Automated Drilling Rig
Technical Specifications – Automated Drilling Rig (ZJ Series)
Our automated drilling rigs (ZJ series) are available in several capacity classes, from shallow‑well ZJ30 to ultra‑deep ZJ120. All models are designed according to API 4F, 7K, and 8C standards, suitable for drilling depths from 1,000 meters to 12,000 meters, and available in mechanical, DC, and AC VFD drives.
ZJ Series Standard Specifications
| Parameter | ZJ30 | ZJ40 | ZJ50 | ZJ70 | ZJ90 | ZJ120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drilling depth (5" DP, m) | 2,500 | 3,500 | 5,000 | 7,000 | 9,000 | 12,000 |
| Hook load (tons) | 150 | 225 | 300 | 450 | 675 | 900 |
| Drawworks power (HP) | 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Mast height (ft) | 110 | 110 | 130 | 130 | 150 | 150 |
| Mud pumps (HP each) | 2×800 | 2×1,000 | 2×1,200 | 2×1,600 | 3×1,600 | 3×2,000 |
| Top drive option (tons) | 250 | 350 | 500 | 750 | 1,000 | 1,200 |
| Drive type | Mech/DC/AC | Mech/DC/AC | Mech/DC/AC | DC/AC | DC/AC | AC only |
| API compliance | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C |
| Auto pipe handling | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Automation Component Specifications
| Component | Specification | Automation Level |
|---|---|---|
| Auto catwalk | Pipe length: 45–60 ft; vertical lift 15 ft; hydraulic or air‑winch | Mechanized transfer from rack to floor |
| Iron roughneck (TZG) | Pipe range: 2‑7/8" to 10"; max torque 50–160 kN·m; wireless remote | Automatic make/break at mousehole or wellhead |
| Racking arm | Max lift: 6,000 lbs; horizontal reach: 12 ft; rotation 180° | Automated stand placement in fingerboard |
| Sensor fingerboard | 40–180 slots; inductive position sensors; load rating 6,000 lbs/slot | Live inventory tracking |
| Remote operation console | 15" touchscreen; 4G/satellite uplink; digital twin capable | Remote monitoring and control |
| Closed‑loop auto‑driller | WOB accuracy ±500 lbf; RPM accuracy ±5 rpm; response time 0.2 sec | Parameter optimization |
All models can be configured with integrated Top Drive, Automatic Catwalk, Iron Roughneck, and PLC Control Systems. Rigs are highly customizable and come with advanced automation options such as remote monitoring and more.
Product Types – Automated Drilling Rig Configurations
We offer automated drilling rigs in four progressive automation levels, from basic mechanization to fully remote operation:
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Level 1 – Mechanized Assistance – Auto catwalk and iron roughneck, manual racking. Best for shallow wells or operators new to automation.
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Level 2 – Semi‑Automated Floor (ZJ series with AC VFD) – Adds automated connection sequences, fingerboard inventory tracking, and remote monitoring. No floor crew needed during tripping. AC VFD drawworks standard.
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Level 3 – Fully Automated Floor – Adds vertical racking arm, automated elevator latching, slip automation, and closed‑loop auto‑driller. One driller plus one maintenance technician.
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Level 4 – Remote + AI Driven – Driller operates from office using remote console; local crew handles only maintenance and emergencies. Digital twin monitoring and predictive maintenance standard.
Applications – Where Our Automated Drilling Rigs Excel
Our automated drilling rigs have been deployed in:
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Onshore multi‑well pad drilling (shale, tight gas, CBM) – Automated floor reduces slips‑to‑slips time by 30–40%. Consistent torque across thousands of connections per pad.
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Offshore platform drilling – ATEX‑certified components; remote operation from safe cabin. Compact AC VFD drives reduce deck space.
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Deep & ultra‑deep wells (7,000–12,000 m) – ZJ90 and ZJ120 rigs with 900‑ton hook load. AC VFD provides smooth torque for long drill strings. Digital twin models the well before spud.
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Arctic winter drilling – Low‑temperature rated components (-45°C); remote operation allows driller to work from heated cabin.
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Remote / frontier exploration – Minimal crew on site; remote supervisor manages multiple rigs from town office. Data historian optimizes the second well based on the first well’s performance.
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Automated Drilling Rig?
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Sinopec‑backed engineering – Direct subsidiary of China’s largest oilfield equipment group. 314 R&D engineers, 2,100+ precision machines, 180,000+ m² campus. We design and build everything in‑house.
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API 4F, 7K, 8C certified – Full compliance. Third‑party inspection (ABS, DNV, BV, SGS) is always welcome. API monogram available on request.
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AC VFD technology in‑house – We design and program VFD drives ourselves. Faster troubleshooting, direct access to source code, no reliance on third‑party integrators.
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Proven automation track record – Over 30 automated rigs delivered since 2018. Machine learning‑based systems trialed on multiple rigs have saved diesel fuel and reduced NPT.
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Global service & spare parts – Field engineers commission rigs worldwide. Spares stocked in Dubai, Singapore, and Houston. Delivery to most drilling hubs within 48–72 hours.
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Competitive direct‑manufacturer pricing – No trading company markups. Factory prices for Sinopec‑level quality.
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Warranty – 12–24 months on automation electronics; 12 months on mechanical components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much can an automated drilling rig reduce non‑productive time (NPT)?
Field data from multiple basins shows automated connection sequences alone reduce connection time by 30–40%. Closed‑loop auto‑drillers reduce vibration‑related NPT by 15–25%. Overall, operators report well delivery cycles shortened by an average of 1–1.5 days per well.
Q2: Do I need to buy a new rig to add automation?
No. Many of our automation components — iron roughneck, auto catwalk, racking arm, and control console — can be retrofitted to existing rigs. We provide structural engineering for any modifications needed.
Q3: What is the difference between mechanical drive and AC VFD?
Mechanical drive uses clutches and band brakes — lowest initial cost, but limited speed control and higher maintenance. AC VFD provides infinitely variable speed, regenerative braking, remote control, and consistent torque across the entire speed range. All our automated rigs are AC VFD powered.
Q4: Is the automation system failsafe if PLC power is lost?
Yes. All critical safety functions (emergency stop, brake application, BOP interlock) are hardwired or use redundant PLCs with battery backup. If main power fails, all motion stops and brakes engage. The operator can take manual control using backup joysticks.
Q5: How many people are needed on an automated drilling rig?
Level 1: 2‑3 operators. Level 2: 1 driller + 1 floor supervisor. Level 3: 1 driller only; no floor crew during tripping. Level 4: local maintenance technician only; driller operates from remote office.
Q6: What is the typical lead time for an automated drilling rig?
ZJ50‑ZJ70 rig with Level 2 automation: 8–10 months. Level 3‑4 automation adds 2–3 months for software integration and testing. Expedited orders (Level 1‑2) available in 6–7 months.
Q7: Do you provide training for drillers on the automation system?
Yes. We provide a two‑week training program at our factory or your rig site: classroom (automation theory, safety interlocks, controller interface) and simulator (hands‑on with the same HMI). Experienced drillers typically master the system within the first 2‑3 wells.
Q8: What documentation do you provide with an automated drilling rig?
You receive: full electrical and hydraulic schematics; PLC program with commented source code; HMI configuration files; operations manual; safety interlock logic description; API 4F/7K/8C certificates; material certificates (EN 10204 3.1); and an installation & commissioning checklist.
Q9: Can your automated rig be used for both vertical and horizontal drilling?
Yes. Our AC VFD drawworks provide smooth torque control for both vertical and directional applications. For horizontal wells, the closed‑loop auto‑driller maintains steady WOB while the string is rotated through the lateral section. Our Level 3‑4 rigs are standard for long‑reach horizontal programs.
Q10: How do I request a quote for an automated drilling rig?
Email autorig@sjpetro.com with:
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Target drilling depth and well type (vertical, directional, horizontal)
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Desired automation level (1–4)
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Hook load and drawworks power requirements
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Terrain and climate (desert, Arctic, offshore, etc.)
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Any special certification (ABS, DNV, ATEX, NACE)
We will respond with a technical proposal, automation specification, and budget price within 5‑7 working days.
