BENTLY 3500/60 163179-01 – Temperature Monitoring Module for Critical Rotating Equipment

The BENTLY 3500/60 163179-01 is a temperature monitoring module designed for the 3500 rack, typically used to track bearing metal temperature, motor windings, and process temperature points on turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators. From my experience, it’s chosen when you want high channel density, clear alarm logic, and tight integration with the 3500 protection and condition monitoring ecosystem.

It accepts common RTD and thermocouple sensors and feeds validated values to the rack for Alert/Danger alarming and system trips via associated relay modules. You might notice that it streamlines wiring and configuration when paired with the proper rear I/O and communication modules, especially in brownfield upgrades where space is at a premium.

• Multi‑channel temperature monitoring – Supports multiple RTD and thermocouple inputs per module, ideal for dense bearing and winding temperature layouts.

• Broad sensor compatibility – Commonly supports 3‑wire RTDs (e.g., Pt100) and industry thermocouple types (J, K, E, T and similar), helping standardize spares across assets.

• Integrated alarm strategy – Works with 3500 rack logic to provide OK status, Alert/Danger setpoints, and voting as configured at the system level.

• Rack‑based communications – Measurement values available through the 3500/22M TDI and, in many cases, via the 3500/92 Modbus gateway to your DCS/PLC.

• Space‑efficient design – High channel density in a standard 3500 slot footprint reduces cabinet space and simplifies retrofits.

• Field‑serviceable I/O – Rear I/O and terminal blocks typically allow straightforward field wiring, calibration checks, and sensor replacement.

This module is usually specified for:

• Steam and gas turbines – bearing metal temperatures, shell temperatures, and critical casing points.

• Compressors and gearboxes – bearing and lube oil temperature tracking to prevent run‑away conditions.

• Large motors and generators – stator/winding temperatures and bearing metal temperature for condition‑based maintenance.

• Pumps and fans – seal and bearing temperatures to support interlocks and safe shutdowns.

A maintenance lead at a refinery told us they migrated multiple bearing metal temperature loops to the 3500/60 and immediately benefited from clearer Alert/Danger behavior and fewer nuisance trips on startup—especially with consistent sensor wiring practices.

• Reliability – Designed for continuous protection in critical environments; the module participates in the 3500’s proven alarm and OK status philosophy.

• Compatibility – Seamless fit with existing 3500 racks, software, and gateways; simplifies spares and training.

• Cost savings – High channel density reduces rack count and cabinet space; fewer auxiliary signal conditioners in most cases.

• Data availability – Values presented to both protection logic and condition monitoring, and, where needed, forwarded to DCS/PLC via Modbus.

• 3500/22M TDI – Transient Data Interface for data acquisition and system configuration; bridges the rack to condition monitoring software.

• 3500/92 Communications Gateway – Provides Modbus (serial/TCP) data mapping for DCS/PLC integration.

• 3500/33 Relay Module – System relays for Alert/Danger/trip logic driven by the rack’s alarm setpoints.

• 3500 Power Supply (e.g., 3500/15 or 3500/20 series) – Redundant supply options for high availability installations.

• Panel/cabinet – Mount the 3500 rack in a clean, ventilated control cabinet; maintain ambient within the specified temperature range.

• Wiring practices – Use shielded, twisted pairs for RTDs and proper extension wire for thermocouples; land shields at a single end to minimize noise. Avoid mixing sensor types on shared cable runs.

• Grounding and CJC – Ensure proper grounding and observe cold junction compensation requirements for thermocouple inputs.

• Configuration – Verify channel type, range, and Alert/Danger setpoints through the TDI; validate OK status before commissioning.

• Routine maintenance – Periodic sensor checks and loop verification (typically annually); keep terminals clean and tight; apply approved firmware updates via the TDI when available.

• Typically carries CE marking and UL/cUL or CSA approvals for industrial control equipment; manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems.

• RoHS compliance may apply depending on build/revision; documentation available per module revision.

• Manufacturer’s limited warranty (often 1 year). Extended service and spares packages are commonly available.

If you’re standardizing on the 3500 platform, the 3500/60 163179-01 seems to be the sensible pick for temperature loops you want tied directly into protection logic without extra third‑party conditioners. One thing I appreciate is how predictable the commissioning becomes when the sensor mix is well documented from the start.