1. Description:
The BENTLY NEVADA 21000-28-05-15-012-04-02 is a specific configuration of a Proximity Probe Housing Assembly. Manufactured by Bently Nevada (now part of Baker Hughes), these assemblies are critical components in machinery protection and condition monitoring systems. Their primary purpose is to provide a robust, externally mounted enclosure for Bently Nevada proximity probes and their extension cables, allowing for non-contact measurement of shaft vibration, axial position, and speed in critical rotating machinery.
Breaking down the specific part number:
- 21000: Indicates the Proximity Probe Housing Assembly model.
- -28: Specifies the probe option: a 3300 XL 8 mm probe with a connector.
- -05: Denotes a probe cable length of 0.5 meter (20 inches).
- -15: Refers to a Standoff Adapter (Option C Dimension) of 1.5 inches (38 mm). This helps to set the probe’s distance from the machine’s surface.
- -012: Indicates a Probe Penetration (Option D Dimension) of 1.2 inches (30.5 mm). This specifies how far the probe extends into the housing.
- -04: Specifies the fittings option: one 3/4-14 NPT plug only.
- -02: Indicates the Mounting Thread option: 3/4-14 NPT.
2. Application Scenarios:
Imagine a large industrial gas turbine powering a compressor in a natural gas pipeline. The smooth operation of this turbine is crucial, and any excessive vibration or shaft movement could lead to catastrophic failure, causing significant downtime and safety hazards. In such a high-stakes scenario, BENTLY NEVADA 21000-28-05-15-012-04-02 Proximity Probe Housing Assemblies would be strategically installed around the turbine’s shaft bearings. Each housing would protect a 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe, which continuously monitors the shaft’s vibration and axial position without making physical contact. The housing allows for external access to the probe for gap adjustment or replacement, eliminating the need to dismantle the machine. This robust, externally mounted system provides real-time, highly accurate data to the plant’s machinery protection system, directly addressing the pain points of undetected machinery faults and ensuring the continuous and safe operation of critical assets.
3. Parameter:
Main Parameters Value/Description Product Model: BENTLY NEVADA 21000-28-05-15-012-04-02 Manufacturer: Bently Nevada (Baker Hughes) Product Category: Proximity Probe Housing Assembly Housing Material: Aluminum body (for 21000 series) with 304 stainless steel sleeve Compatible Probe: 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe Probe Cable Length (internal to housing): 0.5 meter (20 inches) Standoff Adapter Length: 1.5 inches (38 mm) Probe Penetration: 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) Fittings: One 3/4-14 NPT plug only Mounting Thread: 3/4-14 NPT Operating Temperature Range (for associated probe): -51°C to +177°C (-60°F to +351°F) Electrical Classification: Complies with CE mark for Europe; specific certifications (e.g., CSA, BASEEFA) for hazardous areas when used with approved components. Compliance: Fully compliant with API 670 Standard for externally mounted proximity probe housings. Weight: Approximately 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) typical, without additional fittings.
4. Technical Principles and Innovative Values:
The BENTLY NEVADA 21000 Proximity Probe Housing Assembly leverages several technical principles and offers significant innovative value:
- Innovation Point 1: Non-Contact Eddy Current Measurement Integration: The housing assembly is designed to precisely position Bently Nevada’s industry-standard proximity probes, which operate on the eddy current principle. This non-contact technology is critical for monitoring rotating machinery, as it allows for precise measurement of shaft vibration and position without physical wear or interference. The housing ensures the stable and accurate placement of the probe in relation to the shaft.
- Innovation Point 2: External Access and Maintenance without Machine Disassembly: A primary innovative value of these housing assemblies is their design for external mounting and access. This allows technicians to adjust the probe gap or completely replace the proximity probe and its extension cable without requiring a costly and time-consuming disassembly of the monitored machine. This significantly reduces maintenance downtime and simplifies troubleshooting for critical assets.
- Innovation Point 3: Robust Design and Compliance with Industry Standards: The 21000 series housings are built with robust materials (aluminum body, stainless steel sleeve) to withstand harsh industrial environments. Critically, they are designed to be fully compliant with the American Petroleum Institute (API) 670 Standard, a benchmark for machinery protection systems in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. This compliance ensures high reliability, safety, and interchangeability within demanding applications.
5. Application Cases and Industry Value:
In a critical chemical processing plant, large multi-stage centrifugal pumps are essential for maintaining product flow. Unmonitored bearing wear or shaft misalignment can lead to sudden pump failures, risking hazardous leaks and production stoppages. The plant implemented a comprehensive vibration monitoring program using BENTLY NEVADA 21000-28-05-15-012-04-02 Proximity Probe Housing Assemblies on each pump. These housings securely held the probes, providing continuous, high-accuracy data on shaft vibration and axial thrust. By monitoring these parameters, the plant could detect early signs of bearing degradation or shaft issues, allowing for predictive maintenance. For example, a gradual increase in axial position deviation would trigger an alarm, prompting a scheduled shutdown for bearing replacement before a catastrophic failure occurred. This proactive approach, facilitated by the reliable Bently Nevada housing assemblies, resulted in a 30% reduction in unplanned pump downtime, improved worker safety by preventing equipment failures, and significant savings in maintenance costs.
6. Related Product Combination Solutions:
The BENTLY NEVADA 21000-28-05-15-012-04-02 is part of a complete Bently Nevada proximity measurement system:
- Bently Nevada 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Probe (included in the assembly): This specific probe is contained within the housing and performs the actual non-contact measurement of the shaft.
- Bently Nevada Proximitor® Sensor (e.g., 3300 XL 8 mm Proximitor® Sensor): This external module receives the raw signal from the probe (via its extension cable) and converts it into a conditioned voltage output proportional to the gap, ready for input to a monitoring system.
- Bently Nevada Extension Cables (e.g., 3300 XL Extension Cables): These cables connect the probe within the housing to the external Proximitor® Sensor, especially when the distance between the probe and the sensor is significant.
- Bently Nevada Machinery Protection and Condition Monitoring Systems (e.g., 3500 Series, System 1): These rack-based or software-based systems receive the conditioned signals from the Proximitor® Sensors. They process the data, perform real-time vibration analysis, trigger alarms, and initiate machinery shutdowns if critical limits are exceeded.
- Conduit and Fittings: Used to protect the wiring from the housing assembly to the monitoring system, especially important in hazardous or harsh environments.
7. Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support:
Installation of the BENTLY NEVADA 21000-28-05-15-012-04-02 involves mechanically mounting the aluminum housing assembly to the machine casing, typically near the bearings or thrust collar. The specific standoff and penetration dimensions (as indicated in the part number) ensure correct probe positioning relative to the shaft. Electrical connection involves routing the probe’s integral cable (0.5m) to an extension cable and then to an external Proximitor® Sensor. Proper grounding and sealing of conduit connections are essential for environmental protection and signal integrity. Commissioning involves gapping the probe (adjusting its distance to the shaft) to ensure it operates within its linear range, which can be done externally through the housing.
Routine maintenance focuses on periodic visual inspections of the housing and probe tip for cleanliness, damage, or wear, and verifying the probe gap periodically. The external accessibility of the probe via the housing simplifies maintenance tasks. Troubleshooting involves checking the probe’s gap voltage, verifying cable continuity, and inspecting the Proximitor® Sensor output. As Bently Nevada is a major OEM, comprehensive full-cycle support is available. This includes detailed installation and maintenance manuals, technical support from factory-trained engineers, and access to genuine spare parts and calibration services globally. This robust support infrastructure ensures the long-term reliability and accuracy of machinery protection systems utilizing these critical components.