Automated oil drilling rig
Innovative Technology & Key Features
AC VFD Drawworks – Precision Hoisting for Oil Wells
The drawworks is the workhorse of any oil drilling rig. Our AC VFD system provides:
-
Infinitely variable speed – 0 to full RPM without shock loads.
-
Regenerative braking – Returns energy to the grid during lowering, saving fuel.
-
Hydraulic fail‑safe brake – Automatically engages on power loss.
-
Digital weight indicator – Digital hookload display with deadman cutoff.
Automatic Pipe Handling – Remove the Crew from the Red Zone
Oil wells require hundreds to thousands of connections. Our automated pipe handling system handles them all without floor personnel at the well center.
-
Iron Roughneck (TZG series) – Automatically makes up and breaks out drill pipe and drill collar connections. Torque range up to 160,000 ft‑lb. Three control modes: remote wireless, local emergency, driller console. Torque turn recording for every connection.
-
Auto Catwalk – Transfers drill pipe and casing from the ground rack to the rig floor. Available in air‑winch or hydraulic cylinder models. Hydraulic models can deliver two or several drill strings at once, greatly improving efficiency. The auto catwalk does not need to connect to the drill floor when working, making assembly and disassembly easy.
-
Vertical Pipe Racking Arm & Sensor Fingerboard – The racking arm places stands into a fingerboard equipped with inductive position sensors. The driller’s screen shows a live inventory map – no searching for the right stand.
Remote Operation & Real‑Time Data
Modern oil drilling requires visibility across the fleet. Our automated oil drilling rig includes:
-
Remote monitoring dashboard – Supervisors can see hookload, torque, ROP, and downhole data from any internet‑connected device.
-
Data historian – All drilling parameters logged for post‑well analysis and optimization.
-
Remote control option – With proper interlock, a remote driller can take command from an office – ideal for expert support during complex sections.
Closed‑Loop Auto‑Driller – Optimize Rate of Penetration (ROP)
The auto‑driller maintains steady WOB, RPM, and differential pressure setpoints, automatically adjusting to formation changes.
-
Vibration suppression – Reduces lateral and axial vibration, protecting the BHA and bit.
-
Stick‑slip mitigation – Monitors rotary torque and adjusts RPM to break stick‑slip cycles.
-
ROP optimization – Machine learning models adjust parameters in real time to maximize ROP without exceeding safe limits.
Digital Twin & Simulation – Plan Before You Spud
Before drilling the first oil well of a pad, the digital twin simulates the entire program using the same control code as the rig floor. Test different bits, BHA, and drilling parameters risk‑free. Train new drillers in a virtual environment.
Technical Specifications – Automated Oil Drilling Rig (ZJ Series)
Our automated oil drilling rigs are available in six capacity classes, from shallow oil wells (ZJ30) to ultra‑deep (ZJ120). All models are designed according to API 4F, 7K, and 8C standards.
ZJ Series Automated Rig 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 |
| Auto catwalk | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Iron roughneck | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Vertical racking arm | No | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Remote operation | No | Optional | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| API compliance | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C | 4F,7K,8C |
Iron Roughneck (TZG Series) Specifications
| Parameter | TZG50 | TZG100 | TZG160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make‑up torque (ft‑lb) | 50,000 | 100,000 | 160,000 |
| Break‑out torque (ft‑lb) | 60,000 | 118,000 | 180,000 |
| Pipe handling range | 2‑7/8″ DP to 7″ DC | 3‑1/2″ DP to 9‑3/4″ DC | 4‑1/2″ DP to 11″ DC |
| Spin speed (rpm) | 80 | 120 | 100 |
| Control modes | Remote wireless, local, driller console | Same | Same |
| Torque turn recording | Yes (USB export) | Yes (WiFi optional) | Yes (WiFi standard) |
| Power | Electric or hydraulic | Electric or hydraulic | Hydraulic |
Auto Catwalk (Hydraulic Type) Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pipe length (m) | 9‑13 |
| Pipe diameter (in) | 2‑3/8″ to 13‑3/8″ |
| Lifting capacity (kg) | Up to 5,000 |
| Lifting speed (m/min) | 0‑10 (adjustable) |
| Power | Electric 45‑55 kW or hydraulic |
| Control | PLC with remote pendant |
Product Types – Automated Oil Drilling Rig Configurations
We offer automated oil drilling rigs in three progressive automation levels:
-
Level 1 – Mechanized Assistance – Auto catwalk + iron roughneck, manual racking. Reduces heavy lifting. Best for shallow oil wells.
-
Level 2 – Semi‑Automated – Adds automated connection sequences, fingerboard inventory, and remote monitoring. No floor crew during tripping. Suitable for most oil field drilling.
-
Level 3 – Fully Automated – Adds vertical racking arm, automated elevator latching, slip automation, and closed‑loop auto‑driller. One driller only. Ideal for multi‑well pad drilling.
All levels are available with AC VFD or DC drive. Mechanical drive is only offered for Level 0 (manual) rigs.
Applications – Where Automated Oil Drilling Rigs Excel
-
Multi‑well pads (shale, tight oil) – Frequent moves between slots and thousands of connections per pad. Automation reduces slips‑to‑slips time by 30‑40%, cutting days off the drilling program.
-
Conventional oil fields with repeatable well designs – The same parameters applied consistently across dozens of wells reduces bit wear and improves reservoir access.
-
Remote oil fields – Minimal crew on site; remote supervisor manages multiple rigs from a central office. Data historian optimizes the second well based on the first well’s performance.
-
Oil fields with H₂S or high pressure – Remote operation keeps personnel away from hazardous wellhead areas.
-
Arctic oil drilling – Heated enclosures and low‑temperature components; remote control allows driller to work from a heated cabin.
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Automated Oil Drilling Rig?
-
Sinopec‑backed manufacturing – Direct subsidiary of China’s largest oilfield equipment group. 314 R&D engineers, 2,100+ machines, 180,000+ m² campus.
-
API 4F, 7K, 8C certified – Full compliance. Third‑party inspection (ABS, DNV, BV, SGS) welcome.
-
AC VFD technology in‑house – We design and program VFD drives ourselves – no third‑party black box.
-
Proven in oil fields – Over 30 automated rigs delivered since 2018, operating in China, Middle East, and Russia.
-
Retrofit‑friendly – We can add automation components to existing mechanical or DC rigs.
-
Global service & spares – Field engineers worldwide. Spares stocked in Dubai, Singapore, and Houston.
-
Competitive direct pricing – Factory prices, 15‑25% below Western brands for equivalent API certification.
-
Warranty – 12‑24 months on automation electronics; 12 months on mechanical components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much time can an automated oil drilling rig save per well?
Field data shows connection time reduced by 30‑40% (from 90‑120 seconds to 55‑70 seconds per connection). For a well with 2,000 connections, that is 20‑30 hours of rig time saved. Add vibration reduction and consistent WOB, total savings often exceed 1‑2 days per well.
Q2: Do I need a new rig to get automation?
No – we offer retrofit kits for existing oil drilling rigs. Level 1 (auto catwalk + iron roughneck) can be added in 1‑2 weeks. Level 2 requires more modifications but is still feasible on many older rigs.
Q3: What is the difference between mechanical drive and AC VFD?
Mechanical drive (clutch + band brake) is cheaper but less precise. AC VFD gives infinite speed control, regenerative braking, remote operation, and lower maintenance. All our automated rigs use AC VFD.
Q4: Can your automated oil drilling rig handle directional and horizontal wells?
Yes. The closed‑loop auto‑driller maintains steady WOB during slide drilling. The iron roughneck works in any orientation. Our rigs have been used for long laterals (>2,000 m) in shale oil fields.
Q5: How many people are needed to operate an automated rig?
Level 1: 2‑3 operators. Level 2: 1 driller + 1 floor supervisor. Level 3: 1 driller only (no floor crew during tripping). Level 3 with remote option: local maintenance technician only; driller operates from office.
Q6: Is the system failsafe if power is lost?
Yes. The drawworks brake is spring‑applied, pressure‑released – it automatically engages on power loss. All safety E‑stops are hardwired. The PLC has battery backup for critical logic.
Q7: What is the typical lead time for an automated oil drilling rig?
ZJ50‑ZJ70 with Level 2 automation: 8‑10 months. Level 3 adds 2‑3 months for software integration. Expedited orders (Level 1‑2) possible in 6‑7 months.
Q8: Do you provide training for drillers?
Yes – two‑week training at our factory or your site: classroom + simulator. On‑the‑job coaching during the first well. Remote refresher training available.
Q9: What documentation is provided with the rig?
API certificates, material test reports (EN 10204 3.1), electrical schematics, PLC source code (commented), HMI configuration, operations manual, maintenance manual, and installation checklist.
