Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dropping a frac ball, in which a rotating member defines a recess for receiving a single frac ball, and rotates in relation to a stationary member, which may be attached to a wellhead tubular. When the rotating member is rotated into a loading orientation, the recess receives a single frac ball. The frac ball may be gravity fed towards the recess. When the rotating member is rotated into a releasing orientation, the recess is oriented to allow the single one of the frac balls to drop out of the recess. A hydraulic gear and rack assembly actuates rotation of the rotating member. An inlet tube holds multiple frac balls and guides them sequentially, one at a time, into the recess. An outlet tube guides frac balls from the recess towards a desired location, such as an entry guide surrounding the wellhead tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dropping a frac ball, in which a rotating member defines a recess for receiving a single frac ball, and rotates in relation to a stationary member, which may be attached to a wellhead tubular. When the rotating member is rotated into a loading orientation, the recess receives a single frac ball. The frac ball may be gravity fed towards the recess. When the rotating member is rotated into a releasing orientation, the recess is oriented to allow the single one of the frac balls to drop out of the recess. A hydraulic gear and rack assembly actuates rotation of the rotating member. An inlet tube holds multiple frac balls and guides them sequentially, one at a time, into the recess. An outlet tube guides frac balls from the recess towards a desired location, such as an entry guide surrounding the wellhead tubular.