Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | 3500/33 |
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Product category | Multi-channel vibration monitoring module |
| Electrical performance | 24V DC power supply; Typical power consumption: 6.2W |
| Physical size | Width: 24.4mm, Height: 241.3mm, Depth: 242mm |
| Interface type | Backplane connector for 3500 series rack; 4 input channels (for vibration sensors); 2 relay outputs |
| Measurement range | Vibration: 0-50 mm/s peak; Displacement: 0-254 μm peak-to-peak |
| Frequency response | 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz |
| Environmental requirements | Operating temperature: -40°C to +70°C; Humidity: 5% – 95% (non-condensing) |
| Installation method | Rack-mountable in 3500 series racks; Occupies 1 standard slot |
| Compatibility | Works with 87199-01 eddy current sensors, 3500/05 rack interface, and 170180-01-00 software |
BENTLY 3500/33
Product introduction
The Bently Nevada 3500/33 is a high-precision multi-channel vibration monitoring module, designed as a core component of the 3500 series machinery protection system. It specializes in real-time measurement and analysis of vibration signals from rotating equipment, serving as a critical link between sensors and the broader monitoring ecosystem.
Equipped with advanced signal processing capabilities, the 3500/33 converts raw vibration data from sensors like the 87199-01 eddy current probes into actionable insights. It continuously monitors parameters such as shaft vibration, bearing housing vibration, and radial displacement, enabling early detection of machinery issues like imbalance, misalignment, or bearing wear.
Integrated seamlessly into the 3500 series rack via the backplane connector, the 3500/33 communicates with the 3500/05 rack interface module to relay critical data to operators and downstream systems. Its role in industrial automation is indispensable, providing the real-time monitoring necessary to prevent unplanned downtime and protect high-value equipment in sectors ranging from power generation to oil and gas.
Core advantages and technical highlights
High-precision measurement: The 3500/33 delivers exceptional accuracy with a frequency response range of 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz, capturing both low-frequency vibrations (indicative of foundation issues) and high-frequency oscillations (linked to bearing defects). Its 24-bit ADC ensures precise conversion of sensor signals, providing reliable data for diagnostics. This level of precision allows maintenance teams to detect subtle changes in machinery behavior long before they escalate into failures.
Multi-channel integration: With 4 dedicated input channels, the 3500/33 can monitor multiple points on a single piece of equipment simultaneously—such as different bearings on a turbine shaft. This multi-point monitoring enables comprehensive analysis of machinery dynamics, helping identify root causes of vibration issues. The module’s ability to process data from multiple sensors in parallel ensures a holistic view of equipment health.
Configurable alarm logic: The 3500/33 features user-programmable alarm thresholds, allowing customization to specific machinery requirements. Operators can set primary (warning) and secondary (danger) limits for each channel, triggering relay outputs or alerts via the 3500/60 relay module when exceeded. This flexibility ensures the module adapts to diverse applications, from critical turbines to auxiliary pumps.
Seamless system integration: Designed to work within the 3500 series ecosystem, the 3500/33 communicates effortlessly with the 3500/05 rack interface and 170180-01-00 software. This integration enables remote monitoring, data logging, and trend analysis, empowering operators to make informed decisions. The module’s backplane connectivity ensures synchronized data flow across the system, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Typical application scenarios
In a coal-fired power plant, the 3500/33 is deployed to monitor the main steam turbine’s vibration levels. Connected to 87199-01 eddy current sensors mounted at the turbine’s bearing housings, the module continuously measures radial vibration and shaft displacement. When vibration exceeds predefined thresholds—often caused by rotor imbalance or seal wear—the 3500/33 triggers alarms via the 3500/60 relay module, alerting operators and initiating protective actions like reducing load or shutting down the turbine.
In an offshore oil platform’s compressor station, the 3500/33 monitors reciprocating compressors, where vibration patterns indicate valve health and piston alignment. The module’s multi-channel design allows simultaneous monitoring of crankshaft and crosshead vibrations, providing early warnings of mechanical stress. Data from the 3500/33 is relayed to the platform’s DCS via the 3500/93 gateway, enabling remote diagnostics and reducing the need for on-site inspections in harsh marine environments.
For chemical plant centrifugal pumps, the 3500/33 tracks bearing vibration to detect lubrication issues or impeller wear. Its high-frequency response captures the subtle vibrations associated with early-stage bearing degradation, allowing maintenance to be scheduled during planned shutdowns. Integration with 170180-01-00 software enables trend analysis, helping plant managers optimize maintenance intervals and extend equipment lifespan.
BENTLY 3500/33
Related model recommendations
3500/05: Rack interface module that acts as the communication hub for the 3500/33 within the 3500 series rack, enabling data transmission to external systems.
87199-01: Eddy current proximity sensor commonly paired with the 3500/33 to measure shaft vibration and displacement in rotating machinery.
3500/60: Relay module that works with the 3500/33 to execute protective actions (e.g., shutdowns) when alarm thresholds are exceeded.
170180-01-00: Configuration and analysis software used to program the 3500/33’s alarm settings and analyze vibration trends.
3500/42M 176449-02: Signal conditioner module that complements the 3500/33 by processing additional sensor types (e.g., thermocouples) for comprehensive machinery monitoring.
3500/50: Display module that provides local visualization of vibration data from the 3500/33, aiding on-site operators in quick decision-making.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the 3500/33, ensure the 3500 series rack is powered off and properly grounded. Use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic damage to the module’s circuitry. Required tools include a torque wrench (set to 0.5-0.7 Nm) and a screwdriver for securing mounting screws. Verify that the rack slot is compatible and free of debris. When connecting sensors (e.g., 87199-01), use shielded cables to minimize electromagnetic interference, and ground the shield at the sensor end only.
Maintenance suggestions: Conduct monthly visual inspections of the 3500/33 to check for loose connections or corrosion on terminal blocks. Clean terminals with a dry cloth if needed. Calibrate the module annually using a vibration calibrator to ensure measurement accuracy; this involves comparing readings against a known vibration source and adjusting via 170180-01-00 software. If the module displays erratic data, check sensor wiring for damage or loose connections before replacing components. Store spare 3500/33 modules in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to ensure readiness for quick replacement if needed.
Service and guarantee commitment
The 3500/33 comes with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects, including faulty components or signal processing errors. During this period, Bently Nevada provides free repair or replacement of defective units, along with technical support to resolve integration issues with other 3500 series modules.
Our global service network offers 24/7 technical assistance for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, ensuring minimal downtime. Extended warranty options (up to 3 years) include annual calibration checks and priority support. Backed by Bently Nevada’s decades of expertise in machinery protection, the 3500/33 is guaranteed to deliver reliable performance, making it a trusted choice for critical industrial applications.
