Bently Nevada 1701/15 Proximitor Input Monitor

What is the 1701/15 Proximitor Input Monitor?

The Bently Nevada 1701/15 Proximitor Input Monitor (also known as “FieldMonitor 1701/15”) is a 2-channel monitoring module designed to accept signals from proximity probes (or other compatible transducer I/O), condition those signals into meaningful measurement values, and interface with machinery control or protection systems.

It is part of the larger FieldMonitor family, which offers field-mounted, distributed I/O solutions for condition monitoring and machinery protection — ideal for industrial and marine automation contexts.

Key Features

• 2-Channel Input: It handles two independent input channels, enabling simultaneous monitoring of two sensors (or two points on a machine) via proximity probes or transducer I/O.

• Measurement Types: The module can measure:

  • Shaft radial vibration (overall vibration)

  • Shaft radial position (gap voltage) — providing relative radial position data.

  • Shaft axial (thrust) position — for thrust bearings or axial displacement monitoring.

• Programmable Alarms: Users can configure alarm setpoints (e.g. Alert / Danger thresholds) for direct (vibration) and gap (position) measurements. The module issues alarm signals to the host control system when thresholds are exceeded.

• Self-Test / Health Monitoring: The 1701/15 performs embedded self-tests to verify the integrity of both itself and the connected sensors/transducers. If a fault or “NOT OK” condition arises, it can signal the host system.

• Compatibility & Integration: Designed to integrate with broader FieldMonitor systems and traditional machinery-protection / automation architectures. It supports direct inputs from proximity probes without external conditioning units (depending on configuration), reducing wiring complexity.

• Compact & Modular: Its modular architecture allows installation close to the monitored machinery (field-mounted), simplifying wiring and making it easier to deploy across distributed systems.

Applications / Use Cases

The 1701/15 Proximitor Monitor is widely used in industrial, marine, and plant environments wherever rotating machinery requires continuous monitoring. Typical applications include:

• Turbines, compressors, pumps, fans — for real-time monitoring of shaft vibration and position to prevent imbalance, misalignment, or mechanical failure.

• Energy generation plants — monitoring generators, turbines, and auxiliary rotating equipment to detect early signs of vibration anomalies or bearing wear.

• Marine / Ship machinery — in engines, shafting systems, and auxiliary machinery where precise vibration and thrust monitoring ensures safety and reliability (a strong match for your marine-automation supply focus).

• Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Process Industries — critical rotating equipment (compressors, pumps, motors) where failure prevention and condition-based maintenance are vital for operational continuity.

• Manufacturing & Heavy Industry — heavy motors, mills, blowers, or any high-speed rotating equipment needing preventive health checks to avoid downtime.

By integrating 1701/15 into a condition-monitoring regime, plants and vessels can shift from reactive maintenance (fix-after-failure) to predictive maintenance — significantly reducing unexpected shutdowns and maintenance costs.

Why Choose 1701/15 — What Makes It Stand Out

• Reliable and field-proven: As part of the Bently Nevada FieldMonitor family, 1701/15 comes from a long legacy in machinery-protection instrumentation — trusted in power, marine, and industrial environments worldwide.

• Flexibility across sensor types: Whether using proximitor sensors, vibration sensors, or accelerometers, it adapts — making it useful in diverse setups.

• Reduced wiring & installation cost: The field-mounted, distributed I/O architecture simplifies installation and lowers wiring complexity compared with traditional centralized protection racks.

• Real-time data + alarm + diagnostics: Not only does it monitor vibration/position, but it also provides alarm outputs, integration with control systems, and self-diagnosis — enabling proactive maintenance and safer operations.

• Compact & modular design for retrofit or new installations: Whether you’re upgrading existing machinery or building new setups (industrial or marine), the 1701/15 offers modularity and ease of integration.