Bently Nevada 3500/20 125744-02: Vibration Monitor Module for Machinery Protection

Product Description

The Bently Nevada 3500/20 125744-02 is a high-performance vibration monitor module, a core component of the Bently Nevada 3500 Machinery Protection and Condition Monitoring System. Designed to detect and analyze vibration in rotating machinery, this 4-channel module accepts input signals from proximity probes, velocity sensors, and accelerometers. It processes these signals to measure key vibration parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and phase, then compares them against user-programmable alarm thresholds. By providing real-time alerts for abnormal vibration patterns, it enables early detection of faults like unbalance, misalignment, bearing wear, and rotor instability, critical for protecting high-value industrial assets.

Product Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Module Type	4-channel vibration monitor module for 3500 system
Input Signal Types	Proximity probes (eddy-current), velocity sensors, accelerometers
Measurement Range	0–200 mils peak-to-peak (proximity probes); 0–50 mm/s RMS (velocity)
Frequency Response	0.1 Hz to 10 kHz (proximity); 1 Hz to 1 kHz (velocity/accelerometer)
Alarm Capabilities	Dual alarm levels (Alert and Danger) with configurable delays (0.1–60 s)
Output Signals	4–20 mA analog per channel; digital data via 3500 backplane
Sampling Rate	51.2 kHz per channel for high-resolution frequency analysis
Accuracy	±0.5% of reading (at steady state)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)

Product Specifications

Series

The 3500/20 125744-02 is an integral part of the Bently Nevada 3500 series, a comprehensive suite of machinery protection and condition monitoring solutions. The 3500 series includes modular components such as vibration monitors, communication modules, power supplies, and I/O modules, all engineered for seamless integration. Renowned for scalability—supporting 1 to 40+ monitoring points—and redundancy features, the series adheres to global standards like ISO 10816 and API 670. Trusted across industries, it protects critical rotating machinery in power generation, oil & gas, and chemical processing. The 3500/20 enhances the series by providing specialized vibration analysis, a cornerstone of machinery health monitoring.

Features

Multi-Sensor Compatibility

Supports proximity probes, velocity sensors, and accelerometers, enabling flexible monitoring of diverse machinery types—from low-speed pumps to high-speed turbines.

Advanced Frequency Analysis

High-resolution frequency response (0.1 Hz to 10 kHz) captures both low-frequency issues (e.g., rotor imbalance) and high-frequency faults (e.g., bearing defects).

Dual Alarm Levels

Configurable Alert and Danger thresholds with adjustable delays reduce false alarms while ensuring timely response to critical vibration events.

Phase-Referenced Data

Integrates with Keyphasor signals to correlate vibration with shaft position, enabling precise diagnosis of rotational faults like misalignment and resonance.

Seamless System Integration

Connects to 3500 backplane for data sharing with other modules, supporting centralized monitoring via 3500 HMI or integration with SCADA/DCS systems.

Function

The primary function of the 3500/20 125744-02 is to monitor and analyze vibration in rotating machinery. It receives raw signals from connected sensors, conditions them to filter noise, and converts them into meaningful vibration parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase). Using built-in algorithms, it identifies abnormal patterns indicative of mechanical faults. When vibration exceeds user-set thresholds, it triggers alarms via LEDs, analog outputs, and digital signals to the 3500 system. This data is used by operators for real-time machinery protection and by maintenance teams for trend analysis, enabling predictive maintenance to prevent unplanned downtime.

Use

Installed in the 3500 system rack, the module connects to sensors mounted on critical machinery (e.g., turbine bearings, compressor shafts). Technicians configure it via 3500 software to set sensor types, measurement ranges, and alarm thresholds. Real-time vibration data is displayed on the 3500 HMI, with historical trends stored for analysis. During operation, the module continuously monitors signals; if alarms activate, operators can shut down machinery or schedule maintenance. It integrates with 3500 communication modules to share data with plant-wide control systems, ensuring visibility across operations.

Application Fields

Power Generation

Monitors vibration in steam/gas turbines, generators, and feedwater pumps, detecting rotor imbalance and bearing degradation to prevent unplanned outages.

Oil and Gas

Protects centrifugal compressors, pipeline pumps, and gas turbines, identifying vibration issues caused by gas pulsation or mechanical wear in harsh upstream/downstream environments.

Chemical Processing

Monitors agitators, mixers, and reactor motors, ensuring stable operation to prevent product contamination or equipment failure in corrosive settings.

Pulp and Paper

Tracks vibration in paper machine rolls and dryer sections, detecting misalignment that could cause sheet breaks or quality defects.

Mining and Metals

Monitors crushers, conveyor motors, and mill drives, withstanding dust and vibration to prevent breakdowns in rugged mining operations.

In summary, the Bently Nevada 3500/20 125744-02 is a vital vibration monitor module that safeguards rotating machinery through precise vibration analysis. Its versatility, accuracy, and integration capabilities make it essential for industries relying on reliable, efficient machinery operation.