Bently Nevada 330104-00-12-10-02-00 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Probes

The Bently Nevada 330104-00-12-10-02-00 is part of the 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Probe family, engineered for accurate and reliable non-contact measurement of shaft vibration and position in rotating machinery. Designed by Bently Nevada, a pioneer in machinery condition monitoring, this probe is trusted globally across critical industries for real-time diagnostics and protection of expensive assets such as turbines, compressors, and motors.

The 3300 XL series is known for its robustness and field-proven performance in extreme operating environments. This specific model optimized for installations that require longer probe-cable distance without sacrificing signal quality or measurement accuracy.

Built with corrosion-resistant stainless steel and sealed to withstand high temperature, vibration, and moisture, this proximity probe ensures minimal signal drift over time and long-term operational stability.

Product Specifications

Applications

The 330104-00-12-10-02-00 proximity probe is widely applied in critical machinery monitoring and protection systems. Some of the core application areas include:

• Steam & Gas Turbines

• Centrifugal and Reciprocating Compressors

• Electric Motors and Generators

• Industrial Fans and Blowers

• Gearboxes and Couplings

• Pumps (API 610, ANSI, etc.)

• Rolling Mills and Paper Machines

• Marine Propulsion Units

• Offshore Drilling Rigs

Its versatility and robust design make it ideal for both OEM and retrofit scenarios in power, oil & gas, chemical processing, mining, marine, and heavy manufacturing industries.

Product Advantages

1. Extended Cable Length (12 ft) – Supports longer cable routing without signal loss, suitable for remote installations.

2. High Temperature Rating – Withstands extreme conditions up to 177°C, ensuring performance stability.

3. Excellent Linearity – Offers reliable measurement with minimal non-linearity over the entire range.

4. Non-Contact Sensing – Reduces mechanical wear and minimizes intrusion on monitored equipment.

5. Global Compatibility – Compatible with industry standards like API 670, widely accepted in international projects.

6. Environmental Protection – Designed with IP68 sealing for submersion in oil or process fluids.

7. Precision Engineering – Manufactured under rigorous Bently Nevada quality control for maximum accuracy.

8. Modular System Integration – Fully compatible with Bently Nevada’s 3300 and 3500 monitoring systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What happens if the probe tip gets covered with oil or debris during operation?

   • While the probe is designed to operate in harsh environments, buildup of oil, dust, or metal particles on the probe tip can affect the accuracy of the signal. It’s recommended to include a routine inspection and cleaning cycle during scheduled maintenance.

2. Can I use this proximity probe in a vertical orientation inside a gearbox?

   • Yes, the probe can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or at any angle, as long as the target surface is clean, flat, and metallic. Vertical installation is common for thrust position monitoring in gearboxes and turbines.

3. Is there any signal degradation if the cable runs near high-voltage sources?

   • Shielded cabling helps minimize EMI, but it’s best practice to route the cable away from high-power lines, VFDs, or ungrounded enclosures. If unavoidable, use conduit or separate trays to reduce noise coupling.

4. How critical is the 8 mm diameter? Can I substitute it with a 5 mm version if space is tight?

   • You cannot substitute a 5 mm probe for an 8 mm one without recalibrating the entire system, as they have different linear ranges and scale factors. If space is constrained, consider using a properly scaled 330103 (5 mm) model instead.

5. Can the probe survive if the shaft rubs against it due to mechanical failure?

   • Direct contact with the shaft can damage the probe tip permanently. In some installations, users implement mechanical stops or clearance alarms to protect the probe before contact occurs.

6. Does probe extension length affect the calibration or accuracy?

   • The total system length (probe + extension cable) must match the Proximitor module. This model has a 12 ft probe cable, so it must be used with the correct length of extension cable and proximitor sensor pre-calibrated for that combination.

7. How do I verify if the probe is properly installed during commissioning?

   • Use a dial gauge to measure the mechanical gap to the shaft (target distance should be within 1 mm ±0.2 mm). Then, check the DC bias voltage from the Proximitor sensor — it should be around -10 V for a standard gap.

8. What’s the best way to mount this probe in a pump bearing housing?

   • Use a welded or threaded stainless steel probe holder that aligns the probe tip perfectly perpendicular to the shaft. Ensure the tip is exposed through a clean hole and that the locknut is torqued securely to prevent backing out due to vibration.

9. Can I run this probe through a junction box before going to the proximitor?

   • It’s not recommended. The cable is a matched coaxial pair and altering or extending it through a junction box introduces impedance mismatches, resulting in signal errors. Use factory-specified extension cables only.

10. What would cause a sudden shift in probe gap readings without mechanical changes?

• Several factors could cause this: cable damage, connector corrosion, loose mounting, or proximity to electromagnetic interference. It’s advisable to check the full signal chain including connectors, cable shielding, and probe mounting integrity.