BENTLY 3500/15

Description

Detailed parameter table

BENTLY 3500/15

Product introduction

The 3500/15 from Bently Nevada is a high-performance speed monitoring module, serving as a critical component of the 3500 machinery protection system—renowned as the industry standard for critical rotating equipment monitoring. Specifically engineered to provide precise speed measurement and overspeed protection, the 3500/15 delivers real-time rotational data for turbines, compressors, motors, and other high-speed machinery.

As an integral part of Bently Nevada’s advanced monitoring ecosystem, the 3500/15 works seamlessly with proximity probes, magnetic pickups, and encoders to measure rotational speed with exceptional accuracy. Its dual-channel design ensures redundancy for safety-critical applications, while sophisticated alarm logic provides early warning of abnormal speed conditions. Whether deployed in power generation, oil and gas, or chemical processing facilities, the 3500/15 forms the foundation of overspeed protection strategies, helping prevent catastrophic machinery failures.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Precision speed measurement: The 3500/15 delivers industry-leading accuracy of ±0.1% across its 0-60,000 RPM range, ensuring reliable detection of even subtle speed fluctuations that could indicate machinery issues. Its advanced signal processing filters out electrical noise and vibration-induced interference, maintaining measurement integrity in harsh industrial environments. This precision makes it suitable for applications ranging from low-speed pumps to high-speed turbines.

Safety-certified protection: With IEC 61508 SIL 2 certification and API 670 compliance, the 3500/15 meets the most stringent safety requirements for critical machinery. Its dual-channel architecture provides built-in redundancy, with independent processing paths that ensure continued operation even if one channel fails. Configurable overspeed trip settings allow customization to specific machinery requirements, providing reliable protection against dangerous over-rotation events.

Flexible integration options: The 3500/15 offers multiple communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP, enabling seamless integration with DCS, SCADA, and asset management systems. Its versatile input options accommodate magnetic pickups, proximity probes, and optical encoders, making it compatible with existing sensor installations. The module’s compact design and rack-mount configuration simplify integration into both new systems and upgrades of legacy monitoring setups.

Typical application scenarios

In steam turbine power plants, the 3500/15 serves as the primary overspeed protection system for turbine generators. Connected to proximity probes monitoring turbine shaft speed, it continuously compares measurements against safe operating limits. If an overspeed condition is detected—often caused by governor failure—the 3500/15 triggers emergency shutdown relays within milliseconds, preventing catastrophic turbine damage. Its SIL 2 certification ensures compliance with nuclear and fossil power plant safety standards.

Within natural gas processing facilities, the 3500/15 monitors centrifugal compressor speed, critical for maintaining optimal compression ratios and preventing surge conditions. Mounted in control cabinets, it receives signals from magnetic pickups on compressor shafts, providing real-time speed data to the DCS. The module’s rate-of-change alarms detect rapid speed fluctuations that indicate gearbox issues or process disturbances, allowing operators to make adjustments before equipment damage occurs.

In chemical manufacturing, the 3500/15 monitors mixer and agitator speeds in batch processing systems. By tracking rotational velocity with high accuracy, it ensures consistent mixing times and prevents equipment damage from overspeed conditions. Its ability to operate in harsh environments with temperature extremes and chemical exposure makes the 3500/15 ideal for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical production facilities where process consistency and safety are paramount.

BENTLY 3500/15

Related model recommendations

3500/15-01-00: A variant of the 3500/15 with enhanced diagnostic capabilities, including advanced waveform capture for troubleshooting.

3500/22-01-00: A display module that pairs with the 3500/15 to provide local visual monitoring of speed data and alarm status.

330130-080-00-CN: A proximity probe commonly used with the 3500/15 for non-contact speed measurement on metal shafts.

3500/92-01-00: A communication gateway that extends the 3500/15’s connectivity to enterprise monitoring systems.

330180-91-CN: A calibration tool used to verify the measurement accuracy of the 3500/15 and connected sensors.

3500/42-01-00: A vibration monitor module that works with the 3500/15 to provide comprehensive machinery health monitoring.

128229-01: An extension cable compatible with sensor systems using the 3500/15, ensuring reliable signal transmission from field sensors to the module.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the 3500/15, ensure the 3500 series rack is properly mounted in a clean, dry enclosure with ambient temperature between -40°C and 70°C. Verify the 24V DC power supply is stable and properly grounded to prevent electrical noise. For sensor connections, use shielded twisted-pair cables, routing them separately from power cables to minimize interference. During installation, align the module carefully with the rack backplane to avoid pin damage, and secure with mounting screws torqued to 0.5 Nm (4.4 in-lbs).

Maintenance suggestions: Inspect the 3500/15 quarterly for loose connections, dust accumulation, or signs of overheating. Clean ventilation openings using compressed air to maintain thermal performance. Perform annual calibration using Bently Nevada’s calibration equipment to verify speed measurement accuracy across the operating range. Test alarm and shutdown relays monthly to ensure proper operation, and backup configuration settings regularly. When troubleshooting speed measurement issues, use the module’s built-in diagnostics to isolate problems between sensors, cabling, and the 3500/15 itself.

Service and guarantee commitment

The 3500/15 is backed by a 3-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. Bently Nevada’s global technical support team provides 24/7 assistance for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, with specialized expertise in speed monitoring and overspeed protection systems.

We offer comprehensive training programs for the 3500/15, covering configuration, calibration, and safety integration to ensure proper operation in critical applications. For safety-critical installations, we provide SIL verification services to confirm compliance with safety requirements. With Bently Nevada’s decades of experience in machinery protection, the 3500/15 is supported by a commitment to quality and reliability, ensuring long-term protection for your high-speed rotating equipment.