Bently Nevada 3300 Series Proximity Probes – 330171-00-20-05-02-00

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Bently Nevada 3300 Series Technical Notes

The Bently Nevada 3300 Series proximity probe system is one of the most widely deployed non-contact vibration and position measurement platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, and refinery rotating equipment trains, the 3300 Series has established a reference-standard position in continuous machinery protection. Its eddy-current sensing principle delivers sub-micron resolution for radial vibration, axial position, and differential expansion measurement on turbines, compressors, pumps, and gearboxes operating under API 670 machinery protection requirements.

The 330171-00-20-05-02-00 is a standard-configuration proximity probe within the 3300 XL 8mm series, featuring a 20 mm cable length extension, 5 mm tip diameter, and 02 mm gap range designation. It is designed for direct integration with 3300 XL proximitor/seismic monitors and is fully compatible with the Bently Nevada System 1 condition monitoring software platform.

The Evolution of 3300 Series Architecture

The 3300 Series was introduced by Bently Nevada (acquired by GE in 2002, subsequently Baker Hughes in 2017) as a successor to the 7200 Series, addressing the need for higher-frequency response, improved EMI immunity, and modular cable/probe/proximitor interchangeability. The architecture separates the sensing element (probe), the extension cable, and the signal conditioning unit (proximitor), allowing field replacement of individual components without disturbing the full measurement chain.

Early 3300 Series variants operated on a fixed 5 mm probe tip standard. The introduction of the 3300 XL sub-series extended the operating temperature range to 177°C (350°F) and improved linearity across the full measurement range. The 8mm XL probe format (to which the 330171 family belongs) became the dominant standard for high-temperature turbine applications. Compatibility between 3300 and 3300 XL components requires careful verification: XL proximitors are not interchangeable with standard 3300 probes without recalibration. The 3500 Series later superseded the 3300 for new installations requiring rack-based monitoring, but the 3300 Series remains the installed base standard for legacy machinery protection systems globally, with active spare parts demand expected through the 2030s.

3300 Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked models within the Bently Nevada 3300 / 3300 XL proximity probe and proximitor system. Classifications follow functional role within the measurement chain.

Proximity Probes (8mm XL Series)

• 330171-00-20-05-02-00: 8mm XL probe, 20mm extension, 5mm tip, standard gap, general-purpose radial vibration
• 330171-00-30-05-02-00: 8mm XL probe, 30mm extension, 5mm tip, extended reach for deep-bore installations
• 330171-00-50-05-02-00: 8mm XL probe, 50mm extension, high-temperature turbine bearing housings
• 330171-00-70-05-02-00: 8mm XL probe, 70mm extension, compressor frame radial measurement
• 330171-00-CN-02-05-00: 8mm XL probe, metric connector, standard gap, chemical plant service

Proximity Probes (5mm Standard Series)

• 330101-00-06-10-02-00: 5mm standard probe, 6-inch cable, 10mm range, general rotating equipment
• 330101-00-08-10-02-00: 5mm standard probe, 8-inch cable, axial position measurement
• 330101-00-12-10-02-00: 5mm standard probe, 12-inch cable, differential expansion on steam turbines
• 330101-00-18-10-02-00: 5mm standard probe, 18-inch cable, extended reach compressor trains

Extension Cables

• 330130-045-00-00: 3300 XL extension cable, 4.5m, standard temperature, field-replaceable
• 330130-080-00-00: 3300 XL extension cable, 8.0m, for remote proximitor mounting
• 330130-045-02-00: 3300 XL extension cable, 4.5m, high-temperature jacket, turbine service

Proximitors / Signal Conditioners

• 330180-91-00: 3300 XL 8mm proximitor, standard output, DIN rail mount, –24 VDC supply
• 330180-90-00: 3300 XL 8mm proximitor, ATEX/IECEx certified, hazardous area Zone 1
• 330180-51-05: 3300 XL 5mm proximitor, standard output, panel mount, general service

Mounting Hardware & Accessories

• 02-262610-01: Probe mounting bracket, stainless steel, standard 3300 series, adjustable
• 02-262611-01: Probe mounting bracket, carbon steel, fixed-position, heavy-duty compressor frame
• 330185-02: Proximitor mounting plate, DIN rail adapter, 3300 XL series

Quality Control for the 3300 Series Range

The 3300 Series measurement chain—probe, extension cable, and proximitor—functions as a calibrated system. Substituting any single element without system-level verification introduces gap voltage offset errors that can trigger false machinery trips or mask genuine fault conditions. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all 3300 Series components:

• Gap voltage linearity test: Each probe/proximitor pair is tested across the full measurement range (0–2.54 mm for standard gap) using a calibrated target plate of AISI 4140 steel, verifying output linearity within ±1% of full scale
• Frequency response verification: Signal bandwidth tested to 10 kHz minimum, confirming suitability for high-speed machinery (up to 60,000 RPM)
• Insulation resistance test: Cable and connector insulation verified at 500 VDC, minimum 100 MΩ
• Connector integrity inspection: All BNC and MIL-spec connectors inspected for pin alignment, corrosion, and mechanical retention force
• Temperature cycling: High-temperature variants subjected to 10-cycle thermal stress between –40°C and +177°C prior to shipment
• System-level calibration: Probe + cable + proximitor assembled as a matched set and calibrated to Bently Nevada factory specification, with calibration certificate issued per unit