Bently Nevada 3500/60 163179-01 Temperature Module

3500/60 Temperature Monitor Module is a high-performance industrial-grade temperature monitoring device under the 3500 Machinery Protection Systems, specifically designed for machinery condition monitoring systems. It is widely used in industrial fields such as petroleum and chemical, power generation, metallurgy, shipbuilding, compressors, and turbines for continuously monitoring the temperature status of critical equipment, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

The 3500/60 consists of a fixed front module (163179-01) and five different types of rear I/O modules (see the Ordering page for details). The 163179-01 combined with any rear I/O module forms a complete system.

The 3500/60 module provides six channels of temperature monitoring and accepts various temperature sensor inputs, including Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) and Thermocouples (TCs). Users can flexibly configure each channel using the accompanying 3500 Rack Configuration Software, enabling the use of mixed sensor types. The module features high-precision signal conditioning, user-programmable alarm setpoints, status indication, and communication functions, making it a core component in industrial temperature monitoring systems.

Unlike the 3500/61, which includes recorder outputs, the 3500/60 does not provide analog recorder outputs, making it more suitable for pure monitoring scenarios where external recording functionality is not required, offering higher cost-effectiveness.

Functional Features

1. Multi-Channel Flexible Input

• Supports up to 6 channels of temperature signal input.

• Compatible with various sensor types including RTDs (2/3/4-wire) and Thermocouples (Type E, J, K, T).

• Users can configure the sensor type for each channel via software, supporting mixed use.

2. High-Precision Signal Conditioning and Measurement

• The module incorporates a high-precision analog front end for amplifying, filtering, and linearizing weak signals.

• Resolution reaches 1°C or 1°F, meeting industrial-grade accuracy requirements.

• Supports Cold Junction Compensation (CJC) to ensure accurate thermocouple measurements.

3. Programmable Alarm Function

• Each channel can independently set two alarm thresholds: "Alert" and "Danger".

• Alarm values can be set arbitrarily within the full-scale range with high accuracy up to 0.13%.

• Supports alarm time delay settings: Alert delay from 1–60 seconds (1-second intervals), Danger delay from 0.5–60 seconds (0.5-second intervals), effectively avoiding false alarms.

4. Status Indication and Communication

• Front panel is equipped with tri-color LED indicators:

• OK LED: Module operating normally;

• TX/RX LED: Module communication status with the 3500 rack;

• Bypass LED: Module is in Bypass Mode.

• Supports data interaction with other modules in the 3500 system (such as monitors, communication gateways, etc.).

5. Supports Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Configuration

• Can operate in TMR mode, with three modules installed side-by-side to achieve high availability and fault tolerance.

• The system uses a two-out-of-three voting mechanism to avoid single points of failure and enhance system reliability.

6. Multiple I/O Module Options
Users can select different types of I/O modules according to requirements:

• Non-Isolated Type: Suitable for general industrial environments, supports mixed RTD/TC input.

• Isolated Type: Provides 250 Vdc channel-to-channel isolation, strong anti-interference capability, suitable for complex electromagnetic environments.

• Type with Internal Barriers: Suitable for hazardous areas, complies with explosion-proof certifications such as ATEX and IECEx.

Working Principle

1. Signal Input and Conditioning
The 3500/60 module receives analog signals from RTDs or thermocouples through the rear I/O module. RTDs are excited by a constant current source (925 µA), and the temperature value is calculated by measuring the change in resistance. Thermocouples measure microvolt-level voltage signals, and temperature conversion is performed using the Cold Junction Compensation (CJC) sensor.
The high-precision ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) inside the module converts the analog signal into a digital value, which is then processed by a DSP or FPGA for linearization, filtering, and unit conversion.

2. Alarm Logic Processing
The digital temperature value for each channel is compared against user-preset Alert and Danger thresholds. If the value exceeds the setpoint and meets the delay condition, the module will send an alarm signal to the system via backplane communication and trigger the corresponding relay output or communication alarm.

3. Communication and Data Interaction
The module exchanges data with other modules in the rack (such as the Framework Interface Module, communication gateways, etc.) through the 3500 backplane, uploading temperature data, alarm status, and module health information in real-time. Users can perform remote monitoring and configuration via Host Computer Software (top-level software such as System ).

4. Redundancy and Fault Tolerance Mechanism
In a TMR configuration, three 3500/60 modules simultaneously monitor the same set of sensors. The system determines the final status through a "two-out-of-three" voting mechanism, ensuring that even if one module fails, it will not cause system false alarms or shutdowns.

Technical Specifications

Application Scenarios
The 3500/60 Temperature Module is suitable for the following industrial scenarios:

• Bearing temperature monitoring for gas turbines, steam turbines, and compressors.

• Temperature protection for pumps, fans, gearboxes, and other rotating machinery.

• Winding temperature monitoring for power transformers and generators.

• Temperature monitoring for chemical reactors and pipelines.

• Temperature monitoring for marine power systems.