Connection Signature Tracer U.S. and Foreign Patents

Bilco has created a system which can supply reliable and accurate monitoring of both torque and connection strain.

The Bilco CST provides measurement of rotational rates and/or torque, followed by monitoring of axial strain, torsional strain, and hoop strain measured by a specially designed clamping device attached to one of the tool parts. The clamping device is portable and can be transferred from one tool to another in a matter of seconds.

The results of the combination of computer and clamping device sensors is a simultaneous plot of the occurrence of torque and strain.

This strain data input makes it possible to more clearly define the connection quality by indication the contact of seals and thread shoulders; damaged and out of tolerance connections and information on lubricants, seizing and misalignment during assembly.

Strain trends are consistent with good connections and can be considered a signature of that connection. Having the combined data greatly improves the accuracy of the "accept or reject" decisions of the connections being assembled.

BILCO WAS THE 1ST PLACE WINNER AT THE 1991 OTC FOR THE BEST MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR OUR CONNECTION SIGNATURE TRACER (CST).