Proximity Probe Mounting Options
2. Through mounting
.
Executive Summary
Through mounting (sometimes called internal/external), is
This edition of CTCs PRO APPnotes will discuss the three pri- where the probe is mounted through the bearing casing
mary
methods
and the casing is counter bored to prevent the probe from
for
mounting
side sensing or providing false
90 O
proximity
or
readings from the bearing
eddy
current
housing. Internal/external
probes for radial
mounting is accomplished
measurements.
when an appropriately sized
hole is drilled and tapped
Monitoring
of
directly through the bearing
journal bearings Proximity probes are often used to monitor
housing or the proximity
Shaft
(also known as turbine shafts in power plants.
probes are mounted with a
sleeve bearings
Mounting Adapter Bushing
Bearing Housing
or plain bearings) is generally accomplished by using "eddy like PROs DM901 and DM903
current" or "proximity" probes. These probes use the fluctua- series. These adapters allow
tions induced in an electromagnetic field generated by the external access to the probe but allows the probe tip to be
probe to determine the bearing shaft position relative to the internal to the machine or bearing housing. Advantages/
bearing casing and the dynamic vibration of the rotating Disadvantages: Care must be taken in drilling and tapping
shaft. Proper probe mounting will have a significant effect on the bearing housing or cover to insure that the probes will be
the validity of the data measured by the monitoring system.
perpendicular to the shaft center line. The benefits of this
standard mounting include the ability to replace or adjust
In general two probes mounted 90 degrees apart are the the probes without disassembly of the bearing and the locamost commonly used configuration for mounting radial prox- tion usually offers a good viewing area for the probe.
imity probes. Each probe monitors the position of the shaft
relative to the X or Y location. DP1001 and DX3301 series 3. External mounting
.
probes are recommended for most applications.
External proximity probe
There are three primary methods of mounting the probes,
internally mounted,
through mount
(internal/external),
where the probes are mounted through the bearing casing
and the casing is counter bored to prevent the probe from
side sensing; and externally mounted, where the probes are
mounted on the outside of the machine and measure an
exposed portion of the shaft.
1. Internal mounting
.
By mounting the eddy current probes completely inside the
machine or bearing housing with PRO DM902 series brackets
(or with custom designed and manufactured brackets) three
things are accomplished, the probe measures the shaft surface, the costs of installation are minimized, and the measurement of the shaft position and vibration is very precise.
Advantages/Disadvantages: The probes must be installed
and properly spaced before the bearing cover is reinstalled.
An accommodation must be made for the probe cable to
exit the bearing housing. This can be accomplished by using
an existing plug or fitting, or by drilling and tapping a hole
above the oil line and properly sealing to avoid leaks. The
cables must also be tied down inside the bearing housing to
prevent cable damage or failure from contact with the shaft.
On the down side there is no access to the probe at all when
the machine is running, all fasteners inside the bearing housing should be safety wired, or otherwise prevented from
working loose inside the machine, and extra care must be
taken at the cable exits to prevent leakage.
mounting is typically used
when other methods are not
available. Special care must
be given to the quality of the
shaft surface and mechanical
protection of the exposed
probes and cables is required.
Advantages/Disadvantages:
Exposed areas of the shaft may
have scuffing, scratching or External mounting probe diagram
rust limit the measurement
quality of the probes. If the shaft is inspected and found to
be clean and smooth then this location may be used for
measurement. The advantages of this mounting style are the
low cost and the easy access to the probes.
Parts included in this discussion
DM901, DM902, & DM903 Proximity probe mounting options
DP1001 Series proximity probes, cables and drivers
DX3301 Series Bently compatible proximity probes, cables
and drivers.
If you have any questions or for further information please contact
or
CTC
directly
via
Email
at
[email protected][email protected] or feel free to call 1-800-999-5290 in the US
and Canada or +1-585-924-5900 internationally.
