Bently Nevada 350042M-01-00 (3500/42M-01-00) Proximitor/Seismic Monitor – 4‑Channel Machinery Protection for Critical Rotating Assets

The Bently Nevada 3500/42M is the workhorse 4‑channel monitor in the 3500 rack. It takes inputs from Proximitor eddy-current probes or seismic transducers (velocity or accelerometer) and turns them into reliable protection and condition indicators for turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators. If you’re standardizing on the 3500 platform, the 42M is typically the go-to for radial vibration, casing vibration, and thrust/axial position measurements. The code 350042M-01-00 (often written as 3500/42M-01-00) appears to be the standard Proximitor/Seismic variant with buffered outputs and rack-based alarming.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
• Each unit is function-checked before dispatch and packed for anti-static and shock protection.

Key Features

• 4 independent channels – Configure for radial vibration, casing vibration, or thrust/axial position per channel.
• Proximitor and seismic inputs – Accepts eddy-current probes, velocity pickups, and IEPE accelerometers in most setups.
• Buffered transducer outputs – Front-panel/I/O buffered BNC points simplify portable data collection and troubleshooting.
• Protection-grade alarming – Alert and Danger setpoints per channel; trip logic typically routed via the 3500 relay module.
• 3500 rack integration – Works seamlessly with 3500/94 TDI for Ethernet data to System 1 and with 3500/32M for relays.
• Flexible filtering – Configurable measurements (e.g., overall, band-pass) help isolate the fault frequencies that matter.
• Hot‑swappable module – From my experience, field replacement in a live rack is straightforward with proper procedures.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	Bently Nevada 350042M-01-00 (3500/42M-01-00) Proximitor/Seismic Monitor
HS Code	9032.89 (Automatic regulating or controlling instruments; other) – commonly used for this class of protection modules
Power Requirements	Powered via the 3500 rack backplane (3500/15 power supply). No external power to the module.
Channels	4 channels, independently configurable (Proximitor or seismic)
Signal I/O Types	Inputs: Eddy-current proximity probes, velocity transducers, IEPE accelerometers; Outputs: Buffered transducer signals (BNC/terminals), OK status to rack; alarm values to relay module
Communication Interfaces	Data to System 1 via 3500/94 TDI (Ethernet) through the rack; no direct Ethernet on the 42M module itself
Operating Temperature	Typically 0 to +65°C (32 to 149°F) when installed in a standard 3500 rack environment
Installation Method	Front module + matching I/O module; fits standard Bently Nevada 3500 19″ rack slots
Form Factor	Single-width 3U slot in the 3500 rack (lightweight, hot‑swappable)

Application Fields

You’ll usually find the 3500/42M where downtime is expensive and early fault detection matters:

• Compressors and steam/gas turbines (radial vibration and thrust position monitoring)
• Pumps, fans, and blowers (casing vibration and bearing condition)
• Generators and motors (shaft vibration, unbalance, and looseness detection)
• Refining, petrochemical, and pipeline stations—any place where API 670-style protection is expected

One thing I appreciate is how easily it mixes transducer types. For example, two proximity probe channels for shaft vibration and two accelerometer channels for casing vibration on the same module—clean and very practical on mixed trains.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability: Purpose-built for continuous protection, with OK status monitoring that quickly flags sensor or wiring issues.
• Compatibility: Works with 3300 XL proximity probes, common velocity pickups, and IEPE accelerometers—handy when upgrading legacy points.
• Lower lifecycle cost: Buffered outputs and rack-integration reduce extra hardware needs and simplify troubleshooting.
• Data visibility: When paired with 3500/94 TDI, waveform and trend data stream to System 1 for diagnostics—often avoiding unnecessary shutdowns.
• Scalable spares strategy: A standard 42M can cover multiple measurement types, so you can keep fewer spares on the shelf.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & rack: Install in a clean, ventilated 19″ 3500 rack. Maintain airflow; avoid high vibration panels and high-EMI locations.
• Wiring: Use shielded cables with proper grounding at one end to minimize noise. Route transducer wiring away from power cables.
• I/O pairing: Match the front monitor to the correct I/O module revision; check terminal labels before energizing.
• Safety: Observe ESD precautions. If the rack is live, follow hot‑swap procedures; trip multiply/bypass as required by site policy.
• Routine care: Verify alarm setpoints during planned outages, test OK status, clean connectors, and, in many cases, keep TDI firmware/current device database updated.
• Calibration: Transducers (e.g., 3300 XL probes) should be verified with known gaps/signals; document scale factors in configuration.

Compatible Components & Accessories

• 3300 XL proximity probe systems for shaft vibration and thrust position
• 190501/190102 velocity transducers and 330400 series accelerometers for casing vibration
• 3500/94 TDI (Ethernet data interface) for System 1 connectivity
• 3500/32M relay module for Alert/Danger trip outputs
• 3500/15 power supply and standard 3500 racks for system integration

A maintenance lead at a compressor station mentioned that switching two casing points to accelerometers on the 42M tightened their diagnosis on looseness versus misalignment—small change, big clarity.

Quality & Certifications

• CE and UL/cUL marking typically available for 3500-series modules
• RoHS compliance in most shipments
• Hazardous area approvals (e.g., ATEX/IECEx Zone 2) are common for the 3500 system when installed per manufacturer guidance
• Manufacturer warranty support; this unit is supplied with a 365‑day warranty from our side

If you’re consolidating spares, the 3500/42M tends to cover the widest range of vibration/position points in the rack. You might notice the -01-00 variant aligns well with general machinery protection builds—no surprises in commissioning, and it plays nicely with existing 3300 XL probe inventories.