Description
Product Overview
The EPRO PR6424/012-000 is a high-precision, non-contact Eddy Current Proximity Probe System, a core component within the EPRO (now part of Baker Hughes Bently Nevada) portfolio of machinery condition monitoring and protection systems. This specific model, the PR6424, is a complete transducer system consisting of a probe, an extension cable, and a proximitor (signal conditioner). The suffix
/012-000specifies the exact configuration, including probe length, thread type, cable length, and proximitor model. Its primary function is to continuously measure the relative vibration and axial position (thrust position) of a rotating shaft, as well as provide a Keyphasor® reference signal for speed and phase measurement. The system operates on the eddy current principle: the probe tip generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field; changes in the distance between the probe tip and the conductive shaft surface cause variations in the field, which are detected and converted by the proximitor into proportional DC voltage signals representing gap (position) and dynamic vibration.The value of the EPRO PR6424/012-000 lies in its reliability, accuracy, and critical role in machinery protection. It is the industry-standard sensor for online monitoring of high-speed rotating equipment like turbines, compressors, and large pumps. The system provides two isolated, high-fidelity output signals: a gap voltage (DC) proportional to the average distance to the shaft (for position monitoring), and a dynamic vibration signal (AC) representing the shaft’s oscillatory motion. These signals are fundamental inputs to protection systems (like Bently Nevada 3500/1900) for generating alarms and trips to prevent catastrophic failures. For maintenance and reliability engineers, the correct selection, installation, and operation of the PR6424 system is paramount for assessing machine health, detecting incipient faults like unbalance, misalignment, and oil whirl, and ensuring the safe, continuous operation of critical assets.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter Name
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Parameter Value
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Product Model
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EPRO PR6424/012-000
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Manufacturer
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EPRO (Baker Hughes Bently Nevada)
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Product Type
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Eddy Current Proximity Transducer System (8 mm)
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System Components
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1. Probe (8 mm diameter), 2. Extension Cable, 3. Proximitor (Signal Conditioner).
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Probe Tip Diameter
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8 mm (standard).
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Linear Range
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Typical linear measurement range from the probe tip (e.g., 2 mm or 80 mils). The system is calibrated within this range.
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Sensitivity
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Typically 7.87 mV/µm (200 mV/mil) for the vibration output. The gap voltage output also has a defined scale (e.g., -2 V/mm).
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Frequency Response
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Wide frequency response, typically 0 to 10 kHz, suitable for measuring vibration from very slow roll to high-speed machinery.
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Output Signals
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From the Proximitor:
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Key Features and Advantages
EPRO PR6424/012-000 is distinguished by its proven technology and measurement integrity. Its foremost advantage is providing a direct, non-contact measurement of shaft motion relative to the bearing housing. This is critical for detecting mechanical issues that casing-mounted sensors might miss. The system’s high sensitivity and wide frequency response allow it to capture minute vibrations and high-frequency events indicative of gear mesh or blade pass problems. The two isolated outputs (Gap and Dynamic) provide simultaneous monitoring of both static position (e.g., thrust bearing wear, shaft float) and dynamic vibration, offering a comprehensive view of shaft behavior.
Built-in diagnostics and robust construction are hallmarks of its design. The system continuously monitors its own health. The gap voltage is a key diagnostic parameter; a voltage outside the normal operating range (typically -9 to -11 V DC for a properly gapped 8mm system) indicates a problem—such as incorrect probe gap, a failing probe, or target issues. The probes are built to withstand harsh environments (high temperature, pressure, steam, oil), and the system is engineered for long-term stability and minimal drift. This reliability is essential for protection systems where sensor failure cannot be tolerated.
Global standardization and seamless integration are significant benefits. The PR6424 system is compatible with virtually all major machinery monitoring systems worldwide (Bently Nevada, GE, Woodward, etc.), making it a universal choice for OEMs and end-users. Its electrical and mechanical interfaces are standardized, simplifying spares management. For engineers, it represents a trusted, «fit-and-forget» component that forms the reliable sensory foundation for predictive maintenance and machinery protection programs, directly contributing to increased asset availability and reduced risk of unplanned downtime.
Application Areas
The EPRO PR6424/012-000 is the industry-standard sensor for monitoring radial vibration, axial position, and speed on high-speed rotating machinery.
Its primary application is in turbomachinery protection and monitoring:
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Steam Turbines & Gas Turbines: For measuring bearing vibration, shaft eccentricity, and axial position.
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Centrifugal & Axial Compressors: Essential for surge detection and mechanical protection.
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Large Pumps & Fans: Such as boiler feed pumps and induced draft fans.
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Hydro Turbines & Generators.
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Motor and Gearbox Shafts.
It is also used for Keyphasor timing reference on any rotating shaft. Essentially, it is applied to any critical machine where online, continuous monitoring of the shaft’s relative motion is required for operational safety, performance assessment, and predictive maintenance.
Related Products
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Bently Nevada 3500/42M Monitor: A typical vibration monitor that accepts signals from the PR6424 system.
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EPRO MMS 6000/MMS 7000 System: EPRO’s own condition monitoring system that integrates these sensors.
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Mounting Hardware: Brackets, nuts, and locking devices for securing the probe in the holder.
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Calibration Fixtures: For verifying probe and system sensitivity.
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Test Equipment: Such as the EPRO TK-3 tester for troubleshooting the transducer system in the field.
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Competitor Systems: Such as Bently Nevada 3300 XL 8mm system, which is functionally equivalent.
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