IEC 61987-15:2016

Overview

IEC 61987-15:2016 is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard that defines structured data models for level measuring equipment used in industrial-process measurement and control. The standard provides Operating List of Properties (OLOP) and Device List of Properties (DLOPs) specifically designed to enable consistent electronic data exchange, improve digital catalogues, and support interoperability of industrial equipment information across systems and organizations. As a part of the IEC 61987 series, this standard facilitates the standardized digital description of level measurement instrumentation, including level transmitters, gauges, switches, and their associated devices.

Key Topics

• Operating List of Properties (OLOP):

  • Defines the standard set of properties required to specify the operating parameters and collect user requirements for all types of level measuring equipment.
  • Can be used for requests for quotation, technical inquiries, and system integration.

• Device List of Properties (DLOPs):

  • Offers detailed, device-specific property lists covering a wide range of level measuring instruments such as radar, ultrasonic, mechanical, and capacitance level transmitters and switches.
  • Supports detailed documentation within computer-aided engineering (CAE), procurement, and maintenance systems.

• Data Structure Consistency:

  • Aligns with IEC 61987-10 and IEC 61987-11 principles to ensure the structure and terminology match other list-of-properties standards.
  • Ensures that property definitions, codes, and attributes are in harmony with the IEC Common Data Dictionary (CDD) and IEC 61360 family of standards.

• Reference Frameworks:

  • Provides reference models for installation, positioning, and integration of level measuring equipment, aiding in precise data mapping and system design.

Applications

IEC 61987-15:2016 is highly practical in a variety of industrial and business applications that rely on accurate, reliable, and standardized process measurement information:

• Electronic Data Exchange: Enables seamless exchange of standardized equipment specifications and parameters between manufacturers, suppliers, engineering consultants, and end-users.
• Digital Equipment Catalogues: Assists in creating interoperable, digital product catalogues for process instrumentation, improving procurement processes and equipment selection.
• Engineering Tools and CAE Systems: Facilitates the integration of device properties into engineering software, ensuring accurate design, documentation, and lifecycle management.
• Plant Operations and Maintenance: Supports plant operators and maintenance teams by providing consistent and comprehensive device data for operational planning, troubleshooting, and part replacement.
• Global Supply Chain Optimization: Reduces duplication, errors, and ambiguities in the communication of technical requirements across international projects and multi-vendor environments.

Related Standards

• IEC 61987-10: Fundamentals for List of Properties (LOPs) in industrial-process measurement and control. Provides guidance on structuring LOPs for electronic data exchange.
• IEC 61987-11: Generic structures for operating and device lists of properties, serving as a framework for subsequent device-specific standards.
• IEC 61360 (all parts): Standard for data element types and classification schemes for electronic component properties, closely linked to the Common Data Dictionary.
• Other IEC 61987 Parts: Additional device types and measurement categories, supporting a comprehensive digital ecosystem in process automation.

Keywords: IEC 61987-15, data structures, process equipment catalogues, electronic data exchange, level measuring equipment, operating list of properties, device list of properties, industrial process measurement, digital catalogues, standardized equipment data, industrial automation standards, IEC CDD.