Product Description
The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 is a specific configuration of a Bently Nevada Proximity Transducer System, typically consisting of a 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe, an extension cable, and a 3300 XL 8 mm Proximitor Sensor. The “1381” at the beginning of the part number likely indicates a legacy or specific packaging/kit, while “647980” refers to the core 3300 XL 8 mm system components, and “12” specifies the overall system length (e.g., 1.2 meters or 47.2 inches). This Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 system provides highly accurate, non-contact measurements of both static (position) and dynamic (vibration) displacement of machine shafts and other conductive rotating components. It generates an output voltage directly proportional to the distance between the probe tip and the observed conductive surface. The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 is a fundamental component for continuous machinery protection and condition monitoring, enabling early detection of critical faults like bearing wear, rotor imbalance, shaft misalignment, and axial thrust issues. Its robust design and high performance make the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 indispensable for safeguarding critical rotating machinery in various industrial applications.
Product Parameters
The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 system’s parameters are based on the specifications of the Bently Nevada 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Transducer System:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Type | Proximity Transducer System (Probe, Extension Cable, Proximitor Sensor) |
| Probe Diameter | 8 mm |
| Linear Measuring Range | 2.0 mm (80 mils) |
| Average Scale Factor (ASF) | 7.87 V/mm (200 mV/mil) nominal |
| Frequency Response | 0 Hz to 10 kHz (with 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor) |
| Operating Temperature | -34°C to +100°C (-30°F to +212°F) (for full system operation: probe, cable, Proximitor Sensor) |
| Storage Temperature | -52°C to +105°C (-62°F to +221°F) |
| Probe Tip Material | Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) |
| Probe Case Material | AISI 303 Stainless Steel (SST) |
| Cable Type | Coaxial, often with FluidLoc™ cable option for enhanced protection |
| Connectors | Standard coaxial connectors, typically with ClickLoc™ locking mechanisms |
| Power Requirement | -24 Vdc nominal (from Bently Nevada monitor or approved power supply) |
| Output Resistance | 50 Ω (for 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor) |
| System Length | 1.2 meters (47.2 inches) (combined probe cable and extension cable length) |
| RFI/EMI Immunity | Excellent (due to shielded design and robust engineering) |
Advantages and Features
The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 proximity transducer system, being a part of the 3300 XL series, offers significant advantages and features:
- High Precision and Accuracy: The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 provides highly accurate and repeatable non-contact measurements of shaft displacement and vibration. This precision is crucial for detecting minute changes in machine behavior and enabling effective predictive maintenance.
- Robust and Reliable Design: Engineered for demanding industrial environments, the components of the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 are built to withstand exposure to oil, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term operational stability and reduced maintenance.
- API 670 Standard Compliance: The 3300 XL 8 mm system, which the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 is part of, fully complies with the mechanical configuration, linear sensing range, accuracy, and temperature stability requirements of the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) 670 Standard (4th Edition). This makes it a trusted choice for critical turbomachinery protection.
- Full Interchangeability: All 3300 XL 8 mm Proximitor Sensor, probe, and extension cable components are fully interchangeable. This eliminates the need for individual component matching or bench calibration, simplifying spare parts management and reducing maintenance time for the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 system.
- FluidLoc™ and ClickLoc™ Connectors: The system incorporates advanced features like FluidLoc™ technology for improved moisture resistance at cable connections and ClickLoc™ connectors for secure, reliable, and vibration-resistant connections, enhancing overall system integrity.
Application Areas and Application Cases
The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 proximity transducer system is widely utilized in industries that operate critical rotating and reciprocating machinery:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Essential for monitoring gas turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. It provides vital data on shaft vibration, axial thrust position, and bearing clearance, preventing costly failures.
- Power Generation: Employed in thermal, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants to monitor steam turbines, generators, boiler feed pumps, and cooling tower fans. It helps ensure the reliable operation and longevity of power generation assets.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Plants: Applied to critical process machinery such as large fans, motors, mixers, and centrifuges, where continuous operation and prevention of unscheduled downtime are paramount.
- Steel and Metal Industry: Used for monitoring rolling mill machinery, large motors, and gearboxes to detect imbalances or misalignment that could lead to production interruptions.
Application Case: In a large natural gas liquefaction (LNG) facility, multiple Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 systems were installed on the main refrigerant compressor trains. These compressors are critical to the LNG production process, and their continuous operation is essential. The Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 systems were used to monitor the radial vibration of the compressor shafts and the axial (thrust) position of the rotors, providing real-time data to the plant’s Bently Nevada 3500 Machinery Protection System. During routine monitoring, one of the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 systems detected a subtle but increasing trend in axial thrust position, indicating potential wear in the thrust bearing. This early warning allowed the plant to schedule a planned shutdown during a low-demand period to inspect and replace the thrust bearing. Without this proactive detection, a catastrophic thrust bearing failure could have occurred, resulting in significant damage to the compressor train and an extended, unplanned outage, saving the facility millions in potential losses.
Competitive Comparison
When compared to general-purpose proximity sensors or vibration measurement solutions from other manufacturers, the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 proximity transducer system stands out due to its specialized design and integration within the Bently Nevada ecosystem. While many vendors offer non-contact displacement sensors, the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12 is part of the Bently Nevada 3300 XL series, which is specifically engineered and optimized for the demanding requirements of turbomachinery. Its precise linearity, temperature stability, and superior resistance to environmental factors (like fluid ingress with FluidLoc™) often surpass the performance of more generic offerings. Crucially, its compliance with API 670—the industry benchmark for machinery protection systems—provides a level of assurance and reliability that not all competing products can match. The inherent interchangeability of 3300 XL components, including the Bently Nevada 1381-647980-12‘s probe, cable, and Proximitor Sensor, also offers a distinct advantage in terms of simplified maintenance and reduced spare parts inventory compared to systems that require matched components or extensive calibration.
