Bently Nevada 3300 NSv Proximity Probes – 330909-00-20-10-02-05

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Bently Nevada 3300 NSv Series Technical Notes

The Bently Nevada 3300 NSv series represents one of the most widely deployed eddy-current proximity probe systems in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, LNG terminals, and rotating machinery monitoring applications, the 3300 NSv system provides continuous, non-contact measurement of shaft radial vibration, axial position, and differential expansion. Its architecture is fully compatible with the Bently Nevada 3300 XL and System 1 condition monitoring platforms, making it a critical component in API 670-compliant machinery protection systems. The series operates on a triaxial measurement principle using a probe, extension cable, and proximitor (signal conditioner) as a matched set, calibrated to a specific gap voltage range. Field installations span turbines, compressors, pumps, gearboxes, and electric motors across facilities operated by Shell, ExxonMobil, Saudi Aramco, CNOOC, and comparable tier-1 industrial operators.

The Evolution of 3300 NSv Architecture

The 3300 NSv series is the direct successor to the Bently Nevada 3300 XL proximity probe family, itself evolved from the original 3300 series introduced in the 1980s. The NSv designation (Non-contacting vibration) reflects a refinement in signal conditioning electronics, reducing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference in high-voltage switchgear environments. Early 3300 series probes used a 5-meter standard cable assembly with a fixed proximitor mounted in a field junction box. The 3300 XL generation introduced modular extension cables (1.0 m to 9.0 m) and a standardized -24 VDC supply rail, enabling rack-mount proximitor configurations within the 3500 monitoring rack system. The 3300 NSv generation further standardized the output signal to a -24 VDC nominal, 200 mV/mil (7.87 V/mm) sensitivity scale, ensuring backward compatibility with 3500 series monitor cards including the 3500/40M, 3500/42M, and 3500/45. Probe tip diameters are available in 5 mm, 8 mm, and 11 mm configurations to accommodate shaft diameters from 25 mm to over 500 mm. The system entered its mature/end-of-production phase circa 2015, with Bently Nevada transitioning new installations to the 3300 XL 8 mm and Velomitor CT series. However, the installed base remains extensive, and long-term maintenance support for 3300 NSv components continues to be a primary procurement requirement for asset-intensive industries.

3300 NSv Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked components within the Bently Nevada 3300 NSv proximity probe system. Each entry is classified by functional role within the measurement chain.

Proximity Probes (Probe Tips)

• 330909-00-20-10-02-05: 8 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, standard temperature, -24 VDC, 200 mV/mil sensitivity
• 330909-00-20-10-02-10: 8 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, 10 m extension, standard temperature
• 330909-00-20-10-02-00: 8 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, no extension, standard temperature
• 330905-00-20-10-02-05: 5 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, standard temperature, 200 mV/mil
• 330905-00-20-10-02-10: 5 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, 10 m extension, standard temperature
• 330930-00-20-10-02-05: 11 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, standard temperature, 200 mV/mil
• 330930-00-20-10-02-10: 11 mm probe, 5.0 m integral cable, 10 m extension, standard temperature
• 330980-90-00: High-temperature 8 mm probe, rated to 177°C continuous, integral cable
• 330980-90-05: High-temperature 8 mm probe with 5 m extension, 177°C rated

Extension Cables

• 330130-045-00-00: 3300 NSv extension cable, 4.5 m, standard temperature, coaxial
• 330130-080-00-00: 3300 NSv extension cable, 8.0 m, standard temperature, coaxial
• 330130-050-00-00: 3300 NSv extension cable, 5.0 m, standard temperature, coaxial
• 330130-100-00-00: 3300 NSv extension cable, 10.0 m, standard temperature, coaxial

Proximitors / Signal Conditioners

• 330180-91-00: 3300 NSv proximitor, 8 mm system, -24 VDC supply, 200 mV/mil output, DIN rail mount
• 330180-51-00: 3300 NSv proximitor, 5 mm system, -24 VDC supply, 200 mV/mil output, DIN rail mount
• 330180-X1-00: 3300 NSv proximitor, 11 mm system, -24 VDC supply, 200 mV/mil output, DIN rail mount
• 330185-91-00: High-temperature proximitor, 8 mm system, rated to 121°C ambient

Quality Control for the 3300 NSv Range

The 3300 NSv proximity probe system requires matched-set verification as a prerequisite to installation qualification. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all 3300 NSv units processed through its facility: (1) Gap voltage linearity test — the probe-cable-proximitor set is bench-tested across the full linear range (typically 0.25 mm to 2.25 mm gap) using a calibrated target material (AISI 4140 steel) to verify the 200 mV/mil (7.87 V/mm) output slope within ±1% tolerance; (2) Insulation resistance test — coaxial cable insulation is verified at 500 VDC to confirm no moisture ingress or dielectric degradation; (3) Connector integrity check — all BNC and MIL-spec connectors are inspected for pin straightness, contact resistance (<50 mΩ), and shell continuity; (4) High-temperature soak — high-temperature designated units are subjected to a 4-hour thermal soak at rated temperature prior to final calibration; (5) Functional output verification — final output voltage at nominal gap (1.0 mm) is recorded and documented on the unit's test certificate. Units that fail any single criterion are quarantined and not released for sale.