Introduction
The Bently Nevada 129716-173-037-15-05 is a 3300 XL 8 mm Proximity Probe designed for precise, non-contact measurement of shaft displacement and vibration in rotating machinery. As part of the 3300 XL Proximity Transducer System, it is engineered for applications where stable measurement, repeatable performance, and dependable machinery protection are essential.
With a 173 mm unthreaded length, 1.0 m total length, and stainless-steel armored construction, this configuration is particularly suitable for installations that require a robust probe assembly with additional mechanical protection. The probe uses an eddy-current sensing principle, allowing it to monitor the relative movement between the probe tip and a conductive shaft target without physical contact.
The 129716-173-037-15-05 is a strong fit for established Bently Nevada monitoring systems and replacement projects where maintaining the original probe geometry is important. For turbines, compressors, pumps, generators, and other critical rotating equipment, it provides a practical sensing point for continuous vibration and shaft-position monitoring.
Technical Specifications
The complete part number identifies the mechanical and electrical configuration of the probe. For this model, the available product information identifies a 3300 XL 8 mm probe, 173 mm unthreaded length, 1.0 m total length, and 15 mm-class mounting configuration.
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Part Number | 129716-173-037-15-05 |
| Product Type | 3300 XL Proximity Probe |
| Product Family | 3300 XL 8 mm |
| Probe Tip Diameter | 8 mm |
| Sensing Principle | Eddy-current proximity measurement |
| Unthreaded Length | 173 mm |
| Total Length | 1.0 m / approximately 3.3 ft |
| Thread Configuration | 15 mm-class configuration |
| Armor | Stainless steel |
| Shell Material | Stainless steel |
| Linear Range | Approximately 2.0 mm / 80 mils |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 7.87 V/mm / 200 mV/mil |
| Frequency Response | Approximately 0 Hz to 10 kHz |
| Typical Measurement | Shaft displacement and relative vibration |
| Typical Machinery | Turbines, compressors, pumps, motors and generators |
| Operating Temperature | Configuration-dependent; verify system installation requirements |
| Dimensions | 8 mm probe tip; 173 mm unthreaded section; 1.0 m total length |
| Approximate Unit Weight | Approximately 0.34 kg |
| Mounting | Fixed proximity-probe installation |
Applications
Turbine Shaft Monitoring
The 129716-173-037-15-05 can be installed on turbine machinery to monitor relative shaft vibration and displacement. Continuous proximity measurements can help identify changes in rotor behavior before they develop into more serious operating concerns.
Compressor Vibration Measurement
High-speed compressors depend on stable shaft operation. A properly installed 3300 XL proximity probe can provide continuous information about shaft movement, supporting machinery protection and condition-based maintenance.
Generator Monitoring
Large generators may use proximity probes around bearing locations to monitor relative shaft movement. The 3300 XL 8 mm platform provides a compact sensing solution for these installations.
Pump and Motor Applications
The probe is also suitable for selected pumps and motors where continuous shaft vibration or displacement monitoring is required. Its compact 8 mm sensing tip allows installation in a variety of machinery geometries.
Bearing Vibration Monitoring
When mounted correctly in relation to the shaft, the probe can detect relative movement between the rotating shaft and stationary bearing structure. This makes it useful for monitoring changes associated with imbalance, misalignment, looseness, or developing bearing-related conditions.
Machinery Protection Systems
The probe can serve as the sensing element within a complete Bently Nevada monitoring channel, working with compatible Proximitor electronics, extension components, and monitoring equipment.
Replacement of Existing 3300 XL Probes
The defined 173 mm unthreaded length and 1.0 m overall configuration make the model especially useful for replacement projects where the physical probe geometry needs to remain consistent with an existing installation.
Advantages
Proven 3300 XL 8 mm Platform
The 3300 XL 8 mm architecture is widely used for non-contact shaft vibration and displacement measurement. Selecting a probe from the same platform can simplify maintenance where the monitoring system is already standardized around 3300 XL components.
Compact 8 mm Probe Tip
The 8 mm sensing format provides a practical balance between installation size and measurement capability, making it suitable for a broad range of rotating machinery.
173 mm Unthreaded Length
The relatively long unthreaded section gives engineers useful flexibility when positioning the probe in relation to the machine casing and shaft measurement point.
1.0 Meter Total Length
The 1.0 m configuration provides a useful connection distance for many machinery installations while keeping the probe assembly compact enough for conventional routing.
Stainless-Steel Construction
Stainless-steel construction provides mechanical durability and useful resistance to demanding industrial environments. This makes the probe suitable for long-term fixed installation rather than temporary measurement work.
Non-Contact Sensing
Because the probe does not physically touch the rotating shaft, there is no direct mechanical wear at the sensing interface. This makes the technology well suited to continuous machinery monitoring.
Wide Frequency Response
The approximately 0 Hz to 10 kHz frequency response provides useful bandwidth for monitoring both slower displacement behavior and higher-frequency vibration components.
Consistent Sensitivity
The approximately 7.87 V/mm sensitivity gives the compatible monitoring electronics a defined signal relationship to shaft displacement, supporting repeatable measurements and effective trending.
Maintenance-Friendly Replacement
Using the exact part-number configuration can reduce unnecessary changes to the existing mounting arrangement, helping maintenance teams replace a probe without redesigning the complete measurement channel.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the Bently Nevada 129716-173-037-15-05?
It is a Bently Nevada 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe used for non-contact measurement of shaft displacement and relative vibration in rotating machinery.
2. What is the probe tip diameter?
The probe uses an 8 mm sensing tip, placing it within the 3300 XL 8 mm proximity-probe family.
3. What is the unthreaded length?
The model has an unthreaded length of 173 mm. This dimension is important when matching the probe to an existing machine mounting arrangement.
4. How long is the complete probe?
The specified total length is 1.0 meter, or approximately 3.3 feet.
5. What type of measurement does the probe perform?
It uses an eddy-current proximity sensing principle to measure the distance between the probe tip and a conductive rotating target. The resulting signal can be used for shaft displacement and vibration monitoring.
6. What is the linear measurement range?
Available product specifications identify a linear range of approximately 2.0 mm (80 mils) for the 3300 XL 8 mm configuration associated with this model.
7. What is the probe sensitivity?
The specified sensitivity is approximately 7.87 V/mm (200 mV/mil). This characteristic defines the relationship between shaft displacement and the probe's electrical output.
8. What are the dimensions and weight?
The principal dimensions are an 8 mm probe tip, 173 mm unthreaded length, and 1.0 m total length. A product listing reports an approximate weight of 0.34 kg.
9. Is the probe armored?
Yes. This configuration is identified with stainless-steel armor, providing additional mechanical protection for the probe assembly and cable routing.
10. Can this probe replace any 3300 XL 8 mm probe?
Not necessarily. Although probes may share the same 8 mm sensing format, differences in unthreaded length, total length, thread configuration, armor, cable arrangement, and environmental requirements can affect interchangeability. The complete part number should be matched before replacement.
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