GEInstallation and Maintenance Manual Bently Nevada™ Asset Condition Monitoring

The 3500 is a full-feature monitoring system whose design incorporates the latest 

in proven processor technology. In addition to meeting the above stated criteria, 

the 3500 adds benefit in the following areas: 

• Enhanced operator information 

• Improved integration to plant control computer 

• Reduced installation and maintenance cost 

• Improved reliability 

• Intrinsic Safety (IS) option 

The following sections discuss these benefits in more detail.

2.1.1 Enhanced Operation Information 

The 3500 design includes features to both enhance the operator's information 

and present this information so that the operator may easily interpret it. These 

features include: 

• Improved data set 

- Overall amplitude 

- Probe gap voltage 

- 1X amplitude and phase 

- 2X amplitude and phase 

- Not 1X amplitude 

• Windows®-based Operator Display Software 

• Data displayed at multiple locations 

2.1.2 Improved Integration to Plant Control Computer

The 3500 improves integration to the plant control computer with: 

• Communication Gateways supporting multiple protocols 

• Time synchronized vibration and process information 

2.1.3 Reduced Installation and Maintenance Costs 

The 3500 system provides the following cost-saving features: 

• Reduced cabling costs 

• Downward product compatibility 

• Improved space utilization 

• Easier configuration 

• Reduced spare parts 

• Improved serviceability 

2.1.4 Improved Reliability 

The 3500 offers several features to improve system reliability. 

• Redundant power supplies available 

• Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) monitors and relay cards available

• Redundant Gateway and Display Modules permitted 

2.1.5 Intrinsic Safety Option 

If you wish to monitor equipment that is located in hazardous atmospheres, the 

3500 Monitoring System has a range of I/O modules with internal zener barriers. 

These modules provide an Intrinsically Safe interface between the 3500 rack and 

the transducers located in the hazardous area. 

2.1.6 Multiple Output Interfaces 

You can conveniently adjust monitor options (such as full scale ranges, 

transducer inputs, recorder outputs, alarm time delays, alarm voting logic, and 

relay configuration) in the field via software. Modular system design employs 

plug-in components which allow easy servicing and expansion. 

The following three independent interfaces are available with the 3500 system: 

• Data Manager Interface (Transient Data Interface External or Dynamic 

Data Interface External) 

• Configuration/Data port 

• Communications Gateway (support for Programmable Logic 

Controllers, Process Control Computers, Distributed Control Systems,

and PC-based Control Systems) 

These interfaces allow you to easily view monitored parameters and their 

statuses in the following ways: 

• System 1® Software 

• Bently Nevada™ 3500 Operator Display Software 

• Remote display panel 

• DCS or PLC display 

Convenient front panel coaxial connectors provide dynamic transducer signals 

and allow you to connect diagnostic or predictive maintenance instruments. 

2.2 Common Features 

The common features of the modules in the 3500 rack include hot insertion or

removal of modules and external and internal termination of the wiring. 

2.2.1 Hot Insertion or Removal of Modules 

When performed properly, you can remove and replace any module while the 

system is under power without affecting the operation of any unrelated modules. 

If the rack has 2 power supplies, removing or inserting a power supply will not 

disrupt the operation of the 3500 rack. See <<Section reverence: “Module 

Installation in section 4 >> for the proper procedure. 

2.2.2 External and Internal Termination 

External termination uses multi-conductor cables to connect the I/O modules to 

the terminal blocks. These blocks simplify connecting many wires to the rack in 

tight areas. External termination is not available on I/O modules with internal 

zener barriers. 

Internal termination lets you connect transducers directly to the I/O modules. 

3500 System Components 

The 3500 Monitoring System consists of modules that fit into a rack. Figure 2-3 

shows a full-size 3500 system rack and system components. Note that the fullsize rack has 14 monitor slot positions. The Mini-rack (not shown) is similar, but 

has 7 monitor slot positions to the right of the power supplies and Rack Interface 

Module. 

1. 1 or 2 power supplies

2. Rack Interface Module (standard, Transient Data Interface, (TDI), Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) and TMR TDI) 

3. Monitoring slot positions: 

- Monitor module

- Keyphasor® module (2 maximum) 

- Relay module 

- Communication Gateway module

- Display module. For the System Face Mount you must install the Display Interface Module in Slot 15.

- 3500/04-01 Earthing Module. Intallations that use Inernal Barrier I/Os require 1 Earthing Module per rack.