Definition:
Electromechanical devices are mechanical devices operated by an electric motor, solenoid, or actuator, commonly used in safety-critical applications. The final control element would be a classic example.
A typical process instrument (e.g., temperature or pressure transmitter) is not normally an electromechanical device; however, instruments incorporating motors, solenoids, or pumps to move a medium or mechanism can be classified as electromechanical. Thus, something like a complex gas analyzer would be an instrument and an electromechanical device.
An E/E/PE is a related term more for systems.
Key Points:
- Examples include solenoid valves and motor-operated valves.
- A typical instrument – think a temperature instrument – would not be.
- Some instruments may be if they have a function to vacuum out a space to bring a new sample in. Implying there is a pump and a small motor.
Example:
A solenoid-operated emergency shutdown valve (ESDV) is an electromechanical device.
See Also: final element, E/E/PE
Cited Source:
- IEC 61511-1:2016, Clause 3.2.7.
- Relay Manufacturer – TE – Article Relays in Safety-Related Control Systems