Bently Nevada 330400-01-05: Proximity Probe System for Machinery Position Monitoring

Product Description

The Bently Nevada 330400-01-05 is a high-precision proximity probe system, a critical component of Bently Nevada’s 3300 series machinery protection and condition monitoring solutions. Designed to measure axial and radial shaft displacement in rotating machinery, this system includes a proximity probe, extension cable, and signal conditioner (proximitor). It operates on eddy-current technology, where the probe generates an electromagnetic field; changes in shaft position alter the field, producing a voltage signal proportional to displacement. This signal is processed to provide real-time data on shaft movement, enabling early detection of faults like misalignment, bearing wear, or rotor instability. With rugged construction and reliable performance, it is essential for protecting critical industrial machinery.

Product Parameters

Parameter	Specification
System Type	Eddy-current proximity probe system
Probe Tip Material	Tungsten carbide (for wear resistance)
Measurement Range	0–2 mm (0–80 mils) linear displacement
Sensitivity	8 V/mm ± 0.5 V/mm (200 V/inch ± 12.5 V/inch)
Operating Frequency	5 kHz (probe resonance frequency)
Output Signal	-2 VDC to -10 VDC (proximitor output, proportional to displacement)
Cable Length	5 m (16.4 ft) shielded extension cable
Input Voltage	18–30 VDC (proximitor power supply)
Temperature Range	-30°C to +121°C (-22°F to +250°F) (probe and cable)

Product Specifications

Series

The 330400-01-05 is part of Bently Nevada’s 3300 series, a family of rugged machinery protection solutions designed for rotating equipment. The 3300 series includes proximity probes, extension cables, proximitors, and accessories, engineered for compatibility and reliability. Renowned for cost-effectiveness and ease of integration, the series serves as a foundational monitoring solution for industries requiring basic to intermediate machinery protection. It complements higher-end 3500 series systems, offering scalable options for applications ranging from pumps and motors to turbines and compressors.

Features

High-Precision Measurement

Tungsten carbide probe tip and stable sensitivity (8 V/mm) ensure accurate detection of micro-displacements, critical for early fault diagnosis (e.g., shaft misalignment as small as 0.1 mm).

Rugged Environmental Resistance

FEP-insulated cable and IP67 proximitor housing withstand harsh conditions—including exposure to oils, chemicals, and extreme temperatures—making it suitable for industrial environments like refineries and steel mills.

Triaxial Shielding

Multi-layer shielding minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), ensuring clean signal transmission in electrically noisy settings with motors, drives, or high-voltage equipment.

Wide Compatibility

Works seamlessly with Bently Nevada 3300 and 3500 series monitoring systems, as well as third-party DCS/SCADA platforms via signal converters.

Easy Installation

Threaded probe mounting and plug-and-play cable connections simplify on-site installation, reducing downtime during setup or replacement.

Function

The primary function of the 330400-01-05 is to measure axial and radial shaft displacement in rotating machinery. The proximity probe, mounted near the shaft, generates an electromagnetic field. As the shaft rotates or shifts, eddy currents induced in the shaft alter the probe’s impedance. The proximitor converts this impedance change into a -2 VDC to -10 VDC voltage signal, proportional to displacement. This signal is transmitted via the shielded cable to monitoring systems, where it is analyzed to detect anomalies like:

Use

In industrial settings, the system is installed by mounting the probe 0.5–1 mm from the rotating shaft (typically near bearings or seal housings). The extension cable connects the probe to the proximitor, which is mounted in a control cabinet or junction box. The proximitor’s output signal is routed to a monitoring system or PLC, providing real-time displacement data. Operators use this data to set alarm thresholds (e.g., 1.5 mm axial displacement for critical turbines), triggering alerts or shutdowns to prevent catastrophic failure. Maintenance teams rely on historical trends to schedule bearing replacements or alignment checks.

Application Fields

Power Generation

Monitors axial thrust in steam/gas turbines and radial movement in generator rotors, preventing bearing failures that could halt electricity production.

Oil and Gas

Measures compressor shaft displacement and pump bearing movement, ensuring reliable operation in upstream drilling rigs, midstream pipelines, and downstream refineries.

Chemical Processing

Tracks agitator shaft alignment and reactor motor displacement, detecting misalignment that could cause seal leaks or process contamination.

Pulp and Paper

Monitors roller shaft movement in paper machines, ensuring uniform web tension and preventing sheet breaks or quality defects.

Mining and Metals

Detects crusher and conveyor motor shaft displacement, preventing equipment damage in rugged environments where downtime is costly.

In summary, the Bently Nevada 330400-01-05 is a vital proximity probe system for rotating machinery monitoring. Its precision, durability, and compatibility make it essential for industries seeking to protect assets, reduce downtime, and optimize maintenance through reliable displacement measurement.