Product Description
The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 is a specific configuration of a Bently Nevada Proximity Transducer System, usually comprising a 3300 XL 8 mm probe, an extension cable, and a 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor. The “038” in the part number typically refers to the probe’s unarmored cable length (e.g., 3.8 meters), “10” to the extension cable length (e.g., 1.0 meter), and “02” to the overall system length (e.g., 2.0 meters, which would be the combined probe and extension cable length from the mounting point to the Proximitor Sensor). The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 is designed to provide highly accurate, non-contact measurements of static (position) and dynamic (vibration) displacement of machine shafts and other rotating components. It is a critical component in machinery protection and condition monitoring systems, providing precise data proportional to the distance between the probe tip and a conductive surface. The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 system is renowned for its reliability, stability, and high performance in demanding industrial environments, enabling early detection of machinery faults like bearing wear, rotor imbalance, and shaft misalignment. The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 is a cornerstone for continuous monitoring of critical rotating machinery.
Product Parameters
The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 system’s parameters are derived from its constituent parts, particularly the 3300 XL 8 mm Proximitor Sensor and probe:
Advantages and Features
The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 proximity transducer system offers significant advantages for machinery monitoring:
- Exceptional Accuracy and Resolution: The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 system provides highly precise, non-contact measurements of shaft position and dynamic vibration. This high resolution is critical for detecting subtle changes in machine behavior, allowing for early fault diagnosis.
- High Reliability and Durability: Built to Bently Nevada’s rigorous standards, the components of the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 are robust and designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, including oil, dust, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term stable performance.
- FluidLoc™ and ClickLoc™ Technology: The optional FluidLoc™ cable provides enhanced protection against fluid ingress at the probe-to-extension cable interface, while ClickLoc™ connectors ensure secure, reliable connections that resist accidental disconnection, even in vibrating environments.
- API 670 Compliance: The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 and its associated 3300 XL components are designed to meet the stringent requirements of API Standard 670, which is the world’s most widely applied standard for turbomachinery protection systems, ensuring high performance and safety.
- Interchangeability and Simplified Maintenance: All 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor, probe, and extension cable components are fully interchangeable without requiring individual calibration, simplifying maintenance and reducing spare parts inventory. This means any Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 with the same specified system length can be used as a direct replacement.
Application Areas and Application Cases
The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 proximity transducer system is widely used in industries with critical rotating and reciprocating machinery:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Essential for monitoring gas turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators in refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore platforms. It measures shaft vibration, axial position, and thrust bearing wear.
- Power Generation: Applied in thermal, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants to monitor steam turbines, generators, and large pumps for rotor vibration, shaft position, and bearing clearance.
- Manufacturing and Process Industries: Used on critical fans, motors, gearboxes, and centrifuges in chemical plants, steel mills, and paper mills to prevent unexpected shutdowns and optimize production.
- Marine and Naval Applications: Deployed on propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and power generation units on ships and vessels for continuous health monitoring.
Application Case: In a large natural gas processing plant, several Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 systems were installed on the main cryogenic expander-compressor train. These systems were critical for continuously monitoring the radial vibration and thrust position of the high-speed shafts. The plant experienced an unexpected shutdown of a similar train previously due to a sudden increase in radial vibration, leading to damage. With the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 systems integrated into their Bently Nevada 3500 Machinery Protection System, the operators gained real-time insight into the shaft’s dynamic behavior. During an operational cycle, one of the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 systems detected a gradual but steady increase in 1X (synchronous) vibration on the compressor shaft, indicating an imbalance developing. The plant was able to use this early warning to schedule a planned shutdown for dynamic balancing, preventing potential bearing damage and avoiding an unscheduled outage that would have cost the facility substantial production losses.
Competitive Comparison
When comparing the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 proximity transducer system to similar non-contact vibration and position sensors from other manufacturers, its key strengths lie in its integrated system design and compliance with demanding industry standards. While other vendors offer eddy current sensors, the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 is part of the established Bently Nevada 3300 XL series, known for its superior linearity, stable performance across temperature ranges, and robust construction. The inclusion of features like FluidLoc™ and ClickLoc™ connectors addresses common failure points in harsh industrial environments, often providing greater long-term reliability than simpler or less integrated designs. Its proven performance and widespread adoption in critical turbomachinery applications, backed by rigorous API 670 compliance, provide a level of trust and consistency that less specialized or proprietary systems may not offer. The interchangeability of 3300 XL components, including the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02‘s probe, cable, and Proximitor Sensor, also simplifies maintenance and reduces spare parts complexity compared to systems where component matching is more critical.
Selection Advice
When selecting the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 or a similar proximity transducer system, consider the following:
- Application Requirements: This specific system is ideal for measuring radial vibration, axial thrust, or differential expansion on rotating machinery. Ensure your application aligns with these measurement types.
- Probe Diameter and Mounting: The 8 mm probe of the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 is suitable for many applications. Confirm that there is adequate space for probe mounting and that the target surface is appropriate (conductive, sufficient size).
- System Length: The full part number Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 indicates specific probe and extension cable lengths. Ensure that the total system length (distance from probe tip to the Proximitor Sensor’s mounting location) matches your installation requirements to avoid issues with signal integrity.
- Environmental Conditions: Verify that the operating temperature range of your environment (up to 100°C for the probe and cable) is within the system’s specifications. Consider presence of fluids or chemicals that might necessitate the FluidLoc option.
- Target Material: The system requires a conductive target material (e.g., steel, aluminum) for accurate operation.
- Monitor Compatibility: The Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 (the system consisting of the probe, extension cable, and Proximitor Sensor) typically interfaces with a Bently Nevada 3500/40, 3500/42, or other compatible monitor module. Ensure compatibility with your existing or planned monitoring system.
Precautions
To ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the Bently Nevada 137479-038-10-02 system, observe these precautions:
- Proper Gapping: The air gap between the probe tip and the shaft (target surface) is critical for accurate measurement. Follow Bently Nevada’s recommended gapping procedures for the 3300 XL 8 mm system to ensure the measurement falls within the linear range.
- Cable Routing: Route the probe and extension cables carefully, avoiding sharp bends, crushing, or exposure to excessive heat beyond their rated limits. Ensure connectors are securely tightened to prevent signal degradation and moisture ingress.
- Environmental Protection: While robust, avoid direct exposure of the Proximitor Sensor (which has a lower operating temperature limit than the probe and cable) to excessive heat or moisture. Mount it in a suitable enclosure if needed.
- Target Surface Condition: The target surface must be clean, free from rust, paint, or other non-conductive coatings. Any irregularities on the target can introduce measurement errors.
- EMI/RFI Interference: While the system has good noise rejection, avoid routing transducer cables parallel to high-voltage power lines or other sources of strong electromagnetic interference. Use proper grounding practices.
- System Integrity: Regularly inspect the probe, extension cable, and Proximitor Sensor for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Replace damaged components promptly.