Description
Key Technical Specifications
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Model Number: 330180-X1-00
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Manufacturer: Bently Nevada (Baker Hughes)
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Function: Active signal repeater/amplifier for 3300 Series eddy current sensors (Proximitors)
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Input Signal: -18V to -2V DC (from Proximitor sensor, 1V/10mm sensitivity)
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Output Signal: Regenerated -18V to -2V DC (signal boosted, noise filtered)
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Max Cable Length: 50m (164ft) total (sensor-to-repeater + repeater-to-monitor)
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Signal Boost: +6dB gain (compensates for 50m cable attenuation)
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Noise Rejection: X1 suffix adds enhanced EMI filtering (rejects 50/60Hz VFD noise)
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Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (harsh environment rated)
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Isolation: 500Vrms (input-to-output, per IEC 60664-1)
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Power Supply: 24V DC (±10%, from 3500 rack or external supply)
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Dimensions: 89mm x 51mm x 25mm (WxHxD, compact DIN rail mount)
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Weight: 0.23kg (lightweight for field installation)
Bently Nevada 330180-X1-00
Field Application & Problem Solved
In the field, large rotating machinery—think 1000MW steam turbines, offshore gas compressors, or refinery catalytic crackers—often have sensor cables running 30m+ from the shaft to the 3500 rack. The biggest headache with long runs is signal attenuation: the -18V to -2V output from Proximitor sensors drops below the 3500/42M monitor’s threshold, causing “no signal” alarms or erratic displacement readings. Worse, VFD noise in these areas corrupts the signal, leading to false trips. This active repeater solves that by boosting and cleaning the signal. You’ll find it on hydro generators (extending 40m cables from rotor bore sensors), LNG compressors (boosting signals through EMI-heavy skids), or remote pump stations (where the 3500 rack is 50m from the sensor). Its core value is reliability: the X1-enhanced filtering kills VFD noise (common in paper mills), and 50m support eliminates the need for costly junction boxes. For example, in a Gulf Coast refinery, it fixed a 35m compressor sensor run that kept dropping signal—restoring displacement data and preventing a week of downtime.
Installation & Maintenance Pitfalls (Expert Tips)
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Wrong Cable Type: Rookies use unshielded cable for long runs. Always use Belden 8761 (shielded twisted-pair) for sensor-to-repeater and repeater-to-monitor. Unshielded cable picks up 60Hz hum—seen this cause 0.5mm false displacement in a Louisiana turbine.
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Grounding Both Ends: The repeater’s shield must ground only at the 3500 rack. Grounding at the sensor end creates a ground loop, amplifying noise. A Texas chemical plant had erratic readings until we disconnected the sensor-end ground.
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Ignoring Power Stability: The 24V DC supply must be clean—use a regulated supply, not a VFD-derived source. A West Virginia plant had signal dropouts because the supply fluctuated ±15%; adding a 24V regulator fixed it.
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Skipping Signal Calibration: After installation, verify the output signal with a multimeter. The repeater should maintain -18V at max gap (no load) and -2V at 0mm. Drift >0.5V means a failing amplifier—replace immediately.
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Mounting Near Heat Sources: The X1 suffix tolerates heat, but mounting near a turbine casing (200°C+) degrades components. Use a heat shield or mount on a cool surface—learned this after a Canadian plant’s repeater failed in 6 months.
Bently Nevada 330180-X1-00
Technical Deep Dive & Overview
The 330180-X1-00 is an active signal repeater for Bently’s 3300 Series eddy current Proximitors, designed to extend cable runs without signal loss. It works as a “signal regenerator”: the weak -18V to -2V input from the Proximitor is amplified by an onboard op-amp (with +6dB gain), filtered through a low-pass X1-enhanced EMI filter (cutoff at 10kHz), and output as a clean signal. Isolation (500Vrms) prevents ground loops, while the compact DIN rail mount fits in tight skid spaces. It draws 24V DC from the 3500 rack or an external supply, and a status LED indicates power/signal health. Critical for large machinery, it pairs with 3300 Series sensors (e.g., 330103, 330102) and 3500/42M monitors to ensure displacement/vibration data integrity over 50m runs. In short, it’s the “signal lifeline” for distant Proximitors—keeping data clean and reliable where long cables threaten to fail.
