Bently Nevada 330101-00-56-10-02-00 Proximity Probe – Displacement Sensing for Centrifugal Compressors

The Bently Nevada 330101-00-56-10-02-00 is a proximity (displacement) probe typically specified on centrifugal compressor bodies to measure shaft vibration and position without physical contact. It forms part of the 3300 XL transducer system and is trusted for API 670 style machine protection in refineries, gas processing, and petrochemical services. From my experience, it’s a straightforward drop-in when you’re maintaining OEM monitoring chains or standardizing spares across similar trains.

• Non-contact eddy-current measurement – Reliable shaft vibration and axial/position detection on critical compressors without wear on the target surface.

• 3300 XL system compatibility – Works with the matching 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor and extension cable to deliver stable gap and dynamic signals.

• Standard 200 mV/mil sensitivity – In most cases, the chain delivers 200 mV/mil (≈7.87 mV/µm) when paired with the correct Proximitor, making it easy to match existing monitor scaling.

• Harsh-environment build – Robust probe body and cable construction designed for compressor bearing housings with oil mist, heat, and electromagnetic noise.

• API 670-style deployments – Commonly used on API 617 centrifugal compressors and integrated with Bently Nevada 3500 or legacy monitors.

• Dash-code configured – The -00-56-10-02-00 options define length/connector/armor selections, so you can align exactly with your machine BOM.

• Stable thermal performance – It typically maintains linearity and repeatability across a wide operating temperature range when the correct option set is used.

This probe is used primarily on centrifugal compressors (radial bearings and thrust measurement points), but you’ll also see it on steam/gas turbines, large process pumps, gearboxes, and critical fans or blowers. In many cases it’s installed as part of an API 670-compliant protection system tied into Bently Nevada 3500 monitors for trips and trends.

• Radial vibration on compressor bearings (X/Y)

• Thrust position monitoring on the compressor thrust collar

• Casing relative expansion and runout checks during overhauls

• Condition monitoring for balance and alignment verification after maintenance

• Compatibility – Matches existing Bently Nevada chains, so no re-engineering of monitoring hardware or scaling is needed in most cases.

• Reliability – Stable readings in oil-mist environments and around electrical noise, which typically reduces nuisance trips.

• Lifecycle cost – Seamless replacement minimizes downtime; fewer configuration changes mean less commissioning time.

• Technical backing – Documentation, calibration data, and installation guidelines are well established for the 3300 XL family.

A maintenance engineer I work with mentioned that swapping this probe like-for-like on a propane compressor cut restart time by half a shift because the monitor scaling stayed exactly the same. That seems to be the typical experience when the dash codes match your original build.

• Mounting – Install in a clean, tapped port on the bearing housing; use the correct thread and locknut. Set the cold gap per your machine spec (often near 40 mils / 1.0 mm, but follow your OEM sheet).

• Cable routing – Route away from high-voltage lines and VFD cables; maintain tight connections at the Proximitor. Use gland fittings and armor if your spec requires it.

• Panel/monitor – Pair with the matching 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor and extension cable; verify the monitor input is configured for 200 mV/mil sensitivity.

• Environment – Ensure enclosure ventilation for the monitor rack, and keep the probe tip area free of sludge or varnish buildup.

• Routine care – Periodically confirm gap and phase reference, clean the probe tip carefully, and document readings. After outages, re-verify thrust position and alarm settings.

• Safety – Lockout/tagout rotating equipment; observe ESD handling when touching transducer components.

• Manufactured to the Bently Nevada 3300 XL family standards; commonly supplied with CE and other regional approvals depending on dash options.

• Meets typical API 670 measurement practices when used with approved monitors and system components.

• Warranty: manufacturer’s standard warranty terms apply; serial and dash-code traceability supported.

To complete the measurement chain, pair the 330101-00-56-10-02-00 with its matching 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor and the correct-length 3300 XL extension cable. If you’re unsure whether your original build was 5 mm or 8 mm series, send the full dash codes from the probe, extension, and Proximitor, and I’ll help cross-check compatibility before you place the order.

Quick tip: please verify the -00-56-10-02-00 options against your compressor BOM or previous service report; even a small mismatch in cable length or connector style can complicate installation timing on a turnaround.