers, suppliers, engineering firms, plant operators, and automation systems. This results in improved efficiency, reduced errors, and streamlined workflows across the entire lifecycle of temperature measurement instruments-making it an essential reference for companies engaged in industrial process measurement and control.