Bently Nevada 181M6049 Dual Output Sensor: High-Performance Vibration & Temperature Monitoring

Product Introduction

When machinery vibration and temperature data are critical for predictive maintenance, the Bently Nevada 181M6049 dual output sensor delivers reliable performance. This sensor integrates both accelerometer and temperature sensing in one compact, hermetically sealed package. Designed for harsh industrial environments, it provides dynamic sensitivity of 100 mV/g ±5% at 25°C and an acceleration range of 60 g peak. The 181M6049 helps operators detect early signs of bearing wear, imbalance, or misalignment before costly failures occur.

Technical Specifications Breakdown

The 181M6049 offers a wide frequency response with three defined bands: ±5% from 3 to 5,000 Hz, ±10% from 1 to 7,000 Hz, and ±3 dB from 0.5 Hz to 12,000 Hz. This range covers both low-speed and high-speed rotating machinery. The resonant frequency is 30 kHz, ensuring accurate readings well beyond normal operating frequencies. For temperature monitoring, the built-in sensor has an output sensitivity of 10 mV/°C and measures from 2°C to 120°C. The sensor operates on an 18-28 Vdc voltage source with a current regulating diode of 2-10 mA. Electrical noise is minimized: broadband noise from 2.5 Hz to 25 kHz is only 700 µg, and spectral noise is as low as 5 µg/√Hz at 100 Hz and 1,000 Hz. The output impedance is 100 Ω maximum, and bias output voltage is 12 Vdc. The case is isolated and internally shielded, with a 316L stainless steel housing and hermetic sealing for harsh environments.

Industry Applications

The 181M6049 is ideal for continuous monitoring of critical rotating assets such as pumps, compressors, fans, motors, and turbines. In a petrochemical plant, for example, it can be mounted on a centrifugal pump to track both vibration and bearing temperature simultaneously. The wide temperature range of -50°C to +120°C suits outdoor installations in cold climates or near hot process equipment. The 500 g peak vibration limit and 5,000 g peak shock limit ensure durability even in high-impact environments like reciprocating compressors.

Installation & Setup Guidance

Mount the 181M6049 using a ¼-28 UNF tapped hole directly on the machine surface. Ensure the mounting surface is clean and flat for optimal coupling. The sensor uses a 3-pin MIL-C-5015 style connector. Pin A is the accelerometer power/signal, pin B is common for both accelerometer and temperature sensor, and pin C is the temperature sensor signal. For cabling, choose the 16925-XX without armor for general-purpose installations, or the 16710-XX with armor for environments with physical cable protection needs. Connect the voltage source within 18-28 Vdc and set the current regulating diode to 2-10 mA. Verify bias output voltage at 12 Vdc during commissioning.

Maintenance & Reliability

The hermetically sealed design and 316L stainless steel case provide excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, and corrosion. Periodic inspection of the connector and cabling for damage or corrosion is recommended. The sensor’s base strain sensitivity is only 0.0002 g/μstrain, minimizing false readings from mounting stress. With no moving parts and a robust PZT ceramic shear sensing element, the 181M6049 offers long-term stability. Regular calibration checks against a known reference ensure measurement accuracy over time.

Selection Guide & Purchasing Advice

When selecting the 181M6049, verify that your monitoring system accepts the dual output (vibration and temperature) and supports the 2-10 mA current loop. Ensure the mounting thread (¼-28 UNF) matches your installation point. For replacement of older Bently Nevada sensors, check compatibility with your existing cabling and data acquisition hardware. BluePLC Industrial offers the 181M6049 with expert support to help you choose the right configuration and accessories. Contact us for current availability and lifecycle status before ordering.