BENTLY NEVADA 330104-6-14-50-02-00 – 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Probe for critical shaft vibration and position monitoring

The 330104 series is part of Bently Nevada’s 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe family, designed for non-contact measurement of shaft vibration, axial position, and radial runout on turbines, compressors, motors, and gearboxes. From my experience, this is the go-to probe when you need stable 200 mV/mil sensitivity, solid linearity, and the rugged build that plants typically expect during long runs and thermal cycling. The code “330104-6-14-50-02-00” describes a specific build (thread/mounting style, cable/configuration, and approvals). You might notice the “50” often indicates a 5.0 m system configuration when paired with the matching 3300 XL Proximitor and extension cable.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express Options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 8 mm probe system (3300 XL): Well-known 200 mV/mil (≈7.87 mV/μm) sensitivity for vibration and displacement monitoring.
• Robust linear range: Typically up to 2.0 mm (80 mil) linear range for accurate shaft measurements.
• High temperature capability: Probe and cable typically rated to –51 to +177°C, suiting hot bearing housings and turbine decks.
• Proven reliability: Oil-resistant construction and durable cable jacket help in harsh industrial environments.
• System-matched: Works with the 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor and 330130 extension cables for correct system calibration.
• Flexible mounting options: Threaded probe body for bracket or direct mount; locknuts and holders available.
• Clean signal path: Low-noise coax design; the Proximitor provides dynamic vibration and DC gap outputs to your monitors/PLC.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

Typically used on:

• Gas/steam turbines: radial vibration, differential expansion, and shaft position checks.
• Centrifugal/reciprocating compressors: bearing vibration and shaft orbit monitoring.
• Large motors, pumps, and fans: protection against rubs, misalignment, and imbalance.
• Gearboxes: gearmesh vibration trends and early fault detection.

One thing I appreciate is how consistent the 3300 XL 8 mm system behaves across different machines—once the gap is set and the cable lengths match the Proximitor calibration, the readings tend to be predictable. A maintenance lead we support mentioned they swapped this probe into a hot compressor bearing and saw immediate improvement in noise floor compared to a third-party probe.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability in harsh areas: Designed for elevated temperatures and oil splash; fewer nuisance alarms in many cases.
• Drop-in compatibility: Matches 3300 XL system components, reducing rework and recalibration time.
• Lifecycle savings: Stable calibration and durable cabling can help cut unscheduled probe replacements.
• Technical support: We can help confirm your build code (thread, cable, approvals) to ensure one-time right delivery.

Installation & Maintenance

• Mounting: Install the threaded probe with locknut in a rigid, non-magnetic bracket or bearing housing. Set the gap to the manufacturer’s recommended value (typically around 1.0 mm to mid-range).
• Cabinet & routing: Place the Proximitor in a clean, ventilated cabinet. Route the coax away from high-power cables and VFDs; maintain bend radius and strain relief.
• Grounding/shielding: Follow Bently Nevada grounding scheme to minimize electrical noise. Use proper cable glands at the cabinet entry.
• Verification: After install, verify scale factor and linearity using a micrometer or calibrated target; check DC gap voltage and orbit plots if applicable.
• Maintenance: Inspect probe tip cleanliness during shutdowns; recheck gap and cable integrity. The probe has no firmware; if your monitor has firmware, keep it current.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE compliant; RoHS compliance is common for this family. Variants with hazardous area approvals are available depending on build code.
• Manufacturing Quality: Produced under established quality systems (manufacturer is part of Baker Hughes). Lot traceability typically available.
• Warranty: 365-day warranty from us; manufacturer warranty terms may vary by region/build.

Recommended Matching Components

• 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor (8 mm system): Required to excite the probe and provide DC gap/AC vibration outputs.
• 330130 Extension Cable: System-matched coaxial cable; select lengths to achieve the specified system length (the “50” in this code typically indicates 5.0 m).
• Mounting hardware: Locknuts, brackets, and protective conduits suitable for the probe thread and environment.