Overview
IEC 61987-21:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on data structures and elements for process equipment catalogues. Specifically, it addresses the List of Properties (LOP) for automated valves used in industrial-process measurement and control. This part (Part 21) defines generic structures to support electronic data exchange of automated valves, including control valves, automated on/off valves, and process regulators.
The standard facilitates the integration of automated valves into the Common Data Dictionary (CDD) by providing clear characterization schemes and data structures, ensuring consistent and interoperable electronic exchange of device information. The generic structures conform to IEC 61987-10 and cover Operating Lists of Properties (OLOPs) and Device Lists of Properties (DLOPs) for final control elements.
Key Topics
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Generic Structure of Lists of Properties (LOP)
IEC 61987-21 establishes a structured framework for representing the properties of automated valves. This includes generic block structures for Operating Lists of Properties (OLOPs) and Device Lists of Properties (DLOPs).
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Characterization Scheme for Automated Valves
The standard uses a characterization based on IEC 60534-1 for final control elements, detailing operational, design, and environmental conditions related to valves. This supports precise device classification and selection.
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Operating Conditions and Design Ratings
It defines base conditions, process cases, and operating conditions such as installation design, environmental constraints, and pressure-temperature limits, critical for valve performance and safety.
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Device Identification and Parameters
Detailed parameters include device group identification, functionality, system design, dependability, control inputs, output types, and digital communication interfaces.
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Mechanical and Electrical Aspects
The standard covers critical mechanical and electrical features such as overall dimensions, weight, structural design, explosion protection, and applicable codes and standards approvals.
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Operability and Maintenance
It addresses parametrization, adjustment, operation, diagnostics, and power supply requirements, enabling effective device lifecycle management.
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Composite Devices and Additional Aspects
Guidelines for integrating composite devices comprising multiple control elements ensure comprehensive data exchange frameworks.
Applications
IEC 61987-21:2015 is essential for manufacturers, vendors, and users of automated valves involved in industrial process control and measurement. Its practical applications include:
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Automated Valve Cataloguing
Standardized data structures ensure consistent, interoperable catalogues used in procurement, system integration, and maintenance workflows.
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Electronic Data Exchange
Facilitates communication between process control systems, asset management tools, and suppliers through uniform data formats, reducing errors and manual data entry.
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Device Selection and Specification
Detailed property lists support engineers in accurately selecting valves based on operational requirements, environmental conditions, and system specifications.
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System Integration
Enables seamless integration of final control elements into distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and asset management platforms.
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Compliance and Safety
Incorporates design ratings, explosion protection, and certification information critical for regulatory compliance and operational safety.
Related Standards
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IEC 61987-10: Data Structures for Operating and Device Lists of Properties
Provides foundational principles and structures that Part 21 extends specifically for automated valves' LOP.
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IEC 60534-1: Industrial-process control valves - Part 1: Introduction, control valve terminology, and general sizing rules
Supports the characterization methodology of final control elements adopted in IEC 61987-21.
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IEC 61131 Series: Programmable Controllers
Related standards in the industrial automation domain that benefit from standardized valve data structures for control and monitoring.
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IEC 62424: Documentation for Process Automation Systems
Defines standard documentation practices that complement the electronic catalogue data structured in IEC 61987-21.
Keywords
- IEC 61987-21
- Automated valves
- Industrial process control
- Data structures for valve catalogues
- List of Properties (LOP)
- Electronic data exchange
- Final control elements
- Process equipment catalogue
- Valve operating conditions
- Device identification and parameters
- Control valve data standard
- Process automation standards
- Valve characterization scheme
- IEC Common Data Dictionary (CDD)