
Product Description
🎯 4-Channel Vibration & Position Monitoring for Mission-Critical Machinery
The Bently Nevada 3500/42M Proximitor/Seismic Monitor (Part Number: 176449-02) stands as the industry benchmark for multi-channel vibration surveillance. This intelligent monitoring module processes signals from up to four proximity probes, accelerometers, or velocity sensors simultaneously—delivering real-time machinery health insights that prevent catastrophic failures before they occur.
⚡ What Makes the 3500/42M Essential for Your Operation
Multi-Sensor Flexibility: Accept inputs from proximity probes (radial vibration, thrust position), velocity transducers (casing vibration), and accelerometers (bearing condition)—all within a single module occupying just one rack slot.
Intelligent Alarm Management: Configure independent Alert and Danger setpoints for each channel with hysteresis control, voting logic, and time delays—eliminating false trips while ensuring genuine faults trigger immediate protective action.
Buffered Outputs: Each channel provides a buffered transducer output for oscilloscope analysis or secondary monitoring systems, enabling deep diagnostic work without signal degradation.
📊 Technical Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 3500/42M-176449-02 |
| Input Channels | 4 independent channels (configurable per channel) |
| Supported Transducers | Proximity probes, Velomitors, Accelerometers, Seismoprobes |
| Input Impedance | 10 kΩ (standard I/O modules) |
| Power Consumption | 7.7W typical |
| Recorder Outputs | 4-20 mA proportional (0-600Ω load) |
| Operating Temp | -30°C to +65°C (-22°F to +150°F) |
| Dimensions (Main) | 241.3 × 24.4 × 241.8 mm (9.50" × 0.96" × 9.52") |
| Weight | 0.91 kg (2.0 lb) main board |
🏭 Industry-Specific Application Solutions
🔥 Power Generation Turbines
Challenge: Steam and gas turbines operate at 3,000-3,600 RPM with bearing temperatures exceeding 120°C, requiring continuous monitoring of journal bearing vibration, thrust position, and casing acceleration.
Solution: Configure channels 1-2 for radial vibration (proximity probes at X-Y positions), channel 3 for thrust position monitoring, and channel 4 for casing vibration (velocity sensor). The 3500/42M's buffered outputs enable simultaneous trending in DCS and oscilloscope analysis during startup transients.
⚙️ Centrifugal Compressor Trains
Challenge: Multi-stage compressors in petrochemical service experience complex vibration signatures from aerodynamic forces, requiring differentiation between normal operation and incipient surge or rotor instability.
Solution: Deploy proximity probes at each bearing housing (4 channels monitoring 2 bearings in X-Y configuration). The monitor's configurable sensitivity ranges (100-200 mV/mil) accommodate varying probe installations while maintaining ±1 mil accuracy across the full operating envelope.
💧 High-Speed Pump Systems
Challenge: Boiler feed pumps and pipeline pumps operate in cavitation-prone conditions where bearing failures develop rapidly, demanding sub-second alarm response times.
Solution: Combine proximity probes for shaft vibration with accelerometers for bearing envelope analysis. The 3500/42M's independent channel programming allows simultaneous monitoring of low-frequency shaft whirl (proximity) and high-frequency bearing defects (acceleration) with distinct alarm thresholds.
🔧 Configuration & Integration Workflow
- Physical Installation: Insert module into any full-height slot right of the TDI module; connect I/O module to rack rear
- Transducer Wiring: Terminate sensor cables per I/O module type (internal/external terminations available)
-
Software Configuration: Use 3500 Rack Configuration Software to define:
- Transducer type and sensitivity per channel
- Measurement parameters (radial vibration, thrust, eccentricity, etc.)
- Alert/Danger setpoints with hysteresis and time delays
- Recorder output scaling (4-20 mA range mapping)
- Alarm Routing: Map alarm outputs to relay modules (3500/33) or communication gateways (3500/92) for DCS integration
- Baseline Establishment: Capture vibration signatures during commissioning for future trending and anomaly detection
📈 Measurement Capabilities by Transducer Type
| Transducer Type | Sensitivity Options | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity Probes | 100 or 200 mV/mil | Radial vibration, thrust position, differential expansion |
| Velocity Sensors | 20, 5.8, or 4 mV/(mm/s) | Casing vibration, structural resonance |
| Accelerometers | 100 mV/g | Bearing condition, gear mesh analysis |
| REBAM Probes | 1000 or 2000 mV/mil | Reverse-mounted bearing applications |
⚠️ Critical Selection Criteria: I/O Module Options
Model 176449-02 Configuration: This specific part number includes a particular I/O module configuration. Verify compatibility with your transducer types before ordering.
| I/O Option | Part Number | Supported Sensors |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 128229-01 | Seismoprobe (internal terminations) |
| 07 | 138708-01 | Shaft Absolute (internal terminations) |
| 09 | 140471-01 | Prox/Velom/HTVS (internal terminations) |
| 04-06 | 135489 series | Intrinsically safe barriers (hazardous areas) |
💡 Operational Benefits & ROI Impact
- 🛡️ Prevent Catastrophic Failures: Early detection of bearing wear, rotor rubs, and alignment issues prevents $500K+ repair costs and months of downtime
- 📉 Reduce Maintenance Costs: Condition-based monitoring eliminates unnecessary preventive maintenance while catching genuine faults early
- ⏱️ Maximize Uptime: Continuous surveillance enables planned maintenance during scheduled outages rather than forced shutdowns
- 📊 Regulatory Compliance: Meets API 670 machinery protection standards and insurance requirements for critical equipment
- 🔄 Future-Proof Investment: Modular design supports system expansion and technology upgrades without rack replacement
📦 Complete Package Includes
- ✅ 3500/42M Proximitor/Seismic Monitor main board (176449-02)
- ✅ I/O interface module (configuration per part number suffix)
- ✅ Rack mounting hardware and retention clips
- ✅ Front panel LED indicators (OK, TX/RX, Bypass)
- ✅ Buffered transducer output connectors (4× coaxial)
- ✅ Configuration software compatibility (3500 Rack Configuration Software)
- ✅ Installation and commissioning documentation
🔗 System Integration & Companion Products
| 3300 XL Proximity Probes | 8mm/11mm sensors for radial vibration and thrust position |
| 330500 Velomitor Sensors | Velocity transducers for casing vibration monitoring |
| 3500/22 TDI Module | Transient data capture for event analysis and diagnostics |
| 3500/33 Relay Module | 16-channel relay outputs for alarm annunciation and shutdown logic |
| 3500/92 Gateway | Ethernet/Modbus communication for DCS/SCADA integration |
🎓 Technical Support & Resources
Our machinery protection specialists provide comprehensive support including transducer selection guidance, alarm setpoint optimization, baseline establishment protocols, and operator training on vibration signature interpretation. Post-installation commissioning services ensure your monitoring system delivers maximum protective value from day one.
For application-specific configuration assistance, I/O module compatibility verification, or technical consultation on vibration monitoring strategies for your specific machinery, contact our condition monitoring experts.