BENTLY 3500/72M

Description

Detailed parameter table

BENTLY 3500/72M

Product introduction

The 3500/72M from Bently Nevada is a specialized multi-channel vibration transmitter module designed to bridge raw vibration sensor data with both local protection systems and external control networks within the 3500 Machinery Protection System. This 2-slot rack-mounted module combines high-precision vibration measurement capabilities with industry-standard 4-20 mA output functionality, making it an essential component for facilities requiring both direct machinery protection and integration with SCADA, DCS, or other external monitoring systems.

Unlike standard vibration monitoring modules that focus solely on protection, 3500/72M serves a dual role: providing critical vibration data to the 3500 system’s central interface (such as 3500/92-02-01-00) for machinery protection while simultaneously transmitting proportional 4-20 mA signals to external systems for process monitoring and control. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring systems, reducing complexity and ensuring data consistency across plant-wide monitoring architectures.

In industrial environments, 3500/72M plays a vital role in creating a unified view of machinery health by making vibration data accessible to both specialized protection systems and general process control networks. Its robust design and flexible integration capabilities make it suitable for diverse applications across power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries, where both detailed vibration analysis and broad process visibility are required.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Dual-purpose data distribution: 3500/72M uniquely provides both high-resolution vibration data to the 3500 system via the backplane and proportional 4-20 mA signals to external systems, enabling simultaneous machinery protection and process integration. This eliminates the need for signal splitters or duplicate sensors, ensuring data consistency between protection logic in 3500/92-02-01-00 and process displays in SCADA/DCS systems.

Flexible sensor compatibility: The module supports a wide range of vibration sensors including Bently Nevada’s 3300 series proximity probes, velocity transducers, and accelerometers, with each of the four channels configurable for different sensor types. This versatility allows precise matching of sensor technology to monitoring requirements—from shaft relative vibration measurements using proximity probes to bearing housing vibration using accelerometers.

Integrated alarm functionality: Beyond basic measurement, 3500/72M includes configurable alarm thresholds with dedicated relay outputs, enabling local protective actions while simultaneously sending alarm status to the 3500/92-02-01-00 interface for system-wide coordination. This distributed intelligence allows rapid response to critical conditions while maintaining centralized oversight of all alarm events.

Extended environmental tolerance: Designed for harsh industrial environments, 3500/72M operates reliably across a wide temperature range (-10°C to +70°C) and includes robust EMI/RFI protection. This rugged construction ensures accurate vibration measurement in challenging locations such as turbine enclosures, compressor houses, and manufacturing cells where environmental conditions can affect electronic performance.

Typical application scenarios

In combined cycle power plants, 3500/72M modules monitor gas turbine and steam turbine vibration, with proximity probes measuring shaft vibration and accelerometers tracking bearing housing vibration. The module sends high-resolution data to the 3500/92-02-01-00 interface for detailed analysis and protection logic, while 4-20 mA signals proportional to vibration amplitude are transmitted to the plant DCS for operator displays. Alarm relays trigger local annunciators and send status to 3500/25-01-01-00 modules for coordinated protective actions during abnormal conditions.

Oil refineries utilize 3500/72M to monitor pump and compressor vibration in process units, where the module’s 4-20 mA outputs provide vibration trends to the refinery’s distributed control system. This allows operators to correlate vibration levels with process parameters like flow rate and pressure. Simultaneously, the 3500/92-02-01-00 interface uses high-resolution data from 3500/72M to detect early signs of bearing degradation, triggering predictive maintenance work orders before significant vibration increases occur.

Manufacturing facilities employ 3500/72M in production line machinery monitoring, with modules installed on critical gearboxes, motors, and fans. The module’s accelerometer inputs track bearing condition, while 4-20 mA outputs feed vibration levels to the plant’s process historian for long-term trend analysis. Alarm thresholds configured in 3500/72M trigger immediate alerts via 3500/25-01-01-00 relays, while the 3500/92-02-01-00 system aggregates data from multiple modules to identify common-mode vibration issues across production lines.

BENTLY 3500/72M

Related model recommendations

3500/92-02-01-00: Central interface module coordinating system-wide monitoring and alarms.

3500/25-01-01-00: Relay module executing protective actions based on vibration alarms.

3500/15-05-05-00: Power supply module providing reliable power to this transmitter.

3500/60 163179-01: Display module showing vibration data from this transmitter.

330106-05-30-10-02-00: 3300 series proximity probe system compatible with this module.

330180-90-00: IEPE accelerometer for bearing vibration measurement.

3500/05-01-02-00-00-01: Serial communication module for legacy system integration.

177230-01-01-05: Shielded extension cable for sensor connections in harsh environments.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing 3500/72M, verify the 3500 rack has two adjacent slots available and that power supply requirements (18-32 VDC) are met, typically from 3500/15-05-05-00. For proximity probes, ensure proper alignment with the shaft and correct gap voltage adjustment. Route sensor cables separately from power wiring using shielded twisted-pair cables (like 177230-01-01-05) to minimize noise. Configure initial channel parameters via the 3500/92-02-01-00 interface to match connected sensors.

Maintenance suggestions: Include 3500/72M in quarterly vibration system inspections, verifying all four channels display stable readings and 4-20 mA outputs correspond accurately to measured values. Perform annual calibration verification using calibrated vibration sources across the operating frequency range. Inspect sensor connections for corrosion or looseness, cleaning terminals with approved contact cleaner as needed. Review alarm thresholds semi-annually to ensure they remain appropriate for current operating conditions. Coordinate firmware updates with the 3500/92-02-01-00 interface to maintain system compatibility.

Service and guarantee commitment

Bently Nevada provides the 3500/72M with a 36-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and performance issues under normal operating conditions, including measurement accuracy, output signal integrity, and integration functionality with compatible components like 3500/92-02-01-00 and 3500/25-01-01-00. Our technical support team offers expert guidance on sensor selection, system configuration, and troubleshooting of vibration measurement and transmission issues.

We offer specialized training on vibration transmitter calibration, integration with both 3500 systems and external control networks, and interpretation of vibration data for predictive maintenance. Beyond the warranty period, our service agreements include calibration services, technical support, and expedited replacement options to minimize system downtime. Bently Nevada’s commitment to quality ensures reliable vibration monitoring and transmission throughout the module’s operational lifecycle, backed by our global network of service professionals dedicated to protecting your critical machinery assets.