Rotating Head

This illustration shows the operation of a rotating

head. The sealing element is bolted to a bearing
assembly and effects a seal around the pipe via flow
Drill String
from the well. The element and bearing assembly
rotates along with the rotating drill string.
Sealing Element

Rotating heads are commonly Bearing

used in underbalanced drilling, Bearing
managed pressure drilling and air
drilling. Body
Severe wear point

Periodically check the vertical alignment of

the rig. If the rig is even a little “out of
plumb,” the drill pipe will not be properly
aligned inside the rubber and excessive wear
leading to premature rubber failure will take
place.

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Rotating Head

Drive Assembly
The rotating head is a vital part of air drilling or
underbalanced drilling. It seals around the drill
string during normal drilling and tripping. The
OD of the BHA determines whether or not the
Drive Assembly, Bearing Assembly, and Bearing Assembly
Sealing Element have to be removed. Working
pressures vary according to model.

Sealing Element

Points of concern:
Proper vertical alignment to prevent premature
element and bearing wear. Check for rig settling. Flowline Flange

Abrasive wear can occur in the flowline between

the body and the flange. This should be Body
periodically inspected.

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Rotating Head

Williams rotating head with remote heat

exchanger and oil pump.

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Rotating Head Monitoring Console

Williams rotating head with remote heat

exchanger and oil pump.
Rig Floor

Bearing Assembly

Heat Exchanger

Oil Pump

Oil Line

Coolant Lines 4
Rotating Head
Rotating heads are specialized pressure control devices used primarily in underbalanced drilling. They are designed to seal
around a rotating or stationary drill string using the existing annular pressure to energize the sealing element. Static and dynamic
working pressures vary with manufacturers. The Shaffer Type 79 pictured below has a static and dynamic pressure rating of 500
psi.

Shaffer Type 79

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Rotating Head

Washington Series 1300 Rotating Head Washington Series 1400 ”Shorty” Rotating Head

This model is very similar in operation to the

The Kelly-Driven Series 1300
Model 1300 but with a lower vertical profile,
manufactured by Washington
making it suited for rigs with limited substructure
Rotating Control Heads is
height.
available in sizes ranging
from 11” to 26 ¼”. It can be
used in conjunction with
stripper rubbers capable of
sealing around pipe sizes
ranging from 2” to 8”

Accessories are available for

both which allow for logging
and running of casing under
pressure. Special rubber
elements are available if oil
based drilling fluids are to be
used.

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Rotating Head
Pictured below is the Shaffer Rotating Spherical. It incorporates many features of the Spherical Annular
preventer in addition to drill string rotational capability. It has a body featuring a 10000 psi working pressure;
however, the recommended static working limit is 5000 psi and a rotating pressure limit of 3000 psi. While it is
wellbore pressure assisted, it relies mainly on an external hydraulic source to effect and maintain a seal
around the drill string.

Bonnet

Bearings

Sealing Element

Operating Piston

Compensator
bottle for stripping

Piston Seals