Description
Product Introduction
The Bently Nevada 330055-04-04-18-18-00-00-05-01 is an 11mm eddy current proximity probe belonging to the industry-standard 3300 XL transducer family. Designed for non-contact measurement of shaft vibration and position, the 11mm probe tip offers an extended linear range (4.0 mm / 160 mils) compared to standard 8mm probes, making it ideal for large-bore bearings, thrust position monitoring, and high-vibration utility turbines.
This specific part number configuration provides precise mechanical dimensions tailored for heavy industrial machine casings. The integrated ClickLoc connector ensures a tight, gold-plated RF interface with the extension cable, protecting signal integrity from oil, moisture, and high thermal stress.
Part Number Breakdown (Option Code Configuration)
| Option Code | Parameter | Configured Value |
| 330055 | Model Type | 3300 XL 11mm Proximity Probe |
| -04 | Unthreaded Length | 0.4 inches |
| -04 | Overall Case Length | 4.0 inches |
| -18 | Total Cable Length | 0.5 meter (19.7 inches / 1.6 feet) |
| -18 | Case Thread Type | M14 x 1.5 Metric Thread |
| -00 | Cable Option | Standard Cable (Unarmored) |
| -00 | Connector Option | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc male connector |
| -05 | Agency Approval | Multiple Approvals (ATEX, IECEx, CSA, Class I Div 1/2) |
| -01 | Mounting Option | Standard mounting nut hardware included |
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Probe Tip Diameter | 11 mm (0.43 in) |
| Linear Range | 4.0 mm (160 mils) nominal |
| Scale Factor | 3.94 V/mm (100 mV/mil) with matching 11mm Proximitor |
| Operating Temperature | -51°C to +177°C (-60°F to +350°F) for probe head/cable |
| Frequency Response | 0 Hz (DC) to 10 kHz |
| System Compatibility | Requires 3300 XL 11mm Proximitor Sensor and Extension Cable |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
On a major gas compression train, a high-pressure turbine experienced excessive axial thrust motion during load changes. Standard 8mm probes were operating near the edge of their 2.0 mm linear range, risking uncalibrated position readings during heavy thermal expansion. Replacing the assembly with 3300 XL 11mm probes doubled the available linear sensing window, allowing machinery diagnostics engineers to accurately track thrust collar displacement without triggering false high-vibration trips.
- Heavy Industrial Steam & Gas Turbines – Measures axial displacement and main journal bearing vibration.
- Large Hydroelectric Generators – Tracks radial shaft runout on large-diameter shafting.
- Critical Boiler Feed Pumps & Centrifugal Compressors – Provides real-time dynamic vibration input to 3500 Machinery Protection Systems.
330055-04-04-18-18-00-00-05-01
330055-04-04-18-18-00-00-05-01
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
- Physical & Thread Integrity Check: Threads are verified with pitch gauges, and the ceramic probe tip face is inspected under magnification for micro-fissures or manufacturing flaws.
- Coaxial Continuity & Insulation Sweep: Electrical resistance across the center conductor and outer shield is measured, followed by a megohmmeter insulation test against the stainless steel probe casing.
- Target Gap & Linearity Calibration: The probe is mounted in a micrometer spindle fixture against 4140 steel target material connected to a calibrated 11mm Proximitor sensor to confirm output curve accuracy (100 mV/mil).
- ESD & Protective Packaging: The probe tip is fitted with a protective rubber sleeve, coiling the cable within minimum bend radius specs before static-shield sealing.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
- ⚠️ Match system lengths strictly! The total electrical length of the probe + extension cable + Proximitor MUST equal either 5 meters or 9 meters (as designed for your system). Running an 18-code (0.5m) probe with an incorrect extension cable length will skew the output scale factor (100 mV/mil curve).
- ❗ Do not over-torque metric threads. When screwing the M14x1.5 thread into the machine casing or mounting bracket, observe Bently Nevada torque specs (22 N·m / 16 ft·lb max) to prevent twisting the inner coaxial cable anchor.
- ⚠️ Protect ClickLoc connectors from oil soaking. Always use silicone self-amalgamating tape or connector protectors over the probe-to-extension cable junction inside the bearing housing to prevent oil contamination from causing signal noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use an 11mm probe with a standard 3300 XL 8mm Proximitor Sensor?
A: No. 11mm probes have different coil inductance and require a dedicated 3300 XL 11mm Proximitor sensor (100 mV/mil) to maintain linear output accuracy.
- Q: What does option -18 mean for total length?
A: In Bently Nevada 3300 XL probe nomenclature, option -18 specifies a 0.5-meter (approx. 19.7 inches) integral probe cable length, designed to connect to a 4.5m or 8.5m extension cable inside a local junction box.
- Q: Is this unit certified for hazardous area installation?
A: Yes, option code -05 includes multiple international hazardous area certifications including ATEX/IECEx intrinsically safe ratings for Zone 0/1 environments.
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