Bently Nevada 3500/40-01-01 Proximitor Monitor – 4‑Channel Radial Vibration Card for Critical Rotating Machinery

The Bently Nevada 3500/40-01-01 is a 4‑channel Proximitor Monitor designed for sleeve‑bearing machines where precise radial shaft vibration and position are essential for API 670‑grade protection. It ties directly into standard Bently Nevada proximity transducer systems and feeds clean, buffered signals and alarm logic to the 3500 rack for trips, relays, and trending.

In many cases, I see it deployed on compressors, steam and gas turbines, and large pumps where stable measurements and dependable “OK” diagnostics matter more than fancy extras. One thing I appreciate is how it plays nicely with the rest of the 3500 platform—simple to configure, predictable in behavior, and well-documented.

• 4 independent channels – Each channel supports proximity probe inputs for radial vibration/position, enabling multi-bearing coverage on a single card.

• Alert and Danger setpoints – Configurable limits per channel with latching/non‑latching behavior to meet typical API 670 protection practices.

• Comprehensive OK detection – Monitors transducer health and wiring continuity; helps you catch probe or extension cable faults early.

• Buffered transducer outputs – Front and rear buffered outputs (per channel) for portable data collectors, orbit plots, and deeper diagnostics.

• Tight integration with 3500 rack – Uses rack relays, system display, and comm gateway (e.g., 3500/92) for annunciation, trips, and historian links.

• Option 01-01 variant – Typically indicates a standard 4-channel, non‑IS I/O arrangement; suitable for general industrial environments without intrinsic safety barriers.

• Consistent configuration workflow – Uses the established 3500 Configuration software; from my experience, setup time is short and repeatable.

This card is a staple on:

• Steam and gas turbines (radial bearing vibration and shaft position)

• Centrifugal and screw compressors (stable radial monitoring and orbit analysis)

• Large pumps, fans, and blowers (protection trips and trendable vibration)

• Gearboxes and expanders (paired with Keyphasor for phase-aware diagnostics)

A maintenance lead told me their team “caught a bearing oil instability early” because the buffered outputs made orbit review quick during a turnaround. That’s fairly typical with this monitor—clean signals, less guesswork.

• Reliability – Proven card in the 3500 ecosystem; behavior is predictable and stable in most cases.

• Compatibility – Works with widely used 3300 XL proximity transducers; simplifies spares strategy.

• Lower lifecycle cost – Reuse existing probes and cables; fewer engineering changes when upgrading older racks.

• Integration-ready – Native tie-in to 3500 relays, displays, and Modbus gateways for DCS/PLC connections.

• API 670 practices – Meets typical protection requirements when configured with the 3500 system.

• Cabinet & environment – Mount the 3500 rack in a clean, ventilated cabinet; keep ambient within the rack’s specified range and avoid high vibration on the panel.

• Wiring best practices – Use proper proximity probe cabling and grounding; route away from high‑frequency drives; maintain correct probe gap at installation.

• Commissioning – Verify OK status per channel, confirm Alert/Danger logic, and exercise trips with Trip Multiply and Channel Defeat as needed.

• Routine tasks – Periodically review buffered outputs, clean front BNCs, check setpoints against current machine baselines, and apply firmware/config updates per site policy.

• Safety – De‑energize relay circuits during maintenance; for hazardous areas, consider IS variants of the I/O (not the 01-01) to match zone requirements.

• CE and RoHS compliant; UL/cUL and CSA listings are commonly available for the 3500 system.

• ATEX/IECEx options apply when using intrinsically safe I/O variants (not typically the “01-01” option).

• Manufacturer warranty is generally 1 year, with extended service programs available via Bently Nevada channels.

• Bently Nevada 3300 XL Proximity Transducer System – Probe, extension cable, and Proximitor for each channel; widely stocked, easy to gap and verify.

• 3500/92 Communication Gateway – Modbus TCP/RTU link to DCS/PLC and historians; seems to be the simplest way to get stable data out.

• 3500/25 Keyphasor Module – Phase reference for orbits, 1×/2× tracking, and advanced diagnostics.

• 3500/32M Relay Module – Alarm and trip relays driven by the 3500/40 setpoints for shutdown logic.

• 3500/15 Power Supply – Redundant supply options; keep the rack powered cleanly.

• 3500/05 System Rack – The standard chassis that houses the monitor and I/O modules.

Note: The “01-01” coding typically denotes a standard, non‑IS I/O option. If your site needs intrinsic safety or specific hazardous area approvals, we can cross‑check the exact option code and propose the closest certified variant.