BENTLY 3500/42-01-00

Description

Product Overview

BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 is a 4-channel proximity/seismic monitor developed by Bently Nevada (now part of Baker Hughes) for the 3500 Series machinery protection system. This module provides continuous online monitoring of radial vibration, axial position, eccentricity, acceleration, and velocity measurements from eddy current proximity probes and seismic sensors. BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 is designed to meet API 670 standards for machinery protection and is extensively deployed on critical turbomachinery including steam turbines, gas turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators in power generation, oil and gas, and industrial facilities worldwide. The “-01-00” suffix indicates the standard configuration with 4-channel proximity monitoring capability and front panel LED alarm indicators.

Technical Specifications

BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 features the following technical specifications:

• Function: 4-channel vibration/displacement monitor

• Input Channels: 4 independent channels

• Sensor Compatibility:

  • Bently Nevada 3300/7200 series proximity probes

  • Velocity seismic sensors

  • Accelerometers (with appropriate signal conditioner)

• Input Impedance: >100 kOhm

• Frequency Response: 0 Hz to 1 kHz (proximitor), 3 Hz to 1 kHz (seismic)

• Measurements:

  • Radial vibration (peak-to-peak displacement)

  • Axial position (gap voltage)

  • Eccentricity

  • Case velocity/acceleration

• Accuracy: ±0.5% of full scale

• Alarm Setpoints: 4 programmable relays per channel

• Signal Conditioning: Integration, filtering, peak detection

• Outputs:

  • 4–20 mA proportional outputs

  • Buffered transducer outputs

  • OK relay contacts

• Communication: 3500 rack backplane, Modbus via RIM module

• Diagnostics: Channel OK, transducer fault detection, self-test

• Indicators: Per-channel OK, alarm, danger; module status; power

• Power Consumption: 24 V DC, 250 mA from rack backplane

• Mounting: 3500 Series rack, occupies one slot

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +65°C

• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

• Certifications: ATEX, CSA, CE, API 670 compliant

A defining characteristic of BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 is its dual measurement capability per channel. Each input can simultaneously process both dynamic (vibration) and static (position) components of the transducer signal, providing complete machinery condition assessment from a single sensor.

Advantages & Features

BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 represents the industry standard for machinery protection monitoring. Key advantages include:

• API 670 Compliance: Meets or exceeds all applicable requirements for critical turbomachinery protection systems

• Hot Swappable: Module can be replaced with power applied without interrupting protection on other channels

• Quadruple Redundant OK Relay: Dedicated voting logic ensures highest availability for trip circuits

• Transducer Fault Detection: Continuous monitoring of probe gap and cable integrity identifies sensor failures before they compromise protection

• Programmable Setpoints: Four independent alarm/danger setpoints per channel with time delays

• Historical Data: Peak value capture and event logging for post-event analysis

For facilities operating critical rotating machinery, BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 provides the highest level of protection integrity available. The module’s robust design and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities have made it the preferred choice for both original equipment manufacturers and end users in safety-critical applications.

Application Examples

Typical applications for BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 include:

• Steam Turbine Generators: Radial bearing vibration, thrust bearing position, case expansion monitoring

• Gas Turbine Compressors: Shaft vibration and position monitoring on pipeline compressors

• Hydroelectric Turbines: Guide bearing vibration, turbine-generator alignment monitoring

• Centrifugal Pumps: High-speed pump vibration protection in refinery service

• Gearboxes: Vibration monitoring on high-speed gear sets in power transmission applications

A major international oil company operates over 500 BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 modules across their global fleet of LNG plant compressors and offshore production platforms. Following a comprehensive reliability assessment, the company reported zero dangerous failures and only 12 spurious trips across 15 million operating hours over a five-year period—a testament to the exceptional reliability and stability of the 3500 Series platform.

Competitive Comparison

Primary competitors to BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 include GE Bently Nevada 3500 (prior generation), Emerson CSI 6500, and Metrix IT531x series. Comparative analysis:

BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 maintains an unassailable advantage in installed base and field-proven reliability. While competitive products offer similar functionality, the Bently Nevada 3500 Series remains the default specification for critical turbomachinery protection in the oil and gas and power generation industries worldwide.

Selection Recommendations & Precautions

1. Model Verification: BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 is the standard 4-channel proximity monitor configuration. Verify that the “-01-00” suffix matches your application requirements. Alternative configurations include -01-01 (seismic only) and -01-02 (position only).

2. Rack Compatibility: BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 requires a 3500 Series rack with compatible power supply and RIM (Rack Interface Module). The module is not compatible with older 3300 Series racks.

3. Configuration Software: The module must be configured using Bently Nevada’s 3500 Series configuration software. Configuration includes channel type, measurement units, alarm setpoints, and relay mapping. Retain backup copies of all configuration files.

4. Sensor Compatibility Verification: BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 is optimized for Bently Nevada 3300/7200 Series proximity probes. Third-party proximity probes may require additional signal conditioning and are not recommended for safety-critical applications.

5. Transducer Extension Cable: Total cable length (probe + extension) must not exceed manufacturer specifications—typically 10 meters for 3300 Series probes. Excessive cable length will compromise frequency response and measurement accuracy.

6. Spare Parts Strategy: For critical turbomachinery protection applications, maintain minimum one spare BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 per ten installed modules or per facility, whichever is greater. Lead times for new modules typically range 8–12 weeks.

When sourcing BENTLY 3500/42-01-00 for API 670 machinery protection applications, procurement exclusively through Bently Nevada’s authorized distribution channel with full factory warranty is strongly recommended. The module remains in active production with comprehensive factory support and a minimum 10-year supply commitment. Units from surplus brokers may be older revisions, may lack current firmware, or may have undocumented repair history and cannot be verified for API 670 compliance. Bently Nevada offers a factory recertification program that restores used modules to “as-new” condition with full warranty and current revision level—the only acceptable source for pre-owned units in safety-critical applications.

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