Bilco Connection Signature Tracer

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

The Bilco CST™ connection signature tracer provides measurement of rotational rates and/or torque, followed by monitoring of axial strain, torsional strain, and hoop stress measured by a specially designed clamping device attached to the  collar or box thread of a tubular connection. The clamping device is portable and can be transferred from one joint 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 stress/strain data.

This stress/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, thread 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.