Bently Nevada 3500/50 133442-01 Tachometer I/O Module

Description

Real-World Use & Application Scenarios

The Bently Nevada 3500/50 133442-01 module plays a vital role in industrial machinery condition monitoring, particularly in applications involving rotating equipment such as turbines, generators, and compressors. It is extensively used in power generation plants, oil and gas refineries, petrochemical industries, and other heavy industries where precise shaft speed and position monitoring are critical to operational safety and efficiency. This module addresses the need for accurate rotor speed measurement, acceleration tracking, and direction detection, providing essential data for machinery protection systems to detect abnormal conditions early. Integrating the 3500/50 133442-01 into comprehensive vibration and condition monitoring setups ensures continuous asset protection, reduces downtime, and optimizes maintenance schedules in harsh industrial environments.

Product Introduction & Positioning

The Bently Nevada 3500/50 133442-01 is a two-channel tachometer I/O module designed to accept signals from proximity probes or magnetic pickups to determine shaft rotation speed, acceleration, and direction. Part of Bently Nevada’s trusted 3500 Series machinery protection system, this module provides input and output connectivity necessary for real-time speed monitoring and alarm generation. It supports user-configurable alarm set points, speed band alarming, zero-speed notification, reverse rotation alerts, and rotor acceleration alarming, enabling highly customizable and responsive machinery supervision. The 3500/50 133442-01 is programmed with 3500 Rack Configuration software and integrates seamlessly with other 3500 system modules to enhance system reliability and safety. Its provision of conditioned Keyphasor signals eliminates the need for separate Keyphasor modules, contributing to rack space efficiency.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The module accepts two transducer signal inputs, allowing precise detection of shaft speed and rotation direction. It supports a wide input voltage range from +10.0 V to -24.0 V and maintains high input impedance (standard 20 kΩ) to ensure signal fidelity without loading sensors. The module handles signals ranging from 0.0167 Hz up to 20 kHz, equivalent to 1 rpm to 99,999 rpm, providing versatility across a wide speed spectrum.

The 3500/50 133442-01 features extensive alarm configurations, including programmable speed threshold crossing alarms for forward and reverse rotations. Its peak hold capability records the highest speed and reverse rotation counts, which can be reset as needed for maintenance or diagnostics. Designed for industrial environments, it operates reliably across a temperature range of -30°C to +65°C and maintains performance in moderate humidity conditions.

This tachometer module outputs buffered Keyphasor signals on the rack backplane to support other monitoring functions, enabling cohesive system operation. Its compact rack-mount design and low power consumption simplify integration into established protection systems, enhancing operational safety and process control.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

3500/53 133388-01 – Overspeed detection I/O module for fast shut down protection.
3500/40M – Proximitor monitor module for vibration and position measurements.
3500/44M – Aeroderivative gas turbine vibration monitor.
3500/45 – Position and expansion monitor for axial and differential expansion monitoring.
3500/60 – Temperature monitor supporting comprehensive machinery condition data.
3500/91M – Communication gateway module for network integration.
System 1 Software – Bently Nevada’s monitoring and analysis platform.

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

Install the 3500/50 133442-01 module within Bently Nevada 3500 Series racks, ensuring a secure connection to power and transducer signal cables. Proper grounding and shielding practices should be followed to minimize interference and ensure the accuracy of speed measurements. The module’s compact design allows for easy installation and maintenance within industrial control panels.

Regular maintenance includes visual inspection of module LEDs and rack connectors for signs of wear or damage. Periodic verification of signal integrity and alarm functionality using Bently Nevada’s Rack Configuration software is recommended. The peak hold feature can be used for diagnostics during maintenance, and the data can aid in trending machinery conditions over time. These practices ensure continuous, reliable operation in critical machinery monitoring applications.