Bently Nevada 172103-01 (3500/65): Central Controller for 3500 Machinery Protection System

Product Description

The Bently Nevada 172103-01, identified as the 3500/65 in the 3500 series, is a high-reliability central controller module, serving as the core of the Bently Nevada 3500 Machinery Protection and Condition Monitoring System. This module acts as the system’s “brain,” coordinating data flow between monitoring modules (e.g., vibration, position, temperature), processing real-time machinery health data, executing protection logic, and enabling communication with external systems. Designed for mission-critical industrial applications, it ensures seamless operation of the 3500 system, delivering actionable insights and automated protection to prevent catastrophic machinery failures.

Product Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Processor	1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9, supporting real-time data processing
Memory	2 GB DDR3 RAM; 16 GB eMMC flash storage for configuration and logs
Communication Interfaces	2 x 10/100 Ethernet ports; 1 x RS-485; integration with 3500 backplane
Supported Protocols	Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, and 3500 proprietary backplane protocol
Protection Logic	Configurable via 3500 Configuration Software, supporting API 670 compliance
Power Requirements	24 VDC ± 20%, 250 mA maximum current consumption
Operating Temperature	-10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F)

Product Specifications

Series

The 172103-01 (3500/65) is a cornerstone of the Bently Nevada 3500 series, a comprehensive suite of machinery protection and condition monitoring solutions. The 3500 series features modular components—including vibration monitors, communication modules, power supplies, and controllers—engineered for seamless integration. Renowned for scalability, reliability, and compliance with industry standards, the series protects critical rotating machinery in sectors like power generation, oil & gas, and chemical processing. The 3500/65 enhances the series by serving as its central processing hub, enabling coordinated operation of all system modules.

Features

Centralized Data Processing

Acts as the system’s core, aggregating data from vibration monitors, I/O modules, and Keyphasor units, processing up to 10,000 data points per second for real-time machinery health assessment.

Redundancy Capability

Supports dual-controller configurations with automatic failover, eliminating single points of failure and ensuring continuous protection in mission-critical applications.

Configurable Protection Logic

User-defined protection schemes (via 3500 Configuration Software) enable customization of alarm thresholds, interlocks, and shutdown sequences to meet specific machinery requirements.

Seamless External Integration

Multiple communication protocols (Modbus TCP/IP, OPC UA) facilitate data sharing with SCADA/DCS systems, enabling centralized oversight of machinery health across plant networks.

Advanced Diagnostics

Built-in self-diagnostics and module health monitoring provide real-time alerts for hardware faults, communication errors, or configuration issues, simplifying maintenance.

Function

The primary function of the 172103-01 (3500/65) is to serve as the central controller of the 3500 Machinery Protection System. It coordinates data flow between all system modules, processes incoming sensor data to evaluate machinery condition, and executes protection logic to trigger alarms or shutdowns when critical thresholds are exceeded. It stores configuration settings, logs alarm events, and communicates with external systems via industrial protocols. Additionally, it enables remote configuration and diagnostics, supporting centralized management of distributed 3500 installations.

Use

In industrial settings, the module is installed in the 3500 system rack (typically in a dedicated slot), connected to the system backplane to interface with all other modules. It processes data from sensors monitoring turbines, compressors, or pumps, evaluating vibration, position, and temperature parameters. Operators configure protection logic via software, defining alarm levels and automated responses (e.g., equipment shutdown). It shares real-time data with SCADA/DCS systems, allowing remote monitoring, while its redundancy ensures uninterrupted operation even during hardware faults.

Application Fields

Power Generation

Controls protection logic for steam/gas turbines, generators, and feedwater pumps in coal, gas, and nuclear plants, preventing catastrophic failures that could disrupt electricity production.

Oil and Gas

Manages data from compressor, pump, and turbine monitors in upstream drilling, midstream pipelines, and downstream refineries, ensuring safe, efficient hydrocarbon operations.

Chemical Processing

Coordinates monitoring of agitators, mixers, and reactor pumps, executing shutdown sequences to prevent leaks or equipment damage when hazardous conditions are detected.

Pulp and Paper

Oversees data from paper machine roller and motor monitors, triggering alerts for misalignment or bearing wear to minimize production downtime and maintain product quality.

Mining and Metals

Controls protection systems for crushers, conveyor motors, and mill drives, withstanding rugged environments to ensure reliable operation of critical mining equipment.

In summary, the Bently Nevada 172103-01 (3500/65) is an indispensable central controller that enables the 3500 system to deliver robust machinery protection. Its centralized processing, redundancy, and integration capabilities make it essential for industries seeking to safeguard high-value assets, optimize maintenance, and ensure operational resilience.