330141-08-50-11-05 Bently Nevada 3300 XL 8 mm Probe

Case Study: Solving a High-Vibration Probe Failure

A petrochemical plant faced repeated probe failures on a critical compressor. The root cause was mechanical fatigue at the probe tip bond. The solution was the Bently Nevada 330141-08-50-11-05, a 3300 XL 8 mm probe with armor. Its patented TipLoc molding method provides a robust bond between tip and body. Consequently, the probe withstands continuous vibration without degradation.

Product Overview: 330141-08-50-11-05

The 330141-08-50-11-05 is a Bently Nevada 3300 XL 8 mm probe with armor. It features a 5.0 meter (16.4 feet) FluidLoc cable and a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with protector. The probe is made in the U.S.A. and carries CSA, ATEX, and IECEx approvals. Its 8 mm diameter offers thicker encapsulation of the probe coil in molded PPS plastic, resulting in a more rugged tip. The larger body diameter also provides a stronger case. Therefore, this probe delivers engineering-grade precision for harsh industrial environments.

Key Specifications

• Probe Length: 5.0 meters (16.4 feet)
• Nominal DC Resistance: 8.73 Ω ± 0.50 Ω
• Incremental Scale Factor: 7.87 V/mm (200 mV/mil) ± 5%
• Deviation from Best Fit Line: Less than ±0.025 mm (±1 mil)
• Probe Tip Material: Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
• Probe Case Material: AISI 303 or 304 stainless steel
• Probe Weight: 323 g/m (11.4 oz)
• Operating Temperature: -52°C to +177°C (-62°F to +350°F)
• Cable Pull Strength: 330 N (75 lbf) via CableLoc design

These verified specifications ensure exact matching for your measurement system.

Applications and Use Cases

This probe is ideal for rotating machinery monitoring. For instance, it suits steam turbines, compressors, and pumps. The FluidLoc cable option prevents oil leakage through the cable interior. Meanwhile, the armored construction protects against physical abuse. In high-humidity environments, the probe exhibits less than a 3% change in Average Scale Factor when tested at 93% humidity for up to 56 days. Therefore, it maintains accuracy in challenging conditions.

Installation and Compatibility

Install the 330141-08-50-11-05 with a 5 meter Proximitor sensor only. The miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector ensures secure mating. Additionally, the connector protector guards against damage. For proper operation, verify the probe DC resistance from center conductor to outer conductor. The nominal value is 8.73 Ω ± 0.50 Ω at 5.0 meters. Always follow Bently Nevada installation guidelines for optimal performance.

Maintenance and Reliability

Inspect the probe periodically for physical damage. Check the cable for wear or fluid ingress. The Viton O-ring seals differential pressure between tip and case. However, probes are not pressure tested prior to shipment. Avoid exposing the probe to temperatures below -34°C (-30°F) to prevent premature seal failure. With proper care, the 3300 XL probe delivers long-term reliability.