Close Menu
2025-11-12 08:43:15

Beyond the Spin: 5 Critical Functions of the Bently Nevada 3500/50M Tachometer Module

In the world of industrial machinery, the relentless spin of a turbine or compressor shaft is more than just motion—it's the heartbeat of your operation. Monitoring this heartbeat accurately is not just about knowing the speed; it's about preventing catastrophic failure and maximizing uptime. The Bently Nevada 3500/50M Tachometer Module is a cornerstone of modern machinery protection, but its capabilities often extend beyond what many realize. Let's dive into five key functions that make this module an indispensable asset for your condition monitoring system.

Dual-Channel Speed Monitoring: The Foundation of Machine Health
At its core, the 3500/50M is a highly reliable, 2-channel tachometer. It accepts signals from industry-standard sensors like proximity probes and magnetic pickups to deliver precise, real-time data on shaft rotative speed. This dual-channel capability provides a layer of redundancy and allows for the monitoring of two separate shafts or different sections of a single machine from one module. Accurate speed measurement is the fundamental parameter from which all other advanced diagnostics are derived, forming the baseline for understanding your machine's operational state.

Advanced Programmable Alarming for Proactive Maintenance
Simply measuring speed isn't enough; you need to know when that speed indicates a problem. The 3500/50M excels here with its fully programmable alarm setpoints. Operators can configure the module to trigger alerts for a variety of conditions, including:

Overspeed/Underspeed: Immediate violation of safe operating limits.

Speed Band Alarming: Detecting when the machine is operating outside an ideal preset range.

Rotor Acceleration Alarming: Identifying dangerously rapid changes in speed, which can indicate a sudden loss of load or other instability.

Zero Speed Notification: Confirming when a machine has come to a complete stop, crucial for sequential shutdown procedures.

Directional Awareness and Peak Hold Capabilities
Not all machine problems occur in the forward direction. The 3500/50M provides critical intelligence on rotor direction, including Reverse Rotation Notification. This is vital for preventing damage in equipment like fans or pumps that are designed to operate in only one direction. Furthermore, its Peak Hold feature acts as a "black box" recorder for extreme events, storing the highest speed, highest reverse speed, or the number of reverse rotations. This historical data is invaluable for post-event analysis and troubleshooting, helping you understand the severity of an operational excursion.

The Integrated Keyphasor: Streamlining Your Rack Configuration
One of the most significant efficiency features of the 3500/50M is its ability to eliminate the need for a separate Keyphasor module. It can be configured to supply a clean, conditioned Keyphasor signal directly to the 3500 rack's backplane. This signal is essential for other monitoring modules (like vibration monitors) to provide phase-reference data. By integrating this function, you free up a slot in your rack for another monitor, reduce hardware costs, and simplify your overall system configuration and wiring.

Flexible Configuration for Tailored Protection
Every machine and every application is unique. The Bently Nevada 3500/50M is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it's a versatile tool that can be tailored to your specific needs. Using the intuitive 3500 Rack Configuration Software, you can select from pre-defined operational modes that bundle the most relevant functions. Whether your priority is speed band monitoring, acceleration detection, or reverse rotation, you can quickly configure the module to provide the exact protection scheme your asset requires, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Conclusion
The Bently Nevada 3500/50M Tachometer Module is far more than a simple speed sensor. It is a sophisticated, multi-functional protector that provides critical data on speed, acceleration, and direction while offering the flexibility to streamline your entire monitoring system. By leveraging its advanced alarming, integrated Keyphasor, and diagnostic peak-hold features, you can move from reactive maintenance to a proactive, data-driven strategy—ultimately safeguarding your valuable assets and ensuring the continuous, reliable operation of your plant.

Keep your system in play!

Select
ABB
Accutrac
Acopian
AC Tech
Action Instruments
Adam
Adaptec
Advance
Advanced Input Devices
Advanced Micro Controls
AEG
AIS
Alcatel
Allen-Bradley
Allied Telesis
3M
Alstom
AMCI
Antex Electronics
Apparatebau Hundsbach
Array Electronic
Asea
ASTEC
Automation Direct
Aydin Controls
B&R
Balluff
Banner Engineering
Barco Sedo
Bartec
BECK
Beier
Beijer Electronics
Bently Nevada
Berthel
Bestobell Mobrey
Bierrebi
Biviator
Black Box
Block
Bofors Electronik
Bosch
Braun
Bürkert
BURLE
Canary
Carroll Touch
CEAG
3COM
Comat
Conrac
Controlon
Cooper Bussmann
Cooper Crouse-Hinds
Copes Vulcan
Crompton
Crouzet
Control Techniques
CTI-Control Technology Inc
Custom Servo Motors
Cutler-Hammer
Danfoss
Daniel Woodhead
DEC - Digital Equipment Corp
Delta Computer Systems
Delta Electronics
Devol
DGD Gardner Denver
DIA Electronic
DIGI
Digital
Digitronics
Durag
Dynapar
EATON
EBELT
Eberle
Echelon
E. Dold & Söhne - DOLD
EES Elelkra Elektronik
EIL
eka Technik
Elecktro-Automatik
Electronics Development Corp – EDC
Eletec Elektronic
Elliot Automation
Elographics
Emerson
e-motion
Endress Hauser
Entrelec Schiele
EPIC Data
ERMA
ERO Electronic
EtherCom
ESD
ESS Störcontroller
ETSI - Electronic Technology Systems
Eurotherm
Fanuc
Farnell
FEAS
Festo
Finder Varitec
Fischer Porter
Forney Engineering
FOTEK
Fuji Electric
Galil Motion Control
General Electric
Gildemeister
Gordos
Grapha Electronic
Grayhill
Grenzebach Electronics
Harting
Hawa
Hedin Tex
HEIDENHAIN
Helmholz
Herren Electronics
Hex Valve – Richards
HIMA
Hirschmann
Hitachi
Hitex
HK Systems
Honeywell
Horner - FACTS
Hüller Hille
iba
IBHsoftec
IBM
idec
IDS
IFM Electronic
INAT
INIVEN
Intel
Invensys
IPF Electronic
IRT SA
ISSC
ITT North Power Systems
Jameco ReliaPro
JAQUET
Jetter AG
JH Technology
Kent
Kent Industrial
KEPCO
Kettner
Kieback & Peter
Kingston Technology
Klockner Moeller
Kniel
Köster Systemtechnik
Koyo
Krauss Maffei
Kuhnke
Lambda
Landis Gyr
Lauer
L&N - Leeds & Northrup
Lenze
Leukhardt Systems
LG GoldSec
Liebherr
Littlefuse
Lumberg
Lutze
Magnecraft
Mannesmann
Matric Ltd
Matsushita
MDB Systems
Mean Well
Measurement Systems
Measurex
MEDAR
Micro Innovation AG
Micron Control Transformers
Mitsubishi
Molex
Moog
MSC Tuttlingen
MTL Insturments Group
MTS
Murr Elektronik
Myers Power Products
NAIS
Nandi Powertronics
NEC
Netstal
Neumann
Niobrara R&D
Nobel Elektronik
Omega Engineering
Omron
Opto 22
Orbitran Systems
PANALARM
Penril Datability Networks
Pepperl + Fuchs
Pester
Philips
Phoenix Contact
Pilz
Plasma
Plüth Energietechnik
Potter & Brumfield
Ramsey Engineering
Red Lion
Reis Robotics
Reliance Electric
Rexroth
Rinck Electronic
RIS - Rochester
RMP
Robust Data Comm
Ronan
RWT
SAE Elektronik
SAIA
SATT Control
Sauter
Schad SinTec
Schaffner
Shawmut - Gould/Ferraz
Schiele
Schildknecht
Schiller Electric
Schleicher
Schleuniger AG
Schlicht + Küchenmeister
Schlumberger
Schneider Electric
Schrack Technik
SCM PC-Card
Selectron
Sensycon
SEW
Sigma Information Systems
Sixnet
SOHARD
Sorcus
Spectrum Controls
Sprecher + Schuh
SPS Technologies
Square D
Stahl
Standard Microsystems
STI - Scientific Technologies, Inc.
Stromberg
Struthers-Dunn
SUTRON Electronic
SYNATEC Electronic
Syslogic
SysMik
Taylor
Tecnint HTE
Telemecanique
Tillquest
Timonta
Toshiba
Transition Networks
TR Electronic
Uhlmann
Unicomp
UniOP
United Sciences
VAHLE
Van Dorn
Vibro-Meter
VIPA
Visolux
Wachendorff Advantech
Wago
Walcher
Weber
Weidmuller
Wenglor
Westronics
Wieland
Wöhrle
Wolf
Woodward
Würth Elektronik
Yokogawa
Zebra Technologies
Ziehl-Abegg
Zollner
Xycom
Epro
bachmann
Saftronics
Siemens
KEB
Opti Mate
Arista
Sanki
Daiei Kogyosha
Brooks CTI-Cryogenics
MKS
Matrix
Motortronics
Metso Auttomation
ProSoft
Nikki Denso
K-TEK
Motorola VME
Force Computers Inc
Berger Lahr
ICS Triplex
Sharp PLC
YASKAWA
SCA Schucker
Grossenbacher
Hach
Meltal
Bremer
Molex Woodhead
Alfa Laval
Siemens Robicon
Perkins
Proface
Supcon
Carlo Gavazzi
DEA
SST
Hollysys
SOLIDSTATE CONTROLS
ETEK
OPTEK
KUKA
WHEDCO
indramat
Miscellaneous Manufacturers
TEKTRONIX
Rorze
DEIF
SIPOS
TICS TRIPLEX
SHINKAWA
ANYBUS
HVA
GERMAN POWER
KONTRON
ENTEK
TEL
SYSTEM
KOLLMORGEN
LAZER
PRECISION DIGITAL
LUBRIQUIPINC
NOKIA
SIEI-Gefran
MSA AUER MUT
KEBA
ANRITSU
DALSA
Load Sharer
SICK
Brad
SCHENCK
STAIGER MOHILO
ENTERASYS
USB-LG
TRS
BIOQUELL
SCHMERSAL
CORECO
KEYENCE
BIZERBA
BAUERBAUER
CONTROL
PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC
APPLIED MATERIALS
NMB
NI
Weishaupt
Weinview
CISCO
PARKER
Lenovo
KONECRANES
TURBUL
HMS
HOFFMAN
HUTTINGER
TDK-Lambda
RESOLVER
Knick
ATLAS
GAMX
TDK
CAMERON
NSK
Tamagawa
GIDDINGS & LEWIS
BENDER
SABO
WOODHEAD
FRICK YORK
SHENLER
BALDOR
Lam Research
NTN BEARING
ETA
WEST INSTRUMENTS
TDK-Lambda
SMC
Fireye
DAHUA
TESCH
ACROSSER
FLUKE
Sanyo Denki
Bruel & Kjaer
EPSON
HIOKI
Mettler Toledo
RAYTEK
EPCOS
DFI
SEMIKRON
Huawei
INDUSTRONIC
ASI-HVE
BARTEC POLARIS
AMAT
GD Bologna
Precise Automation
RADISYS
ZEISS 
Reveal Imaging
Saiernico
ASEM
ASEM
Advantech
ANSALDO
ELpro
MARCONI
EBMPAPST
ROTORK
KONGSBERG
SOCAPEL
TAIYO
SUN
York
KURODA
ADLINK
Notifier
HBM
Infineon
LNIC
Saipwell
JIANGYIN ZHONGHE
W.E.ST. Elektronik
EXPO
DEEP SEA ELECTRONICS
BECKHOFF
BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION
Drager
ZENTRO ELEKTRONIK
ATOS
TRSystemtechnik
JDS Uniphase
ADEPT
REO
Panametrics
Xenus
SIGMATEK DIAS
S.C.E Elettronica
EKF
ETEL
STOBER POSIDYN
HANSHIN
DDK
EITZENBERGER
Get Parts Quote
Newsroom

Related articles Browse All