BPK-Probe™

The BPK-Probe™ uses (2) propriety silver graphite brushes to directly contact the motor shaft. One brush is used to measure shaft voltage, the other is used to ground the shaft. The measured voltage is displayed on the Probe’s LCD screen.

There are two versions of the BPK-Probe, the older version, V1, and the new version, V2.  The V2 probe was developed with new and upgraded features including the ability to connect to Helwig’s newest product, the BPK-Probe DataLink app.  The two versions are easily distinguished by the display screen. The main differences are the color of the display and the status icons. Also, only the V2 versions are eligible for a firmware upgrade to enable the probe to link to the DataLink App.  Follow the simple steps below to be able to tell the version of your probe and if a firmware upgrade is already installed or has the ability to be installed.

Version 1 has a monochrome (non-color) display and is not eligible for the firmware update.  Therefore, it is not able to connect to the DataLink app.

Version 2 has a color display with added features and status icons.

• If you see the 2-digit alphanumeric code in the upper right corner, your probe is upgraded with the latest firmware and able to connect to the DataLink app.
• If you see a color display but no 2-digit number, the probe still needs the firmware upgrade to be able to connect to the DataLink app.

Motors driven from a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) source or  Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) are common sources of unwanted shaft voltage due to the common mode voltage they create. Typically, whenever a speed control is used there is risk of voltage building on the motor shaft causing bearing discharges. Please Note, there are other sources of bearing discharges to consider such as asymmetry in large frame DC motors. Please contact Helwig Carbon if you feel your motors are at risk.

Bearings suspected of damage due to electrical discharge should be removed, cut and examined for ball bearing frosting and raceway fluting. A qualified repair shop or Helwig Carbon can assist with this analysis.

Yes. Driven devices like drive shafts, drums, propeller shafts, gearboxes, or etc… are all susceptible to damaging discharges due to common mode or static voltage discharge and should be monitored.

With the BPK-Probe™ grounded, typically to the motor frame, the Probe tip is placed against the rotating motor shaft and the test is performed. The Probe’s display indicates a Pass/Fail status along with the measured voltage level. See the BPK-Probe™ Operating Guide for additional information on safe and proper use. Factory training is recommended, please contact Helwig Carbon for more information.

Once safe access to the motor shaft is established the test only takes seconds. The risk to the motor is immediately displayed and recorded following each test for real-time, on-site, evaluation.

The Probe is factory tested and calibrated to be accurate. In addition, the Probe includes a BNC output. This output can be connected directly to the tablet oscilloscope or other 3^rd party device to verify the test results. Reference the BPK-Probe™ Operating Guide and Tablet Oscilloscope Operating Guide for details.

The ground cable and clamp included with the BPK-Probe™ kit is designed to provide a solid uninterrupted ground path. With the ground contact surface clear of debris and paint, the ground clamp and cable will properly ground the probe. If you suspect an inadequate ground connection, please change the ground reference point and take additional readings. Contact Helwig Carbon with questions.

Although the ground cable and clamp are securely connected to a ground source the ground itself may be corrupt. A quick test with the BPK-Probe™ with the Ground Switch Enabled will check the ground source. If a corrupt ground is detected a GROUND ERROR will be displayed on the Probe’s display. Please contact Helwig Engineering for more information.

No. A Digital Voltmeter (DVM) cannot be used to measure bearing discharge potential. The method and sample rate used by DVMs prevent them from properly measuring discharge potential.

Helwig includes (2) replacement brushes with each BPK-Probe™ Kit. Replacement tips and brushes are available and stocked at Helwig Carbon.

Yes. In addition, the BPK-Probe™ Handle and all accessories are available for replacement if lost or damaged.

Yes, but it must be a 100Mhz or faster scope. Please Note: High Quality Tablet Oscilloscopes are an optional add-on to the standard BPK-Probe^TM kit. Please contact Helwig for details.

Yes, each test is recorded on the micro-SD card inserted into the BPK-Probe™ Test data can be downloaded to your PC through the Micro USB port on the Probe handle. You can also use the Probe’s BNC output to capture detailed test results on the included tablet oscilloscope or other 3rd party devices.

Yes, it is rechargeable through the micro-USB port on the handle. Battery and charging status is indicated on the display.

The BPK-Probe™ does have wireless Bluetooth capabilities and will soon be fully functional with a mobile app.

Helwig offers an optional “Remote Box” option allowing test/verification and performance testing of an installed BPK. The Remote Box allows the motor shaft to be tested using the BPK-Probe™ without contacting the motor shaft with the probe. This provides a convenient way for test and performance verification at any time without guard removal, scheduled downtime, etc. Please contact Helwig Engineering for more information.

Helwig does not recommend using the BPK-Probe™ or any other instrument in explosion-proof or otherwise hazardous environments. Follow all safety precautions and regulations when using the BPK-Probe™. For more information please contact Helwig Carbon.

Yes, in most cases there is access to the motors Opposite Drive End (ODE) or to the line shaft or gear box the motor is driving. Contact Helwig Carbon for more information.

Yes. Helwig has qualified factory-trained local REPs that can perform tests at your location. In addition, Helwig offers an Engineering Service for a more detailed engineering analysis of the application. Contact Helwig Carbon for more information or to schedule a visit.

The BPK-Probe™ will display simple-to-read Pass/Fail test results based on industry standards for bearing damage. For a more detailed analysis, Helwig recommends recording the test results on the optional tablet oscilloscope and forwarding those results to Helwig Engineering for analysis.

Yes. Cleaning the tip with a stiff wire brush should remove embedded debris. Replacement stones are available.

Yes. The optional tablet oscilloscope is delivered with pre-set factory defaults to optimize performance when used with the BPK-Probe™. If the settings are changed there is a simple step-by-step procedure to reset the factory recommended defaults. Please consult the Tablet Oscilloscope Operating manual or contact Helwig Carbon for details.

Yes. The kit includes operating instructions for both the BPK-Probe™ and the oscilloscope when included. In addition to the step-by-step instructions covering all the basic information, you need to test, and record data Helwig Carbon also offers Factory Training. Factory Training includes an in-depth review of shaft discharges, their cause, and effect, grounding, proper use of the Probe. It also covers how to measure, capture and interpret data. To become Factory Certified please contact Helwig Carbon to make an appointment.

No. The BPK-Probe Grounding Error feature is designed to check the quality of the ground source the Probe’s ground clip is connected to when testing motor shafts. The BPK-Probe is not designed to isolate, track down or correct grounding issues at your facility. If you receive a Grounding Error test result when testing the motor shaft for bearing discharges please consult a qualified electrician before proceeding.