User Manual

General Purpose Velocity Transducer

Models 39158 and 47633

Part Number 40482-01

Rev. J (04/07)

General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

Copyright 1983. Bently Nevada LLC.

All rights reserved.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
The following are trademarks of General Electric Company in the United States and other
countries:
Bently Nevada, Seismoprobe
The following are trademarks of the legal entities cited:
Tefzel is a trademark of E.I. Nemours duPont and Company

Contact Information
The following ways of contacting Bently Nevada are provided for those times when you
cannot contact your local representative:
Mailing Address

Telephone
Fax
Internet

ii

1631 Bently Parkway South

Minden, Nevada USA 89423
USA
1.775.782.3611
1.800.227.5514
1.775.215.2873
www.ge-energy.com/bently

Additional Information
Product Disposal Statement
Customers and third parties, who are not member states of the European Union, who are
in control of the product at the end of its life or at the end of its use, are solely
responsible for the proper disposal of the product. No person, firm, corporation,
association or agency that is in control of product shall dispose of it in a manner that is
in violation of any applicable federal, state, local or international law. Bently Nevada LLC
is not responsible for the disposal of the product at the end of its life or at the end of its
use.

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General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

Contents
1. System Overview ............................................................................................1
1.1
1.2

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Velocity Measurements .................................................................................................................. 2

2. Installation.......................................................................................................5
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

Receiving Inspection And Storage............................................................................................. 5

Installation Considerations ........................................................................................................... 5
Installation Procedure..................................................................................................................... 6
Performance Verification............................................................................................................... 7

3. Options .............................................................................................................9
3.1
Mounting Options.............................................................................................................................. 9
3.2
Ordering Options ............................................................................................................................... 9
3.2.1 Seismoprobe ..............................................................................................................................10
3.2.2 BASEEFA Seismoprobe.............................................................................................................10

4. Specifications ................................................................................................11
4.1
4.2
4.3

Electrical ..............................................................................................................................................11
Mechanical.........................................................................................................................................12
Environmental...................................................................................................................................13

5. Frequency Response Curve ........................................................................15

iv

Section 1 - System Overview

1. System Overview
1.1 Introduction
The Model 39158 and 47633 General Purpose Velocity Transducers sense velocity
of machine vibration for noncritical and balance-of-plant machinery. It is
designed primarily for gathering vibration velocity trend data, rather than for use
as a diagnostic instrument.
The system includes a General Purpose Velocity Transducer, integral two-wire
shielded cable with Tefzel insulation, and a choice of two optional removable
mounting bases (see Figure 1-1). An optional adapter is also available to attach
1/2-inch flex conduit.

Figure 1-1: General Purpose Velocity Transducer

The General Purpose Velocity Transducer is sealed in its tubular metal case with
epoxy and requires no further environmental protection. The unit meets NEMA 4
environmental standards. The transducers integral cable can be connected with
up to 1000 feet (304 meters) of extension cable without degradation in signal
quality.
The General Purpose Velocity Transducer Model 39158 comes with 6 feet (1.82
meters) of integral cable, while Model 47633 can be ordered with integral cable
lengths between 1 meter (3.3 feet) and 30 meters (98 feet) long.
The transducer is typically mounted on the outside of a machine case and is
relatively easy to install. Figure 1-2 shows a typical installation on a machine
case.
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General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

Figure 1-2: Typical Transducer Installation

Standard versions of the components of this system are shown in Section 3.
Specifications are listed in Section 4, and Section 5 shows the sensitivity versus
frequency curve.

1.2 Velocity Measurements

While displacement is a measurement of the distance an object travels from
some reference point, velocity is the measurement of displacement over some
period of time. Velocity is also referred to as the rate of change of displacement
with respect to time, and it is usually expressed in terms of inches per second or
millimeters per second. Assuming a constant vibration amplitude, velocity will
increase directly with an increase in machine speed or frequency.
The amplitude of high frequency vibrations can be small in comparison with
vibrations occurring at one or two times the machines running speed. The signal
level at those high frequencies may be so small as to be immeasurable with
proximity probes. A velocity transducer in many cases, can effectively measure
these high frequency, low amplitude vibrations. However, because the shaft
vibration is of prime concern and the transducer monitors the machine case
vibration, the effectiveness of the measurement depends on how much shaft
vibration is transferred to the case at the location where the transducer is
mounted. In this respect, proper transducer placement and installation becomes
critical.
The transducer produces an output signal by way of a coil suspended within a
magnetic field. The coil, wound on a suspended mass, remains stationary with
respect to the earths frame of reference while a permanent magnet attached to
2

Section 1 - System Overview

the transducer case moves or vibrates with the machine case. When this
movement or vibration occurs and the magnet moves with respect to the coil, a
voltage proportional to the vibration velocity is generated across the coil. No
external power source is required with the transducer.
The General Purpose Velocity Transducer output is expressed in millivolts per inch
per second or millivolts per millimeter per second. The sensitivity of the
transducer is 500 mV/in/sec (19.7 mV/mm/sec).

Application Advisory
If casing velocity measurements are being made for
overall protection of a machine, thought should be
given to the usefulness of the measurement for each
application. Most common machine malfunctions
(unbalance, misalignment, etc.) occur on the rotor and
originate as an increase (or at least a change) in rotor
vibration. In order for any casing measurement alone
to be effective for overall machine protection, a
significant amount of rotor vibration must be faithfully
transmitted to the machine casing or mounting
location of the transducer.
In addition, care should be exercised in the physical
installation of the velocity transducer on the bearing
housing or machine casing. Improper installation may
result in a decrease of the transducer amplitude and
frequency response and/or the generation of false
signals which do not represent actual vibration. Refer
to the appropriate instruction manuals and Application
Notes.

Section 2 - Installation

2. Installation
2.1 Receiving Inspection And Storage
All equipment should be removed from shipping containers and visually inspected
to ensure there is no shipping damage. If shipping damage is apparent, file a
claim with the carrier and submit a copy to Bently Nevada Corporation. Include
part and serial numbers of all damaged components in all correspondence. If no
damage is apparent and the equipment is not going to be used immediately,
return the equipment to the shipping container and reseal it. The equipment
should be stored in an environment free from potentially damaging conditions
such as high temperature, excessive humidity, or a corrosive atmosphere. See
Section 4 for environmental specifications.

2.2 Installation Considerations

The equipment is durable; however, reasonable handling care should be
exercised during installation. Drops onto concrete and other extreme shocks can
damage the transducer. Cable connectors must be properly protected from
physical abuse or contamination by oil, water, or other substances. All signal
connections between the velocity transducer and the monitor must be made
through a two-wire shielded cable to avoid erroneous indications due to radiated
interference. A junction box is recommended for this connection.
For optimum performance and to avoid inaccurate measurements, mount the
transducer at a location on the machine casing that is the most sensitive or
responsive to vibration. The mounting point should be close to a bearing. Mount
the transducer on the machine case; do not mount it on a machine cover or
guard which might not correctly transfer vibrations from the machine case to the
transducer.
During machine operation, some areas on the machine casing are relatively free
from vibration. These vibration-free areas are known as nodes. The transducer
should be mounted as far away as possible from these nodes.
Ensure the transducer is mounted at the correct operating angle. The angles for
the various options are listed in Section 3. The transducer should be rigidly
secured to a clean, smooth, flat surface on the machine casing.
Prevent the integral cable from being strained. Route the cable through protected
fixtures, such as conduit, to prevent physical damage. Use cable seals as
appropriate to restrain cable movement and to provide splash protection. Ensure
the cable will not be subject to temperatures exceeding 300 F (150 C). If the
cable is not routed inside a protective fixture, use clips or similar devices to secure
the integral cable to supporting surfaces.
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General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

If a two-wire shielded extension cable must be connected to the transducer
integral cable, it should be connected with the integral cable at a suitable
terminal block. If a terminal block is not used, the lugs of the cables should be
fastened together and insulated from other lugs and metal objects. Shrink
tubing can be used to insulate the lugs.
Keep the cabling away from power lines, electromagnectic devices, and other
potential sources of induced interference. Route the cabling in separate troughs
away from power cables.

2.3 Installation Procedure

Mount the transducer on a flat surface so that the transducer receives direct
transmission of machine case vibration. For example, the area should be finished
to a flatness of 0.002 inch at 125 microinches rms (0.059 micrometers at 3.2
micrometers rms) or better. Mount the velocity transducer by performing the
following steps.
1. Drill and tap the mounting hole with 3/8-24 or 1/2-13 threads, depending
on the option selected, to accept the 1/2-inch long mounting stud. Ensure
the mounting hole is free of foreign material and the threads are clean
and in good condition. If necessary, clean the threads with an appropriate
tap.
2. The mounting stud threads, transducer-to-mounting-base threads, and
optional conduit adapter cap threads should be coated with "Locktite
Medium Strength Blue" compound or a similar thread adhesive/sealant
before installing the transducer.
3. For the -01 option, thread the mounting base and optional conduit
adapter cap onto the transducer. Thread the entire assembly into the
mounting hole and tighten to between 8 and 12 foot pounds (11 to 16
Newton meters) of torque.
4. The -02 mounting option allows for ease of transducer or machine
maintenance since the unit can be installed on or removed from the
machine without turning the entire transducer and cable assembly. Slide
the union nut over the transducer housing with the threaded end pointing
away from the housing, and thread the union adapter into the end of the
housing. Then attach the mounting base to the machine case using the
previously tapped 1/2-13 UNC hole and tighten to 8 to 12 ft-lbs of torque.
The transducer can now be attached to the mounting base by sliding the
union nut over the union adapter and threading the nut onto the mounting
base. Tighten the nut to 8 to 12 ft-lbs of torque.
5. Connect the integral cable to the monitor or to an extension cable.
Observe the polarity as marked on the individual wires, e.g.,
white = positive (+), black = negative (-), green = cable shield (COM).
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Section 2 - Installation

2.4 Performance Verification

The only field maintenance a user can perform on the General Purpose Velocity
Transducer is a performance verification check. The check is used to determine if
the transducer is performing with correct output polarity and is responding to
stimuli in the proper manner.
Connect the output of the transducer to an oscilloscope. Observe proper cable
polarity while connecting the transducer. While holding the transducer in the
position for which it was calibrated, tap the bottom and observe that the wave
form on the oscilloscope first goes positive as shown in Figure 2-1. If not, check
the polarity of the transducer wiring to make sure it is connected to the
oscilloscope correctly. If that is not the problem, return the unit to the factory for
repair.

Figure 2-1: Calibration Check Oscilloscope Display

Section 3 - Options

3. Options
3.1 Mounting Options

Figure 3-1: Mounting Options

3.2 Ordering Options

NOTE
Some items listed in this section may
not longer be available. Consult with
your sales representative for the most
up-to-date information on available
velocity transducers.

General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

3.2.1 Seismoprobe
Order Number 39158-AXX-BXX-CXX
A:

B:

C:

Transducer Orientation
01

Vertical

02

Horizontal

Mounting Options
00

No base

01

3/8 x 24 UNF stud and 3/8 x 18 NPT adapter

02

1/2 x 13 UNF stud and 1/2 x 14 NPT adapter

Conduit Adapter
00

No adapter cap

01

With adapter cap

3.2.2 BASEEFA Seismoprobe

Order Number 47633-AXX-BXX-CXX
A:

Cable Length in Metres

Example:

0 9 = 9 metres
2 3 = 23 metres

B:

C:

10

Minimum:

1 metre

Maximum:

30 metres

Transducer Orientation
01

Vertical

02

Horizontal

Conduit Adapter
00

No base

01

3/8 x 24 UNF stud and 3/8 x 18 NPT adapter

02

1/2 x 13 UNF stud and 1/2 x 14 NPT adapter

Section 4 - Specifications

4. Specifications
NOTE
All specifications are at 21 C (70 F)
unless specified differently elsewhere.

4.1 Electrical
Sensitivity
Calibrated to 19.7 mV/mm/sec (500 mV/in/sec) 5%
at 100 Hz and 25.4 mm/sec (1 in/sec) with a
mounting tolerance of 2 and a load of 24.9 k
1%.
Amplitude Range
32 mils peak-to-peak maximum
Accuracy
Amplitude
Linearity
3% from 2.54 to 127 mm/sec (0.10 to 5.0 in/sec)
between 20 and 500 Hz at 20 C
Mounting Angle
Sensitivity
Maximum sensitivity change due to operation at an
angle other than the angle of calibration but within
the angular range of operation (2%).
Frequency
Response
10 to 1000 Hz +0 dB to 3 dB typical
Fault Indication
Requirements
0.4 mA through coil
Polarity of Output
Signal
The positive wire goes positive with
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General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

respect to the negative wire when the transducer
case velocity is from the base toward the cable.
Transverse
Response
12% typical over operating range

4.2 Mechanical
Outline Dimensions
Height
107 mm (4.20 in.) maximum
Diameter
38.1 mm (1.50 in.) maximum
Mounting Method
Removable mounting plug with 3/8-24 or 1/2-13
stud with optional 3/8 or 1/2 NPT mounting adapters
Weight
Approximately 340 grams ( 12 ounces)
Connector
Integral two-wire shielded cable with spade lug
termination.
Mounting
Constraints
Spot faced machined area desired
Horizontal tilt angle 10
Vertical tilt angle 30
Options
Cap to attach 1/2-inch flex conduit
3/8-24, 1/2-13, or NPT mounting configurations
Vertical or horizontal mounting angle
Materials
NPT Mouting
Adapters
303 SST

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Section 4 - Specifications
Body, Cap, Union
Fitting, Union Nut
Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum
-01 Mounting
Base
303 SST
-02 Mounting
Base
416 SST
Potting
Compound
Epoxy
Natural Frequency
10 Hz 15%
Damping at 68 F
56% to 84% of critical

4.3 Environmental
Temperature
Operating Range
-28.9 C to 82.2 C (-20 F to 180 F)
-0.072% per C (-0.04% per F) change in sensitivity
due to temperature.
Storage Range
-28.9 C to 82.2 C (-20 F to 180 F)
Thermal Shock
Units can survive water dunk from ambient to 93.33
C (200 F)
Humidity
NEMA-4, 100% relative humidity nonsubmersed.
Hazardous Area
Designed to meet requirements for Class I, Division 2,
Groups A,B,C, and D for CSA and FM. Zone 2, Group
IIC, IIB, and IIA for BASEEFA

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General Purpose Velocity Transducer User Manual

Mechanical Shock
Units will survive a 5-foot drop onto a concrete floor.
Corrosion
Resistance
Must resist corrosion normally found in
petrochemical applications
Magnetic Field
Sensitivity
0.004 in/sec/gauss

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Section 5 - Frequency Response Curve

5. Frequency Response Curve

Figure 5-1: General Purpose Velocity Transducer Typical Frequency Response

15