Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | 3500/42M |
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Product category | Machinery Protection System Vibration Monitoring Series |
| Channel configuration | 4 independent monitoring channels (standard configuration) |
| Measurement type | Radial vibration, axial position, differential expansion |
| Frequency range | 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz |
| Sampling rate | 256 samples per second per channel (continuous), 12,800 sps (transient) |
| Accuracy | ±0.2% of full scale |
| Alarm capability | Configurable dual alarm levels per channel (Alert, Danger) |
| Operating voltage | 5 VDC, ±15 VDC (from 3500 series rack backplane) |
| Power consumption | 8-10 W (varies by specific variant) |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +60°C (32°F to +140°F) |
| Form factor | 3500 system rack mount (2 slot width) |
| Dimensions | 266 mm (H) × 72 mm (W) × 229 mm (D) (10.5″ × 2.8″ × 9.0″) |
| Compatibility | 3500 series racks, transient monitors, vibration sensor cables |
| Certification | UL, CE, RoHS compliant, IEC 61010-1 approved |
BENTLY 3500/42M
Product introduction
The 3500/42M from Bently Nevada represents a series of high-performance vibration monitoring modules that form the core measurement backbone of 3500 Machinery Protection Systems. These 2-slot modules are specifically engineered to provide continuous monitoring of critical rotating machinery parameters, including radial vibration, axial position, and differential expansion. As the primary measurement component in the 3500 ecosystem, the 3500/42M series bridges sensor inputs with protection system logic, delivering both real-time protection capabilities and diagnostic data for predictive maintenance strategies.
Bently Nevada’s 3500/42M series addresses the fundamental need for reliable machinery health monitoring in industrial environments. These modules convert raw signals from proximity probes and vibration sensors into actionable data that triggers protective actions during abnormal conditions while supporting long-term trend analysis. By combining continuous protection monitoring with integration capabilities for transient analysis systems, the 3500/42M series provides a comprehensive solution for both preventing machinery damage and optimizing maintenance activities across power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries.
Core advantages and technical highlights
Comprehensive measurement capabilities: The 3500/42M series supports multiple critical machinery parameters across four channels, eliminating the need for specialized single-function modules. This versatility allows monitoring of radial vibration (bearing condition), axial position (thrust bearing health), and differential expansion (rotor-to-stator clearance) in a single module, providing a holistic view of machinery health.
Precision measurement technology: Equipped with advanced signal conditioning and high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion, 3500/42M modules deliver ±0.2% full-scale accuracy across a 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz frequency range. This precision ensures detection of subtle vibration changes that may indicate early-stage faults, enabling proactive maintenance before catastrophic failures occur.
Flexible protection logic: Each channel features independently configurable dual alarm levels with adjustable time delays and latching behavior. This flexibility allows implementation of multi-stage protection strategies tailored to specific machinery types and operating conditions, balancing protection sensitivity with operational availability to minimize unnecessary shutdowns.
Integrated system connectivity: The 3500/42M series seamlessly connects with other 3500 components, including transient monitors for high-speed data capture during alarm conditions, configuration modules for parameter setup, and communication gateways for data distribution. This integration ensures measurement data flows smoothly throughout the protection ecosystem for both real-time decision making and historical analysis.
Typical variants and applications
Standard monitoring variant (exemplified by 176449-02)
The most widely deployed variant, typified by 176449-02, serves as the standard vibration monitoring solution across industries. Installed in 125744-02 racks, these modules monitor turbine bearings, compressor shafts, and motor rotors in power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing applications. Their 4-channel configuration and broad measurement capabilities make them suitable for general-purpose rotating machinery protection.
Enhanced environmental variant
Specialized 3500/42M variants with enhanced environmental protection are designed for harsh operating conditions, featuring extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +70°C) and increased vibration resistance. These ruggedized modules are ideal for offshore platforms, mobile equipment, and other challenging environments where standard electronics might experience performance degradation.
High-resolution diagnostic variant
Certain 3500/42M variants offer enhanced diagnostic capabilities with extended frequency ranges and higher resolution data capture for advanced machinery analysis. These modules provide additional spectral analysis features and higher sampling rates, supporting detailed fault diagnosis in critical machinery such as large turbines and high-speed compressors.
BENTLY 3500/42M
System integration ecosystem
The 3500/42M series forms the measurement foundation of the 3500 ecosystem, connecting with key components:
3500 series racks (including 125744-02) provide physical mounting and backplane connectivity
Vibration sensors and proximity probes connected via 136711-01 cables supply input signals
Configuration modules like 136180-01 program monitoring parameters and alarm logic
Transient monitors such as 133388-01 capture high-speed data triggered by 3500/42M alarms
Communication gateways including 140734-01 transmit measurement data to enterprise systems
Display modules like 3500/60 163179-01 visualize real-time machinery health metrics
I/O modules such as 125712-01 provide complementary process parameter data for correlation
This integrated approach ensures comprehensive machinery protection and diagnostic capabilities.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance guidelines
Installation preparation: When installing any 3500/42M module, verify compatibility with target rack firmware and ensure two adjacent slots are available. Confirm power supply capacity meets the module’s requirements (up to 10 W). Gather necessary tools including torque screwdrivers, vibration calibrators, and configuration laptops. Inspect modules for shipping damage, paying special attention to input connectors and backplane pins.
Maintenance best practices: Include all 3500/42M modules in quarterly inspections, verifying status indicators and communication links. Perform annual calibration using certified vibration standards to maintain measurement accuracy. During scheduled maintenance, verify alarm setpoints and logic through configuration interfaces. Clean input connectors annually with approved electronic contact cleaner. Update firmware during major system upgrades to ensure compatibility with latest transient monitors and communication protocols.
Service and guarantee commitment
Bently Nevada provides comprehensive support for the 3500/42M series, including a 36-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and performance issues across all variants. Our technical support team offers expert guidance on configuration, calibration procedures, and integration with other 3500 system components.
We provide specialized training on vibration analysis, module programming, and protection logic development specific to the 3500/42M series. Beyond the warranty period, our service agreements include calibration verification, technical support, and expedited replacement services to minimize downtime. Bently Nevada’s commitment to quality ensures reliable performance of 3500/42M modules throughout their operational lifecycle, backed by our global network of service professionals.
