When Vibration Data Goes Dark, What Keeps Your Turbine Safe?
Losing a proximity probe signal on a critical machine train is not a minor inconvenience. It means blind spots in your protection system, unplanned downtime risk, and expensive guesswork. The Bently Nevada 173687-01-50-12-05 answers that problem directly: it is a 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe built for reliable shaft displacement and vibration measurement in oil, gas, and heavy industrial applications.
What the 173687-01-50-12-05 Delivers
This probe comes from the 3300 XL series, a platform widely trusted for rotating machinery protection. The 8 mm tip diameter suits standard radial and axial measurement positions on compressors, turbines, and pumps. Its polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) tip resists the chemical and thermal demands of continuous service, while the AISI 303 or 304 stainless steel case stands up to harsh plant environments.
Key configuration details for this unit:
- Mounting thread: 1/2-14 NPT
- Unthreaded length: 0.1 in
- Overall case length: 5 in
- System length: 5.0 metres (16.4 feet)
- Connector: miniature ClickLoc coaxial with FluidLoc cable
- Weight: 0.323 Kg
- No armor
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | 3300 XL 8 mm proximity probe |
| Mounting thread | 1/2-14 NPT |
| Unthreaded length | 0.1 in |
| Overall case length | 5 in |
| System length | 5.0 m (16.4 ft) |
| Connector / cable | Miniature ClickLoc coaxial, FluidLoc cable |
| Probe tip material | Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) |
| Case material | AISI 303 or 304 stainless steel |
| Agency approvals | CSA, ATEX, IECEx |
| Weight | 0.323 Kg |
Where This Probe Earns Its Keep
In refinery service, the 5.0 m system length gives technicians room to route cable from the probe to the transducer without stretching or splicing. The miniature ClickLoc connector locks positively, which reduces the chance of intermittent signals caused by vibration loosening a connection.
On gas compression skids, the 1/2-14 NPT thread mounts into standard probe holders, so replacement or new installation follows familiar procedures. The FluidLoc cable option adds fluid resistance along the cable path, useful where oil mist or washdown is present.
For offshore or classified areas, the CSA, ATEX, and IECEx approvals matter. They allow the probe to be specified into installations where hazardous-area compliance is mandatory.
Installation and Integration Notes
The 1/2-14 NPT mounting thread and 0.1 in unthreaded length are fixed values; verify your probe holder and target clearance before installation. Because this probe uses a miniature ClickLoc coaxial connector, confirm your extension cable and transducer interface match this connector type. Wiring into a 3300 XL monitoring system may require specific extension cables or connection modules; confirm the correct cable and gateway configuration with your supplier before ordering.
Practical Maintenance Guidance
Inspect the probe tip and cable periodically for mechanical damage, abrasion, or contamination. Keep the connector clean and properly seated. Follow the manufacturer’s safety manual for all work in hazardous areas. Because this unit carries no armor, route the FluidLoc cable away from sharp edges and high-vibration contact points to extend service life.
Verify Before You Order
Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with Oil AutoTech before ordering. Contact Oil AutoTech today for pricing and availability.
