Which instrument shows the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotary table or top drive unit?

Which instrument shows the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotary table or top drive unit?

• A. Rotary Tachometer
• B. Trip Tank Volume Indicator
• C. Pump Rate Gauge
• D. Prime Mover

Answer: (A)

Measuring how fast the rotary table or top drive is turning is done with a rotary tachometer. This device reads revolutions per minute from a rotating shaft and displays the RPM, giving the operator a real-time speed readout to control drilling parameters and avoid overspeed. It may use a sensor around the shaft or a magnetic pickup and show results on a dial or digital display. The other items don’t measure rotational speed: a trip tank volume indicator tracks the remaining volume in the trip tank, a pump rate gauge shows fluid flow, and a prime mover is the power source for the equipment, not a speed readout.

Measuring how fast the rotary table or top drive is turning is done with a rotary tachometer. This device reads revolutions per minute from a rotating shaft and displays the RPM, giving the operator a real-time speed readout to control drilling parameters and avoid overspeed. It may use a sensor around the shaft or a magnetic pickup and show results on a dial or digital display. The other items don’t measure rotational speed: a trip tank volume indicator tracks the remaining volume in the trip tank, a pump rate gauge shows fluid flow, and a prime mover is the power source for the equipment, not a speed readout.