



Introduction
The Bently Nevada 330171-10-38-10-02-RU is a 3300 5 mm proximity probe designed for non-contact measurement of shaft position and vibration in rotating machinery. Using eddy-current sensing technology, it detects changes in the gap between the probe tip and a conductive target, providing the measurement input required by a compatible 3300 proximity transducer system.
This configuration has a 1.0-inch unthreaded section, 3.8-inch overall case length, 1.0-meter cable, and miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable. The RU designation identifies the applicable regional approval configuration.
The relatively long 3.8-inch probe body makes this model particularly useful for installations where the sensing point is positioned deeper within the machinery or where a longer probe configuration is required by the existing mounting arrangement. For turbines, compressors, pumps, generators, and other critical rotating assets, it offers a practical combination of precise sensing, rugged construction, and installation flexibility.
Technical Specifications
The 330171-10-38-10-02-RU belongs to the Bently Nevada 3300 5 mm proximity probe family. The 330171 series uses a 1/4-28 UNF-2A thread and an unarmored probe construction. The complete part number defines the mechanical dimensions, cable length, connector, and approval configuration.
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Model | 330171-10-38-10-02-RU |
| Product Type | 3300 5 mm Proximity Probe |
| Sensing Principle | Eddy-current, non-contact |
| Probe Series | 3300 5 mm |
| Probe Base Model | 330171 |
| Thread | 1/4-28 UNF-2A |
| Armor | Without armor |
| Unthreaded Length | 1.0 in (25.4 mm) |
| Overall Case Length | 3.8 in (96.5 mm) |
| Total Cable Length | 1.0 m (3.3 ft) |
| Connector | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector |
| Cable Configuration | Standard cable |
| Cable Impedance | 75 Ω |
| Probe Tip Diameter | Approximately 5.2 mm (0.21 in) |
| Probe Tip Material | Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) |
| Probe Case Material | AISI 303/304 stainless steel |
| Probe Temperature Range | -35°C to +177°C (-31°F to +351°F) |
| Minimum Cable Bend Radius | 25.4 mm (1.0 in) |
| Recommended Case Torque | 5.1 N·m (45 in-lb) |
| Maximum Case Torque | 7.3 N·m (65 in-lb) |
| Typical Probe Weight | Approximately 0.323 kg (323 g) |
| Approval Configuration | RU — regional approval configuration |
Applications
Turbine Shaft Position Monitoring
The 330171-10-38-10-02-RU can be integrated into suitable turbine monitoring arrangements to measure shaft displacement and dynamic rotor movement. Continuous proximity measurements can provide valuable information about changes in turbine operating condition.
Compressor Vibration Measurement
High-speed compressors require accurate rotor measurements to support reliable condition monitoring. The longer probe body can be useful where the sensing location is positioned deeper within the machinery structure.
Pump and Motor Monitoring
For appropriate pump and motor installations, the probe can provide non-contact shaft movement measurements that contribute to vibration monitoring and machinery protection.
Generator Monitoring
Generators and other large rotating assets can benefit from continuous shaft-position and vibration information. The 3300 5 mm system can be incorporated into an existing monitoring architecture when the probe configuration matches the mechanical installation.
Fluid-Film Bearing Applications
Proximity transducers are especially useful for machines with fluid-film bearings, where shaft position and dynamic movement are important operating parameters. The probe can provide the sensing element for both static and dynamic measurements when used with the appropriate system components.
Machinery Protection and Predictive Maintenance
When integrated with a compatible Proximitor sensor and extension cable, the probe can contribute to a continuous machinery protection system. Changes in shaft behavior can then be evaluated as part of a broader condition-based maintenance strategy.
Advantages
Long 3.8-Inch Probe Body
The 3.8-inch case length provides considerably more mechanical reach than many standard 3300 5 mm configurations. This makes the model particularly valuable for specialized mounting arrangements.
Defined 1.0-Inch Unthreaded Section
The 1.0-inch unthreaded length gives engineers additional flexibility when positioning the probe relative to the machinery mounting surface. It is an important dimension when matching a replacement sensor to an existing installation.
Proven Eddy-Current Measurement
The non-contact eddy-current principle eliminates physical contact between the sensing tip and rotating shaft. This supports reliable measurement on high-speed machinery without introducing mechanical wear at the measurement interface.
Compact 5 mm Sensing Tip
Although the probe body is relatively long, the sensing tip remains approximately 5.2 mm in diameter. This compact sensing geometry is useful where space around the measurement target is limited.
Durable Industrial Construction
The stainless-steel probe case and PPS sensing tip provide a robust construction for industrial machinery applications. The probe is specified for a broad operating temperature range from -35°C to +177°C.
Practical 1-Meter Cable
The 1.0-meter cable offers a balanced installation length for many applications. It provides sufficient routing flexibility while avoiding the excess cable associated with much longer configurations.
ClickLoc Connector
The miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector provides a compact and practical interface for compatible 3300 system components, supporting straightforward installation and maintenance.
Suitable for Exact Replacement Work
The full 330171-10-38-10-02-RU ordering number identifies a very specific combination of probe geometry, cable length, connector, and approval configuration. This makes it a strong option when maintaining an existing installation that requires these exact characteristics.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the Bently Nevada 330171-10-38-10-02-RU?
It is a Bently Nevada 3300 series 5 mm proximity probe with a 1/4-28 UNF thread, 1.0-inch unthreaded length, 3.8-inch overall case length, 1.0-meter cable, ClickLoc connector, and RU approval configuration.
2. What does the 330171 base model represent?
The 330171 designation identifies the 3300 5 mm probe with a 1/4-28 UNF thread and without armor.
3. What does the “10” after 330171 indicate?
The first 10 identifies the 1.0-inch unthreaded length, equivalent to approximately 25.4 mm.
4. What does “38” mean in the part number?
The 38 specifies the 3.8-inch overall case length, equivalent to approximately 96.5 mm.
5. How long is the cable?
The model has a 1.0-meter (3.3-foot) total cable length.
6. What connector does the probe use?
The 02 connector option specifies a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable.
7. What type of measurement does the probe provide?
The probe detects changes in the distance between its sensing tip and a conductive target. Within a compatible 3300 transducer system, this allows measurement of static shaft position and dynamic shaft vibration.
8. What is the operating temperature range?
The probe is specified for a temperature range of approximately -35°C to +177°C (-31°F to +351°F).
9. What is the weight of the 330171-10-38-10-02-RU?
The typical probe weight is approximately 0.323 kg (323 g). Complete system weight will depend on the extension cable and Proximitor sensor used with the probe.
10. Can this model replace a shorter 3300 5 mm probe?
Not automatically. The 1.0-inch unthreaded length and 3.8-inch case length are critical installation dimensions. A shorter or differently configured probe may position the sensing tip incorrectly relative to the shaft target. The complete part number and existing mounting arrangement should therefore be checked before replacement.