Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Model Number: 330180-X1-00
- Product Type: 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor (interface between eddy current probe and monitoring system)
- Probe Compatibility: Works with 5/8mm diameter 3300 XL series proximity probes
- MOD Versions: Multiple configurations available (e.g., MOD 145004-128, MOD 145004-66) with varying specifications
- Measurement Range: 0-80 mils (2.032mm) linear range (MOD 145004-128 version)
- Sensitivity: 7.87mV/mil (200mV/mm) – standard for 5/8mm probes
- Output Signal: 4-20mA (standard industrial process signal)
- Power Supply: 24V DC
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Housing Material: Stainless steel for durability in industrial environments
- Mounting Options:
- DIN rail mount (standard)
- Panel mount (optional)
- Weight: 0.22kg (without cables)
- Warranty: 12 months
Bently Nevada 330180-X1-00
Field Application & Problem Solved
In industrial plants with critical rotating machinery (turbines, compressors, pumps), the 330180-X1-00 solves a critical interface problem: converting raw eddy current probe signals into standardized 4-20mA outputs that can be integrated with plant-wide monitoring systems.
A chemical processing facility in Texas struggled with an aging monitoring system where vibration data from their compressor train couldn’t be integrated with their DCS. The 330180-X1-00 solved this by:
- Accepting signals from existing 5/8mm proximity probes installed on the compressor shafts
- Converting these signals to 4-20mA outputs compatible with their DCS
- Providing linear measurements of shaft position and vibration with 0.001″ resolution
- Enabling early detection of bearing wear that previously went unnoticed until catastrophic failure
You’ll typically find this module in:
- Power generation facilities (gas/steam turbines)
- Oil & gas refineries (centrifugal compressors, pumps)
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing (precision mixers, agitators)
- Any industrial setting requiring API 670-compliant machinery protection with 4-20mA integration
Installation & Maintenance Pitfalls (Expert Tips)
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Probe Gap Setting: For 5/8mm probes, the ideal operating gap is 40 mils (midpoint of 80mil range). Use a precision feeler gauge – guessing the gap can cause signal saturation or loss of measurement range.
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Cable Management:
- Use only shielded cables between probe and proximitor to minimize EMI/RFI interference
- Keep signal cables separate from power cables by at least 30cm
- Route cables through conduit in high-vibration areas to prevent fatigue
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Power Considerations:
- Verify power supply is clean (≤1% ripple) – voltage instability can cause output drift
- Use twisted-pair wiring for power and ground to reduce noise pickup
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Output Configuration:
- Configure the 4-20mA output to correspond with your specific measurement range
- For machinery protection, set alarm thresholds at 10-15% below maximum allowable vibration levels
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Redundancy: In critical applications, install dual 330180-X1-00 modules with separate probes monitoring the same shaft position. This eliminates single points of failure – a Midwest steel mill avoided a $500,000 production loss when their redundant system detected a failing bearing while the primary unit experienced a transient fault.
Bently Nevada 330180-X1-00
Technical Deep Dive & Overview
The 330180-X1-00 is a sophisticated interface module at the heart of Bently Nevada’s 3300 XL proximity monitoring system. As a proximitor, its role is to convert impedance changes from the proximity probe into a linear voltage output, which is then conditioned and converted to the 4-20mA signal.
When a conductive target (like a rotating shaft) approaches the 5/8mm probe, it induces eddy currents that alter the probe’s impedance. The 330180-X1-00 measures this impedance change and translates it to a proportional output signal through a precision analog circuit. The MOD 145004-128 version provides an 80mil linear measurement range with 200mV/mm sensitivity, making it ideal for monitoring shaft vibrations and position in industrial machinery.
What makes this module particularly valuable is its versatility and compatibility:
- Works with any 5/8mm 3300 XL series proximity probe
- Outputs a standard 4-20mA signal that integrates with virtually any industrial control system
- Can be configured for both static (position) and dynamic (vibration) measurements
- Features built-in diagnostic capabilities to detect probe or cable faults
For maintenance technicians, this module represents a significant upgrade over older monitoring systems. Instead of needing specialized equipment to read vibration data, they can use standard process meters or DCS interfaces. This not only simplifies troubleshooting but also enables predictive maintenance strategies by correlating machinery vibration data with process parameters.



