1. Description:
The BENTLY NEVADA 21000-34-05-00-030-03-02 is a specific configuration of a Proximity Probe Housing Assembly, manufactured by Bently Nevada (now part of Baker Hughes). These assemblies are vital for machinery protection and condition monitoring systems, providing a robust, externally mounted enclosure for Bently Nevada proximity probes and their extension cables. Their primary function is to enable non-contact measurement of shaft vibration, axial position, and speed in critical rotating machinery while offering external access for maintenance.
Breaking down the specific part number:
- 21000: Indicates the Proximity Probe Housing Assembly model.
- -34: Specifies the probe option: a 3300 XL 5 mm probe with a connector. This denotes a smaller probe diameter compared to the more common 8mm probes.
- -05: Denotes a probe cable length of 0.5 meter (20 inches).
- -00: Refers to a Standoff Adapter (Option C Dimension) of 0 inches (0 mm). This means there is no standoff adapter included, implying the probe starts its penetration directly from the mounting surface.
- -030: Indicates a Probe Penetration (Option D Dimension) of 3.0 inches (76.2 mm). This specifies how far the probe extends into the housing, allowing for a deep reach into the machine.
- -03: Specifies the fittings option: one 1/2-14 NPT plug only.
- -02: Indicates the Mounting Thread option: 3/4-14 NPT.
2. Application Scenarios:
Consider a precision machine tool in a manufacturing facility that requires extremely tight tolerances and accurate spindle positioning. Small shaft runouts or changes in axial position can significantly impact machining quality and lead to defective parts. The internal space around the spindle bearings is often constrained, necessitating smaller sensors. In this scenario, BENTLY NEVADA 21000-34-05-00-030-03-02 Proximity Probe Housing Assemblies would be ideal. The -34 (5 mm probe) allows for installation in cramped spaces where an 8 mm probe wouldn’t fit, while the -030 (3.0-inch penetration) ensures it can reach the critical measurement point on the spindle shaft. This setup provides continuous, non-contact monitoring of spindle vibration and axial position, sending precise data to the machine’s control system. The ability to externally adjust the probe gap or replace the probe without major machine disassembly directly addresses the pain points of limited access for instrumentation and the high costs of production downtime for maintenance or quality control.
3. Parameter:
Main Parameters Value/Description Product Model: BENTLY NEVADA 21000-34-05-00-030-03-02 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 5 mm proximity probe Probe Cable Length (internal to housing): 0.5 meter (20 inches) Standoff Adapter Length: 0 inches (0 mm) Probe Penetration (Option D Dimension): 3.0 inches (76.2 mm) Fittings: One 1/2-14 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 (with appropriate probe/system). Weight: Approximately 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) typical, without additional fittings.
4. Technical Principles and Innovative Values:
The BENTLY NEVADA 21000 Proximity Probe Housing Assembly incorporates core technical principles and offers innovative value, with this specific variant optimized for deep, confined spaces:
- Innovation Point 1: Small Diameter Probe for Confined Spaces: The -34 option for a 5 mm probe is a key innovation for applications with severe space constraints. This smaller probe allows for precise non-contact measurement of shaft dynamics in locations where a larger 8 mm probe would not fit, expanding the applicability of Bently Nevada’s highly accurate eddy current technology to a wider range of machinery.
- Innovation Point 2: Deep Penetration without Standoff: The combination of -00 (no standoff) and -030 (3.0-inch penetration) is specifically innovative. It allows the probe to reach far into the machine from the mounting surface, maximizing the effective measurement reach into the machine’s internals without increasing the overall footprint of the assembly or requiring an external standoff.
- Innovation Point 3: External Accessibility for Simplified Maintenance: Despite the deep penetration, the design allows for external adjustment of the probe gap or replacement of the entire probe and its integral cable. This significantly reduces maintenance time and costs by eliminating the need for major machine disassembly, crucial for ensuring continuous operation and protecting valuable machinery.
5. Application Cases and Industry Value:
In a high-speed centrifugal compressor in a natural gas processing plant, the critical thrust bearing is deeply recessed, and space around it is limited. Monitoring its axial position and associated vibration is vital for preventing catastrophic failures, which could lead to significant downtime and safety hazards. By utilizing BENTLY NEVADA 21000-34-05-00-030-03-02 Proximity Probe Housing Assemblies, the plant gained unprecedented access to this critical measurement point. The 5 mm probe fits into the tight clearances, and the 3.0-inch penetration allows it to reach the thrust collar accurately. This setup provides continuous, high-precision data on the compressor’s axial movement and vibration. The ability to monitor this previously challenging area enabled the plant to detect early signs of thrust bearing wear or damage, allowing for proactive, scheduled maintenance rather than reactive, costly repairs. This resulted in a significant reduction in unscheduled downtime for the compressor, improved overall plant safety, and optimized operational efficiency.
6. Related Product Combination Solutions:
The BENTLY NEVADA 21000-34-05-00-030-03-02 is part of a complete Bently Nevada proximity measurement system:
- Bently Nevada 3300 XL 5 mm Proximity Probe (included in the assembly): This specific probe is contained within the housing and performs the actual non-contact measurement.
- Bently Nevada 3300 XL 5 mm Proximitor® Sensor (e.g., 3300 XL 5mm 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.
- Bently Nevada 3300 XL Extension Cables: These cables connect the probe within the housing to the external Proximitor® Sensor, bridging the distance between the machinery and the monitoring cabinet.
- 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 21000-34-05-00-030-03-02 involves securely mounting the aluminum housing assembly to the machine casing. Due to the deep penetration and no standoff, precise drilling and tapping of the mounting hole are essential to ensure the probe aligns correctly with the target 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 critical for environmental protection and signal integrity, particularly in challenging industrial conditions. Commissioning involves carefully gapping the probe (adjusting its distance to the shaft) to ensure it operates within its linear range; this can be performed externally through the housing, leveraging its design for maintainability despite the deep reach.
Routine maintenance focuses on periodic visual inspections of the housing and probe tip for cleanliness, damage, or wear, and verifying the probe gap. The external accessibility of the probe via the housing significantly simplifies these tasks, even for deeply recessed probes. 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.