Bently Nevada 330106-05-30-05-02-05 Vibration/Displacement Probe for Critical Rotating Machinery

The Bently Nevada 330106-05-30-05-02-05 is a proximity (eddy-current) probe designed for precise shaft vibration and axial position measurements in harsh, continuous-duty environments. It slots into the 3300 XL transducer system and, when paired with the matching extension cable and Proximitor sensor, delivers a stable, industry-standard scale factor for machine protection and condition monitoring.    From my experience, this model is typically selected for steam turbines, compressors, and high-speed pumps where reliability is non-negotiable.

• Eddy-current sensing for vibration and position – Non-contact measurement of shaft radial vibration and axial position on conductive targets.

• 3300 XL system compatibility – Works as part of the probe + extension cable + Proximitor sensor chain commonly used with Bently Nevada 3300/3500 monitoring systems.

• Factory-matched system length – The “-30” option denotes a 3.0 m integral probe cable, enabling correct total transducer length when combined with the matching extension cable.

• Stable scale factor – In many cases, the system provides 200 mV/mil (≈7.87 mV/μm) when used with the corresponding 3300 XL Proximitor sensor, making it straightforward to trend data across assets.

• Rugged construction – Designed for oil-filled machines and high mechanical stress environments; cable and probe body resist common process contaminants.

• Flexible mounting – Threaded body and locknut allow precise tip positioning and gap setting in standard brackets or custom probe holders.

You’ll typically see this probe on high-value rotating machines where precise proximity measurements feed into protection trips or condition monitoring software:

• Steam and gas turbines – radial vibration, thrust position, and startup/barring monitoring

• Centrifugal compressors – shaft vibration and case expansion measurements in API environments

• Large motors, generators, and pumps – bearing housing and shaft condition tracking

• Gearboxes and blowers – early fault detection where contact sensors struggle

A maintenance supervisor told me they swapped several legacy probes on a hydrogen-cooled generator to 3300 XL units and the biggest gain was “less drift after outages and far less nuisance alarms” — seems to be a common theme when the system length is matched properly.

• Reliability in harsh conditions – Proven performance in oil, heat, and vibration; fewer false trips in most cases.

• System compatibility – Plays nicely with Bently Nevada 3300/3500 monitoring platforms and associated software.

• Lower lifecycle cost – Stable calibration and interchangeable components help reduce spares and downtime.

• Technical support – Clear option codes and documented installation practices make commissioning more predictable.

• Environment – Install in a sealed cabinet or junction box when practical; ensure adequate ventilation and keep cable routing away from high-EMI sources.

• Mounting – Use the correct thread and locknut; set the nominal gap per the datasheet (you might target a mid-range gap voltage once the Proximitor is connected).

• Wiring – Maintain factory-matched system length (probe + extension + Proximitor); avoid mixing cable lengths arbitrarily.

• Safety – De-energize the monitor channel before connecting; confirm grounding and shield terminations to prevent noise pickup.

• Routine checks – Periodically verify gap voltage, inspect cable armor/strain relief, and confirm scale factor in your monitoring software. Firmware updates apply to the monitor, not the probe itself.

• Spare parts – Keep a matching extension cable and the correct 3300 XL Proximitor sensor on hand; I usually see teams stock one full transducer chain per critical bearing.

• Manufactured to Bently Nevada quality standards (ISO 9001 at the manufacturer level)

• CE compliant; RoHS/REACH alignment typical for the 3300 XL family

• UL/CSA certifications generally apply at the monitoring system level (probe is a passive component)

• Standard manufacturer warranty, typically 1 year

• 3300 XL Extension Cable (e.g., 330130 series) – choose length to match the required system length

• 3300 XL Proximitor Sensor (matched to probe type and total cable length)

• Mounting hardware – brackets, adaptors, and locknuts per your machine design

If you need help interpreting the “-05-30-05-02-05” option codes for thread type, tip configuration, or armor, share your existing spec sheet or a photo of the probe tag. You might notice tiny differences in codes that affect temperature rating and mounting depth, and it’s worth getting those right before an outage.