Product Overview

The Bently Nevada 330104-02-10-50-02-CN is a 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe used for non-contact measurement of shaft vibration and relative displacement in rotating machinery. It uses eddy-current sensing to detect changes in the distance between the probe tip and a conductive target. When connected to a compatible extension cable and Proximitor sensor, it forms part of a transducer system used for continuous machinery monitoring and protection.

This model belongs to the 330104 family, which features an M10 × 1 metric mounting thread and an armored probe cable. Its ordering configuration specifies a 20 mm unthreaded section, a 100 mm overall case length, a 5-meter probe cable, and a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector without a connector protector. The CN suffix identifies a country-specific approval option, which should be evaluated against the requirements of the intended installation.

The 3300 XL 8 mm proximity system has a nominal linear measurement range of 2 mm and a scale factor of 7.87 V/mm (200 mV/mil). These characteristics make it suitable for measuring relative shaft vibration and position in compatible rotating machinery. The probe is commonly used near fluid-film bearings, where shaft movement provides useful information about the operating condition of the machine.

In a centrifugal compressor, for example, proximity probes mounted near the bearings measure changes in shaft position as speed, process pressure, and mechanical loading vary. The monitoring system processes the resulting signals to track vibration trends and identify deviations from established operating conditions. Similar arrangements are used on steam turbines, generators, industrial pumps, and other rotating equipment.

The armored cable provides additional protection against abrasion and mechanical contact in installations where the lead passes near machine structures or other equipment. However, the armor does not eliminate the need for careful cable routing, strain relief, and connector inspection. The connector on this particular configuration does not include the additional protector supplied with certain other ordering options.

The probe is a sensing component, not a standalone vibration monitor. Its output must be processed by a compatible 3300 XL Proximitor sensor and monitoring channel. The 5-meter cable configuration must also be matched to the appropriate transducer arrangement because cable length affects the electrical characteristics of the complete measurement circuit.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• 8 mm sensing tip: Supports non-contact displacement measurement in the 3300 XL 8 mm proximity transducer system.
• M10 × 1 metric mounting thread: Fits compatible metric probe holders and mounting brackets.
• 20 mm unthreaded section: Defines the specified unthreaded portion of the probe case for mounting arrangement selection.
• 100 mm overall case length: Establishes the case configuration for installation and adjustment.
• Armored cable construction: Adds mechanical protection against abrasion and contact with surrounding equipment.
• 5-meter cable configuration: Supports installations using the corresponding 5-meter transducer arrangement.
• ClickLoc connector: Provides a locking coaxial electrical connection for the probe circuit.
• Connector without protector: Matches the specified connector option and should be considered when planning cable-end protection.
• 2 mm nominal linear range: Supports displacement measurements within the specified linear operating region.
• 7.87 V/mm nominal scale factor: Defines the expected sensitivity of a compatible 3300 XL 8 mm transducer system.
• Country-specific approval option: Identifies the selected approval configuration rather than a universal certification claim.
• Continuous monitoring integration: Supplies displacement-related signals for compatible machinery monitoring equipment.

Working Principle

The 330104-02-10-50-02-CN uses eddy-current sensing to measure the gap between its probe tip and a conductive target, usually a rotating machinery shaft. An energized transducer circuit generates an electromagnetic field that interacts with the target surface. Changes in the gap alter the electrical response, allowing a compatible Proximitor sensor to produce an output related to displacement.

Rotating Shaft → 3300 XL 8 mm Probe → Extension Cable → Proximitor Sensor → Monitoring Channel

When the shaft moves toward or away from the probe, the distance between the two changes. The Proximitor sensor converts the electrical response into a usable output, which the monitoring channel processes for vibration or position measurements.

The nominal scale factor is 7.87 V/mm, equivalent to 200 mV/mil, and the nominal linear measurement range is 2 mm. These values describe the intended measurement response when the probe, extension cable, and Proximitor sensor are correctly matched and operated under the specified conditions.

The initial probe gap is established during installation. A typical 3300 XL 8 mm setup uses a gap of approximately 1.27 mm, subject to the applicable installation procedure and monitoring-system requirements. Correct adjustment allows the system to measure shaft movement within its linear range. A gap that is too small or too large can reduce the available measurement range and affect signal interpretation.

The 5-meter cable is part of the electrical transducer design. It must be used with the compatible 5-meter Proximitor sensor arrangement and the appropriate system components. A cable that physically fits may still be unsuitable if its electrical characteristics do not match the intended configuration.

The armored cable helps protect the probe lead from mechanical contact, but the installation must still avoid crushing, sharp bends, excessive pulling force, and unnecessary exposure to moving parts. The ClickLoc connector should be fully engaged and secured according to the applicable procedure.

The probe measures shaft movement relative to its mounting point. If the mounting bracket loosens or the surrounding structure moves, the output may include movement of the probe assembly rather than shaft displacement alone. When readings change unexpectedly, the probe gap, mounting integrity, cable condition, and signal-conditioning equipment should be checked before concluding that the machine has developed a mechanical fault.

Role in a 3300 XL Machinery Monitoring System

The Bently Nevada 330104-02-10-50-02-CN supplies a local shaft-displacement signal for a compatible 3300 XL monitoring system. It is mounted near a designated shaft measurement point and connected to the corresponding extension cable and Proximitor sensor.

Shaft Surface → 3300 XL 8 mm Probe → Extension Cable → Proximitor Sensor → Monitoring Module → Operator Interface

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Confirm the mounting provision: Verify that the installation accepts the M10 × 1 thread and accommodates the specified 100 mm case configuration and 20 mm unthreaded section.
2. Inspect the target surface: Ensure that the shaft surface is conductive and suitable for eddy-current proximity measurement.
3. Check the measurement location: Position the probe at the designated point and align it with the intended shaft surface.
4. Set the initial probe gap: Establish the operating gap according to the applicable 3300 XL 8 mm installation procedure and monitoring-channel requirements.
5. Secure the mounting hardware: Tighten the probe and locking arrangement according to the applicable instructions to prevent unwanted movement during operation.
6. Inspect the armored cable: Check the armor and outer jacket for crushing, abrasion, sharp bends, or other mechanical damage.
7. Route the cable correctly: Maintain the specified bend radius and avoid excessive tension, crushing, and contact with moving machinery.
8. Connect the extension cable: Use a compatible 3300 XL 8 mm extension cable appropriate for the complete 5-meter transducer configuration.
9. Secure the ClickLoc connector: Confirm that the connector is correctly engaged and locked, and account for the fact that this ordering configuration does not include a connector protector.
10. Verify the transducer arrangement: Confirm that the Proximitor sensor and monitoring channel are compatible with the 3300 XL 8 mm system and its specified cable configuration.
11. Establish baseline readings: Record initial shaft-vibration or position measurements under known operating conditions for future comparison.
12. Investigate abnormal measurements: Check the probe gap, mounting security, cable condition, connector engagement, extension cable, and Proximitor sensor before attributing unusual readings to a mechanical fault.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Measures shaft displacement without contact with the rotating target.
• Uses an 8 mm sensing tip and a nominal 2 mm linear measurement range.
• Provides an M10 × 1 metric mounting thread.
• Combines an armored cable with a ClickLoc connector.
• Supports a compatible 5-meter 3300 XL 8 mm transducer arrangement.
• Integrates with compatible extension cables, Proximitor sensors, and machinery monitoring equipment.

Technical FAQs

How does the 20 mm unthreaded section affect probe installation?

The unthreaded-length option defines the portion of the probe case without the mounting thread. It must be considered alongside the 100 mm overall case length and the machine’s mounting provision to ensure adequate thread engagement and the required adjustment range.

Why does this model use a 5-meter transducer configuration?

The 5-meter cable option is intended for use with the corresponding 5-meter Proximitor sensor arrangement. Matching these components maintains the electrical characteristics required for the specified measurement sensitivity and response.

What should be checked if the probe produces an unexpected DC gap voltage?

Check the initial probe gap, mounting position, connector engagement, extension cable, Proximitor sensor, and monitoring-channel configuration. Compare the readings with the expected response for the correctly configured transducer system before determining whether the shaft position has changed.

What should be verified about the CN approval suffix before installation?

The CN suffix identifies a country-specific approval option. Confirm that the selected configuration meets the regulatory and installation requirements for the intended location. Do not assume that this suffix is equivalent to the separate 05 multiple-approval option.