The 177230 Seismic Transmitter is a high-performance, loop-powered machinery condition monitoring sensor developed by Bently Nevada, a Baker Hughes business. Designed for simplicity and ease of installation, this device provides accurate and reliable vibration data for industrial equipment. It supports predictive maintenance strategies, helping users optimize asset management, reduce unplanned downtime, and prevent catastrophic machinery failures.
As a loop-powered device, the 177230 can be directly integrated into Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, requiring no complex configuration or expensive ancillary equipment. Its robust design and industry-standard 4-20 mA current loop output ensure long-term stability and reliability in harsh industrial environments.
This product is widely used for condition monitoring of various rotating machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, compressors, and gearboxes, serving as a core sensing component in plant asset health management solutions.
2. Core Features & Advantages
1. Easy Installation & Integration
Plug-and-Play: The device requires no field configuration or adjustment, significantly reducing installation and commissioning time while lowering engineering complexity.
Broad Compatibility: The standard 4-20 mA analog output signal interfaces directly with mainstream PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
Low Learning Curve: Its interface method is similar to connecting other PLC input signals, allowing operations and maintenance personnel to get up to speed quickly.
System Simplicity: Requires very few external components to build a complete monitoring system, reducing total system cost and complexity.
Technical Support: Bently Nevada provides comprehensive technical support to assist customers in achieving effective equipment monitoring.
2. Superior Data Quality
High Accuracy & Repeatability: Delivers accurate and repeatable vibration measurement data, providing a solid foundation for trend analysis and fault diagnosis.
Raw Signal Output: In addition to the processed 4-20 mA velocity signal, it provides an unbuffered raw acceleration voltage signal (Pin C) for further verification and advanced analysis (e.g., spectrum analysis), increasing monitoring flexibility and depth.
Simple Data Format: The output signal is intuitive and easy for control systems to read and process.
3. Robust & Reliable Design
Industrial-Grade Construction: Housing and connector are made of 316L stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance.
Wide Operating Temperature: Operational range from -40°C to +85°C, suitable for extreme environments.
High Sealing: The sensor is hermetically sealed and can withstand up to 100% relative humidity (non-submerged conditions).
High Shock Survivability: Can withstand shocks up to 1000 g peak, ensuring stable operation in demanding conditions.
Electrical Isolation: Insulation resistance > 10^? ohms between input/output, with an isolation breakdown voltage of 600 Vrms, ensuring high safety.
4. Safety & Compliance
Intrinsically Safe Design: Certified for various international hazardous area standards (ATEX/IECEx, etc.), suitable for explosive gas atmospheres such as Zone 0/1 and Zone 2 (depending on ordered configuration).
Global Standard Certifications: Complies with various industry and regional norms including FCC, EMC, RoHS, and DNV Maritime, meeting global market access requirements.
Ergonomic Design: Meets Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, supporting safe access to hazardous areas.
3. Application Advantages
1. Enhanced Asset Reliability & Availability
Through continuous and accurate monitoring of equipment vibration levels, the 177230 enables maintenance teams to:
Detect Incipient Faults: Identify early signs of mechanical issues such as unbalance, misalignment, bearing wear, and gear defects.
Implement Predictive Maintenance: Schedule maintenance based on data trends, avoiding both over-maintenance and under-maintenance associated with fixed time-based schedules.
Prevent Unexpected Downtime: Avert sudden catastrophic failures, ensuring production continuity and safety.
2. Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Lower Maintenance Costs: Shifts from "run-to-failure" to "predictive maintenance," reducing emergency repair costs and spare parts inventory.
Reduced Training Costs: Simple device operation eliminates the need for expert-level field configuration.
Simplified System Integration: Standard interfaces reduce engineering design and wiring costs.
3. Improved Decision Support
Providing raw acceleration signals offers the potential for in-depth fault diagnosis (e.g., spectrum, envelope analysis) by specialists. Combined with the 4-20 mA overall velocity value, it creates a complete data chain from simple monitoring to advanced diagnostics.
4. Installation, Integration & Wiring
Installation of the 177230 is extremely straightforward. It is typically mounted directly to the equipment monitoring point via its ¼-28 UNF bottom thread (or using an adapter for converted threads). Wiring must strictly follow the pin definition:
Connect Pin A and Pin B into the 4-20 mA input card loop of the control system, paying attention to power supply polarity.
Critical: Ensure Pin B (the negative terminal) is isolated from earth ground throughout the loop. This is essential for proper current loop operation.
If the raw acceleration signal is required, connect Pin C to a high-impedance voltage acquisition channel, with the common terminal connected to Pin B.
The built-in self-test feature further ensures post-installation reliability.
5. Compliance & Certifications
The 177230 series adheres to strict international standards, ensuring its applicability and safety worldwide:
Hazardous Area Certifications: Carries ATEX and IECEx certifications, covering hazardous areas such as Class I Div 1 & 2, Class II Div 1, Class III Div 1, and Zone 0/1/2 (depending on the "CC" option in the order code). Detailed entity parameters (Ui, Ii, Pi, Ci, Li) are provided to guide safety barrier selection.
Electromagnetic Compatibility: Complies with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
Environmental: Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.
Radio: Complies with FCC Rules, Part 15.
Maritime: Meets DNV classification society and relevant offshore standards.
