Force Balanced Rotating Pressure Control Device

A rotating pressure control device comprising:

• an outer housing;
• an inner housing with a sealing element, the inner housing adapted for rotation within the outer;
• a hydraulic pressure means for controlling constriction of the sealing element to a drill pipe;
• and
• a conductive strip embedded inside the sealing element;
• wherein when the sealing element becomes worn down, exposing the conductive strip, the conductive strip electrically contacts the drill pipe, closing a circuit and causing a reading on an electrical indicator.

A method of determining when to replace a sealing element on a rotating pressure control comprising:

• embedding a conductive strip in the sealing element;
• connecting the conductive strip electrically to an electrical indicator;
• connecting the electrical indicator to a drill pipe;
• and
• responsive to the sealing element wearing down and exposing the conductive strip and causing an electrical connection between the conductive strip and the drill pipe, closing a circuit from the electrical indicator, through the conductive strip, through the drill pipe and back to the electrical indicator, and causing a reading on the electrical indicator.

A rotating pressure control device comprising:

• an outer housing;
• an inner housing with a sealing element, the inner housing adapted for rotation within the outer;
• a hydraulic pressure means far controlling constriction of the sealing element to a drill pipe;
• a conductive strip embedded inside the sealing element and forming a portion of an open circuit;
• wherein when the sealing element becomes worn so that the conductive strip is severed, the electrical circuit is opened causing a change in an indicator.