Bently Nevada Unveils Enhanced 3500/25 Keyphasor Module for Industrial Machinery Monitoring

In a move to enhance the performance and reliability of industrial machinery monitoring systems, Bently Nevada has introduced the new 3500/25 Enhanced Keyphasor Module. This advanced module is set to revolutionize the way rotating equipment is monitored and maintained across various industries.

The 3500/25 Enhanced Keyphasor Module is a half-height, two-channel device designed to provide crucial Keyphasor signals to monitor modules within a 3500 rack. By receiving input signals from proximity probes or magnetic pickups, it converts these into digital Keyphasor signals. These signals precisely indicate when the Keyphasor mark on the shaft aligns with the Keyphasor transducer.

The 3500 Machinery Protection System, which the module is a part of, can accept up to four Keyphasor signals in a normal configuration. In a paired configuration, this capacity expands to eight signals. The Keyphasor signal, a once-per-turn or multiple-event-per-turn pulse from a rotating shaft or gear, enables accurate timing measurements. This, in turn, allows 3500 monitor modules and external diagnostic equipment to measure shaft rotative speed and vector parameters such as 1X vibration amplitude and phase.

This new module represents a significant upgrade over previous designs. It offers expanded Keyphasor signal processing capabilities while maintaining full downward compatibility in form, fit, and function. This means it can easily replace existing Keyphasor modules in legacy systems. Notably, the previous Keyphasor module, PWA 125792-01, is now completely superseded by the updated 149369-01 module.

For Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) applications that require system Keyphasor inputs, the 3500 system should use two Keyphasor modules. In this setup, the modules operate in parallel, supplying both primary and secondary Keyphasor signals to other modules in the rack. Systems with more than four Keyphasor inputs can utilize a paired configuration, provided there are no more than four primary Keyphasor input signals. A paired configuration necessitates two consecutive monitoring positions in either the upper/lower or both half-slot positions. Four Keyphasor modules can handle four primary and four backup input channels and provide four output channels, one per module. Additionally, a configuration of two paired and one non-paired Keyphasor modules (three in total) is also possible.

Bently Nevada has also introduced the Isolated Keyphasor I/O module for applications where Keyphasor signals are connected in parallel to multiple devices and need isolation from other systems, like a control system. Initially designed for Magnetic Pickup applications, it is also compatible with Proximitor applications when an external power supply is provided. While this module can measure phase, it does introduce a slightly higher phase shift compared to the non-isolated version.

The enhanced product features of the 3500/25 Enhanced Keyphasor Module include the generation of once-per-turn event signals from multi-event-per-turn inputs, field-upgradeable firmware, and asset management data reporting. These features not only improve the accuracy of machinery monitoring but also facilitate better predictive maintenance and overall equipment health management.

Industry experts believe that this new module will set a new standard for machinery protection and monitoring. With its advanced features and capabilities, the 3500/25 Enhanced Keyphasor Module is expected to help industries optimize the performance of their rotating equipment, reduce downtime, and enhance overall productivity.