❉Introduction

Modern power generation, oil & gas, petrochemical, and heavy industrial facilities rely on high-speed rotating machinery running under extreme conditions. Even small fluctuations in vibration, shaft position, or casing expansion can lead to severe failures.

To prevent this, operators depend on Bently Nevada sensors—globally recognized for accuracy, durability, and compliance with API 670 standards. Bently Nevada also supports comprehensive spare parts management, ensuring critical components are available when needed, and offers a wide range of industrial spare parts to maintain operational reliability. Their solutions integrate seamlessly with industrial automation parts, helping facilities monitor and protect machinery in real time.

This document explains how Bently Nevada’s proximity probes, accelerometers, velocity sensors, and expansion transducers solve real-world machinery problems.

❉Why These Sensors Matter

Rotating machinery failures rarely occur suddenly. They are almost always preceded by measurable changes.

Common Issues Detected Early

Increasing shaft vibration

Abnormal thrust movement

Thermal bow during startup

Rub conditions between rotor and stator

Resonance or oil-whirl in compressors

Low-frequency structural vibration (hydropower, cooling towers)

Accurate monitoring prevents unscheduled downtime, reduces repair costs, and improves safety.

❉Key Bently Nevada Sensor Families

Bently Nevada offers a wide range of sensors designed for precise monitoring of rotating machinery and industrial equipment. Eddy-Current Proximity Probes (3300 / 3300 XL Series) measure shaft vibration, radial displacement, and thrust position with micrometer-level precision, including popular models such as 3300 XL 8 mm, 3300 XL 11 mm, 3300 NSv™, 25 mm / 50 mm probes, and 330180 / 330171 drivers.

Velomitor® Velocity Sensors are ideal for housing vibration and low-frequency applications, with commonly used models including 330500, 330525, 190501 CT, and 330505 (hydropower). Accelerometers support high-frequency vibration analysis, featuring models like 330400, 330425, 330450 HTAS (high temperature up to 400°C), and 200150 (Trendmaster systems).

For monitoring casing growth and valve travel in turbines, Casing Expansion & Valve Position Sensors such as the 24765 Series and LVDT-based sensors provide accurate measurements. Additionally, Transmitters with 4–20 mA output—including 990 Vibration, 991 Thrust, and 177230 Seismic—offer simple, cost-effective protection solutions.

❉Typical Industrial Applications

Power Generation Steam turbines Gas turbines Hydropower units Generators	Petrochemical / Refining Pumps Blowers High-temp machinery
Oil & Gas Centrifugal compressors Reciprocating compressors Reinjection turbines	Manufacturing / General Industry Paper mills Steel plants Cooling towers Gearboxes

❉When to Upgrade or Replace Sensors

It may be time to upgrade or replace your sensors when vibration levels begin to rise, older 3300 systems require cable renewal, or thrust alarms occur more frequently. Drift in expansion readings during startup also signals aging probes or unstable measurements. In addition, new API 670 requirements or reliability program upgrades often necessitate more advanced, accurate sensor technologies.

By leveraging Bently Nevada’s comprehensive spare parts management, operators can ensure critical components are available when needed. Their wide range of industrial spare parts supports uninterrupted machinery operation, while integration with industrial automation parts enables real-time monitoring and improved system reliability. Recognizing these signs early helps maintain dependable machinery protection and overall system performance.

❉How to Select the Right Sensor

Selecting the right sensor begins with understanding the specific measurement application. For shaft vibration and radial position, the 3300 XL 8 mm system is the standard choice, while the 3300 XL 11 mm version is better suited for machines with larger clearances. On high-speed or small-shaft equipment, NSv™ probes provide more stable and accurate measurements.

For thrust position monitoring, both the 3300 XL probe system and the 991 transmitter offer reliable performance across a wide range of machines. When monitoring casing vibration, options such as the 330500, 330525, 190501 CT, and the low-frequency 330505 ensure proper detection of structural vibration.

In high-temperature environments, the 330450 HTAS provides dependable sensing where standard probes cannot operate. For expansion measurements or valve position feedback, 24765 LVDT sensors deliver the linear accuracy and durability required for precise thermal growth tracking and control applications.

Additionally, Bently Nevada supports effective spare parts management, offering a broad inventory of industrial spare parts that ensure continuous operation. Their solutions integrate with industrial automation parts, providing seamless monitoring and control to enhance machine performance and long-term system reliability.

Choosing the appropriate sensor ensures accurate data, improved machine protection, and long-term system reliability.

❉Who Benefits Most

Power plants

Oil & gas operators

Petrochemical plants

Hydropower facilities

OEM manufacturers

Reliability & maintenance teams

Integration with Monitoring Systems

Bently Nevada sensors work with industry-leading platforms:

3500 Series – Full API 670 protection

3300 System – Legacy yet widely used

1900 Series – Compact protection

1701 System – Distributed monitoring

Orbit Software – Advanced diagnostics

Best Practices for Installation & Maintenance

Installation Tips

Maintain correct probe-to-target gap

Use matched probe–cable–driver sets

Avoid routing near high-voltage cables

Follow OEM torque requirements

Calibration Tools

TK-3E calibration kit

Micrometer fixtures

Maintenance Tips

Inspect probe tips for contamination

Replace aged or cracked extension cables

Trend thrust readings after outages

Log accelerometer/velocity trends quarterly

❉Conclusion

Bently Nevada sensors form the backbone of machinery protection for turbines, compressors, and industrial equipment worldwide. Their unmatched precision, durability, and API 670 compliance help prevent failures, reduce downtime, and support long-term reliability.

Whether you need vibration, position, expansion, or structural monitoring, Bently Nevada provides proven solutions trusted across multiple industries.

Reach out to John Yang for assistance.

Email⇔sales3@askplc.com

Whatsapp/Mobile⇔+86 18150117685