Description
The Bently Nevada 330103-00-05-50-02-05 is a 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe configuration within the 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor System. This eddy-current transducer system measures static (gap) and dynamic (vibration) distances between the probe tip and a conductive target, typically an industrial machine shaft. It operates by generating a high-frequency RF field that interacts with the target material, outputting a voltage signal directly proportional to the physical gap distance. This probe is widely deployed for oil film bearing monitoring, shaft vibration, and axial position measurements in critical rotating machinery like steam turbines, compressors, and large pumps.
Technical Specifications & Part Number Breakdown
The specific alphanumeric configuration 330103-00-05-50-02-05 defines precise mechanical and structural attributes required for field installation:
| Option Code | Parameter Type | Specification / Selection Value |
| 330103 | Product Series | 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Probe, 3/8-24 UNF thread, smooth unthreaded portion |
| -00 | Unthreaded Length | 0.0 inches |
| -05 | Overall Case Length | 0.5 inches |
| -50 | Total Length | 5.0 meters (16.4 feet) |
| -02 | Connector Option | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector, standard cable |
| -05 | Agency Approval | Multiple Approvals (ATEX, IECEx, CSA, Class I Div 1/2 safe configurations) |
Electrical & Environmental Specs
- System Linear Range: 2.0 mm (80 mils), starting at approximately 0.25 mm (10 mils) from the probe tip.
- Scale Factor: 7.87 V/mm (200 mV/mil) when combined with a matching 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor.
- Operating Temperature Range: Probe Tip and Cable: −51 to +177 °C (−60 to +351 °F).
- Target Material Calibration: Standard calibration is against AISI 4140 steel. For other alloys (e.g., stainless steel, Inconel), the scale factor must be compensated; verify with OEM datasheet.
Supply Status and Procurement Logic
- Condition: New Original / Factory Sealed (New Surplus units available upon stock rotation)
- Warranty: 12-Month Comprehensive Technical Warranty
- Availability: In Stock
- Lead Time: Ships within 1 to 2 business days from order confirmation
- Pricing: Price subject to current market conditions and component availability. Contact our sales engineering team for a firm commercial quotation.
Architectural Context and Integration Constraints
In field deployments of Bently Nevada 3500 monitoring racks, the 330103 probe functions as the front-end sensor interface. The physical measurements map directly into standard vibration monitoring loops:
System Matching and Length Calibration
The -50 option signifies a 5.0-meter total length. This means the probe must be used with a 5.0-meter system configuration—meaning a 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor calibrated for a 5.0-meter total system length without an extension cable, or a combination where the probe and extension cable combined equal exactly 5.0 meters. Mismatching a 5.0-meter probe with a 9.0-meter Proximitor sensor distorts the RF field tuning, causing severe nonlinear errors in the scale factor and invalidating the vibration data.
Mechanical Integrity and Torque
The short case design (0.5-inch overall case length with 0.0-inch unthreaded portion) requires precise mounting in thin-walled housings or brackets. Over-torquing the probe during installation can warp the internal ceramic tip assembly or strip the 3/8-24 threads. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and do not exceed the maximum torque specification of 13.6 N·m (120 in·lb).
Connector Handling
The ClickLoc coaxial connector (option -02) features a gold-plated locking mechanism designed to resist loosening caused by high-frequency machine casing vibration. Moisture ingress at this junction is a common cause of 2 AM signal faults. Ensure the connector connection is dry, clean, and wrapped in silicone self-fusing tape or protected by a connector protector sleeve before completing commissioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this probe with an older 3300 Proximitor sensor (non-XL)?
Yes. The 3300 XL 8 mm probe is physically and electrically backward-compatible with older, non-XL 3300 series Proximitor sensors. However, when mixing components, the system performance limits default to the older 3300 series specifications, which have a narrower temperature operational range and lower linear range consistency compared to a pure 3300 XL loop.
How do I check if the probe is damaged before installing it?
Measure the electrical resistance of the probe using a digital multimeter. Measure between the center conductor and the outer shield of the ClickLoc connector. A healthy 5.0-meter probe typically exhibits a DC resistance value between 5.9 and 7.7 ohms (verify exact temperature-compensated resistance values with the OEM datasheet). An open circuit (infinity) or short circuit (near 0 ohms) indicates internal cable or coil damage.
What happens if the shaft target material is not AISI 4140 steel?
If the shaft is made of another material, such as 17-4 PH stainless steel or chrome-plated alloys, the eddy-current properties change. This changes the output voltage scale factor away from the standard 200 mV/mil. In these scenarios, you must perform a manual calibration check using a spindle micrometer to map the voltage-to-gap curve, or utilize a custom-calibrated Proximitor sensor from the factory.
