Types of Wellhead: A Complete Guide for Oil & Gas Operations

By CRC Wellhead Staff | November 17, 2025

 

What Are the Different Types of Wellhead?

In oil and gas drilling, the wellhead plays one of the most critical roles in maintaining well integrity, controlling pressure, and ensuring safe drilling and production operations. Understanding the types of wellhead used in the field helps operators choose the right equipment for performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

A typical wellhead system supports the casing strings, seals the annulus, and provides connection points for surface equipment like blowout preventers (BOPs), valves, and production trees.

Below are the most common wellhead types used in today’s drilling and production environments.

1. Conventional (Stacked) Wellhead Systems

This is the most widely used wellhead design in drilling operations. A conventional or stacked wellhead is installed in sections as drilling progresses.

Key Features:

  • Multiple casing heads stacked vertically

  • Each spool supports a specific casing string

  • Uses elastomer or metallic seals

  • Compatible with a wide range of BOP stacks and production trees

Conventional systems are known for their versatility and are commonly used in both onshore and offshore wells.

2. Unitized Wellhead Systems

A unitized wellhead effectively combines several components into a single housing, reducing installation time and simplifying the overall structure.

Advantages:

  • Faster rig operations due to fewer parts

  • Reduced potential leak paths

  • Lower overall installation cost

  • Ideal for wells requiring fast turnaround

Unitized systems are increasingly preferred for modern, efficiency-driven drilling programs.

3. Dual Completions Wellhead

Some wells require dual strings to produce from multiple zones. For these cases, a dual completion wellhead is used.

Designed for:

  • Simultaneous flow from two different formations

  • Isolating each zone for independent production

  • Supporting two tubing strings within the same wellhead

These systems are more complex and require precise machining to maintain well integrity.

4. High-Pressure Wellhead Systems

Wells operating in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environments require specially engineered wellheads.

Characteristics:

  • Higher pressure ratings (5,000–20,000 PSI)

  • Enhanced sealing mechanisms

  • Suitable for deep exploration wells

  • Made from premium-grade alloys

Precision manufacturing is essential to ensure safe operation in extreme environments.

5. Thermal Wellhead Systems

Designed specifically for steam injection, thermal recovery, and SAGD (Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage) applications.

Built to Handle:

  • High temperature cycles

  • Thermal expansion of casing

  • Steam erosion

  • Pressure changes during injection and production cycles

Thermal wellheads are commonly used in heavy oil production across Western Canada.

Key Components Found Across Different Wellhead Types

While designs vary, most wellheads include the following essential parts:

These components must be manufactured to strict tolerances to maintain pressure control and connection integrity.

Why Choosing the Right Wellhead Type Matters

Selecting the proper wellhead system ensures:

  • Operational safety

  • Compliance with industry standards

  • Effective pressure management

  • Optimal production performance

  • Reduced maintenance or downtime

The correct wellhead must match the casing design, well pressure, temperature, and application—which is why partnering with experienced suppliers is crucial.

Precision Wellhead Components Manufactured by CRC Wellhead

For more than 45 years, CRC Wellhead Supply Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta has been a trusted provider of API Q1–certified wellhead equipment for the oil and gas industry.

CRC Wellhead manufactures and stocks:

  • Flanges (Weld Neck, Blind, Companion)

  • Spool Adaptors & Transitions

  • Flow Tees and Studded Crosses

  • Bottom Hole Test Adaptors

  • Male Pins

  • Custom-machined wellhead components designed to meet your specifications

With onsite CNC and manual machining, CRC delivers:

  • Consistent, high-quality products

  • Competitive pricing

  • Reliable, on-time delivery

  • Fast turnaround for urgent projects

When you need precision wellhead parts built to API Q1 standards, trust the company that has been committed to Quality Since 1980.

Contact CRC Wellhead today to request a quote or discuss your custom wellhead component needs.

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