Proximity Probe Mounting Options

PROXIMITY PROBE
MOUNTING OPTIONS
WHEN RELIABILITY MATTERS

CONNECT TO CONFIDENCE
Proximity Probe Mounting Options
Monitoring of journal bearings (also known as sleeve bearings or plain bearings)

is generally accomplished by using “eddy current” proximity probes.
These probes use the fluctuations induced

in an electromagnetic field generated by
the probe to determine the bearing shaft
position relative to the bearing casing
and the dynamic vibration of the rotating
shaft. Proper probe mounting will have
proximity probes are often used to monitor
a significant effect on the validity of the data
turbine shafts in power plants measured by the monitoring system.
In general, two probes mounted 90 degrees apart are the most commonly used
configuration for mounting radial proximity probes. Each probe monitors the position
of the shaft relative to the ‘X’ or ‘Y’ location. DP1001 and DX3301 series probes
are recommended for most applications.
DP1001 SERIES
PROXIMITY PROBE
DX3301 SERIES
PROXIMITY PROBE
There are three primary methods of mounting the probes: (1) internally mounted,
(2) 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 (3) externally mounted on the outside of the machine to measure an
exposed portion of the shaft.
2
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.
▶ The measurement of the shaft position and vibration is very precise.
DM902-1B
MOUNTING BRACKET
Advantages / Disadvantages of Internal Mounting

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 loosening inside the machine.
Extra care must be taken at the cable exits to prevent leakage.
3
2. Through Mounting
Through mounting, which is also referred
to as ‘internal / external,’ is where the probe
is mounted through the bearing casing
and the casing is counter bored to prevent
the probe from side sensing or providing
false readings from the bearing housing.
Internal / external mounting is accomplished

when an appropriately sized hole is drilled
and tapped directly through the bearing
housing, or the proximity probes are
mounted with a Mounting Adapter Bushing
like the PRO DM901 and DM903 series.
These adapters allow external access to
the probe while also allowing the probe tip
to be internal to the machine or bearing
housing.
DM901-1A DM903-1A
MOUNTING ADAPTER BUSHING MOUNTING ADAPTER BUSHING
Advantages / Disadvantages of Through Mounting

Care must be taken in drilling and tapping the bearing housing or cover to ensure
that the probes will be perpendicular to the shaft center line. The benefits of this
standard mounting include the ability to replace or adjust the probes without
disassembly of the bearing, and the location typically offers a good viewing area of the
probe.
4
3. External Mounting
External proximity probe 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 of External Mounting

Exposed areas of the shaft may experience scuffing, scratching or rust which limits
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.
5
CTC is the world leader in the design and manufacture of industrial accelerometers,
piezo velocity transducers, 4-20 mA vibration sensors, and proximity probes as
well as all related mounting hardware, cabling, and junction boxes. Our products
enable efficient vibration monitoring for predictive maintenance in a wide variety
of industries. Industries served include cement, mining, petrochemical, food &
beverage, auto, steel, wind, paper & pulp, power generation, water & wastewater
treatment, pharmaceutical, hospitals, bottling, and more. Our mission is to offer
the widest variety of accelerometers and vibration hardware products, which are
compatible with data collectors and online monitoring systems, as well as the
tools for installation.
The CTC product line features vibration analysis

hardware for heavy industry.
All CTC products are backed by our unconditional,

lifetime warranty. If any CTC product should ever fail,
we will repair or replace it at no charge.
The PRO line offers 4-20mA vibration monitoring

solutions and proximity probes.
All PRO products are backed by a lifetime warranty

on materials and workmanship. PRO will repair or
replace any of our products as long as the product was
not subjected to misuse, neglect, natural disasters,
improper installation, or modification.
All stock products qualify for a full refund if returned in new condition within 90
days of shipment. Build to order products qualify for a 50% refund if returned in
new condition within 90 days of shipment. Custom products are quoted and built
specifically to the requirements of the customer, which may include completely
custom product designs or private labeled versions of standard products for
OEM customers. Custom products ordered are non-cancellable, non-returnable
and non-refundable.

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PROXIMITY PROBE

WHEN RELIABILITY MATTERS

Monitoring of journal bearings (also known as sleeve bearings or plain bearings)

These probes use the fluctuations induced

▶ The probe measures the shaft surface.

Advantages / Disadvantages of Internal Mounting

Internal / external mounting is accomplished

Advantages / Disadvantages of Through Mounting

Advantages / Disadvantages of External Mounting

The CTC product line features vibration analysis

All CTC products are backed by our unconditional,

The PRO line offers 4-20mA vibration monitoring

All PRO products are backed by a lifetime warranty

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