Automated rig manufacturers

Technical Specifications – SJ Petro Automated Drilling Rigs

The following table summarizes key specifications for our automated ZJ‑series AC VFD drilling rigs. Automation components are sourced from leading manufacturers and integrated by SJ Petro.

Parameter	ZJ40 Automated	ZJ50 Automated	ZJ70 Automated	ZJ90 Automated
Nominal Drilling Depth (4‑½″ DP)	2,500–4,000 m	3,500–5,000 m	4,500–7,000 m	6,000–9,000 m
Max Hook Load	2,250 kN (506,000 lbf)	3,150 kN (708,000 lbf)	4,500 kN (1,012,000 lbf)	6,750 kN (1,517,000 lbf)
Drawworks Power	735 kW (1,000 HP)	1,100 kW (1,500 HP)	1,470 kW (2,000 HP)	2,210 kW (3,000 HP)
Drive Type	AC VFD	AC VFD	AC VFD	AC VFD
Mud Pump Configuration	2× F‑1300 HP	2× F‑1600 HP	2–3× F‑1600 HP	3× F‑1600 HP
Automation Support Level	Up to fully automated	Up to fully automated	Up to fully automated	Up to fully automated
Iron Roughneck Torque Capacity	Up to 100,000 ft·lb	Up to 100,000 ft·lb	Up to 100,000 ft·lb	Up to 100,000 ft·lb
Control Network	Modbus TCP / PROFINET / EtherNet‑IP	Modbus TCP / PROFINET / EtherNet‑IP	Modbus TCP / PROFINET / EtherNet‑IP	Modbus TCP / PROFINET / EtherNet‑IP
Operating Temperature (Standard)	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C
Operating Temperature (Arctic Option)	-45°C to +45°C	-45°C to +45°C	-45°C to +45°C	-45°C to +45°C
Storage Temperature (Arctic)	-60°C to +45°C	-60°C to +45°C	-60°C to +45°C	-60°C to +45°C
API Monograms	4F, 7K, 8C, 6A, Q1	4F, 7K, 8C, 6A, Q1	4F, 7K, 8C, 6A, Q1	4F, 7K, 8C, 6A, Q1

Why Choose SJ Petro Among Automated Rig Manufacturers?

Backed by Sinopec – One of China Top 500 Manufacturers

SJ Petro is a state‑owned enterprise under the Sinopec Group, a China Critical Technological Equipment Nationalization Base and National Hi‑tech Enterprise. We rank No.2 among China Top 10 Petroleum Drilling and Production Equipment Manufacturers and are rated AAA by China Petrochemical Industry and Banks.

Our facility in Jingzhou, Hubei, covers 663,000 square meters, with a 50,000‑square‑meter rig assembly yard featuring 24 rigging‑up positions capable of testing up to 750 tons and assembling 12 rigs simultaneously.

Annual production capacity: 100 drilling rigs, 100 workover rigs, 120 cementing units, 80 fracturing units, over 700 pumps, and 150,000 high pressure manifolds.

API 4F, 7K, 8C, 6A, 16C, Q1 Certified – Full Monogram License

We hold API certifications across all product categories that matter for automated drilling rigs: API 4F (structures), API 7K (drilling equipment), API 8C (hoisting equipment), API 6A (wellhead), API 16C (choke/kill), and API Q1 (quality management).

No "API compliant" claims. No expired certificates. We are audited annually by the American Petroleum Institute and maintain monogram rights for all applicable product lines.

End‑to‑End Engineering – Automation Is Designed In, Not Bolted On

Our engineering team includes dedicated research institutes for drilling and workover equipment, cementing and fracturing equipment, and an Electric Control Institute. Our 314 product development and process research personnel have mastered the design technologies for drilling rigs, workover rigs, cementing units, and fracturing equipment.

When we design a rig for automation, we design the control architecture, the mounting interfaces, and the power distribution at the same time as the mast and substructure.

Global Export Track Record – Over 30 Countries, 5+ Years Warranty

SJ Petro equipment operates in over 30 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The "SJPETRO" trademark is registered in the United States.

Our 5‑year warranty on select drilling and workover equipment reflects our confidence in manufacturing quality and long‑term reliability.

Recent international recognition: In October 2024, our Kingdream subsidiary successfully held a drill bit product and technology promotion conference in Kuwait, where large‑size hybrid bits, shaped‑cutter PDC bits, and RSS PDC bits have been widely applied in Kuwait after two years of field service. This follows a long‑term drill bit service contract with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) signed in 2022.

National‑Level Low‑Temperature Laboratory – Arctic Proven

Among Chinese automated rig manufacturers, our national‑level low‑temperature impact testing laboratory is a unique differentiator. We qualify materials down to -60°C—not by reading mill certificates, but by testing actual production forgings. This laboratory has validated the materials for the 11 low‑temperature drilling rigs delivered to Rosneft, establishing SJ Petro as the preferred Chinese supplier of low‑temperature drilling equipment in the Russian market.

The same laboratory supports our automated rigs for Arctic operations, ensuring that manipulator mounting points, structural welds, and control enclosures all meet low‑temperature impact requirements.

Product Types – Automated Drilling Rigs from SJ Petro

1. ZJ Series AC VFD Automated Land Rigs

• ZJ40 through ZJ90 depth capacities (4,000 to 9,000 meters)

• Semi‑automated, automated, or fully automated configurations

• Integrated floor manipulator, monkey board robot, iron roughneck, and automated catwalk

• Available with standard or Arctic (-45°C) rating

2. XJ Series Automated Workover Rigs

• XJ150 through XJ1200 (static load from 585 kN to 2,250 kN)

• XJ650 model proven in South America, West Africa, and the Middle East

• Semi‑automated configuration with iron roughneck and catwalk

• Lightweight modular design for rapid rig‑up and well intervention

3. Arctic‑Rated Automated Drilling Rigs

• Same ZJ series depth capacities with low‑temperature engineering

• National‑level low‑temperature impact testing certification

• Proven in Rosneft and Orienburg Drilling Company operations

• Heated enclosures, cold‑hardened seals, impact‑tested steel to -60°C

4. Modular & Wheel‑Rail Automated Rigs (Cluster Drilling)

• Helicopter‑transportable versions available (ZJ30 through ZJ50)

• Wheel‑rail rig movement between wellheads in 10–20 minutes

• Designed for high‑density shale pads and Arctic multi‑well campaigns

5. Offshore Automated Drilling Packages

• Marine‑rated enclosures and corrosion protection

• Remote operation capability from onshore control center

• Compact footprint for platform deck space

• Subsea automation integration available

Application Fields – Where Our Automated Rigs Excel

High‑Density Shale Pads (20–40 wells)

Automated rigs reduce connection time from manual speeds (45–60 seconds per stand) to automated speeds (20–30 seconds per stand). Over 30 wells, the saved rig days can cover the automation investment within a single campaign.

Arctic and Permafrost Drilling

Extreme cold makes manual pipe handling hazardous. Our Arctic‑rated automated rigs remove personnel from the coldest locations on the drill floor. Proven at -45°C in Siberia for Rosneft, these rigs use impact‑tested steel, heated enclosures, and cold‑hardened seals.

Offshore Platforms and Jack‑Up Rigs

Offshore daily rig rates are high. Every hour saved in tripping operations is real money. Automated pipe handling reduces crew count, lowers safety exposure, and speeds up connection times. Marine‑grade finishes and corrosion protection are standard.

Workover and Well Servicing Campaigns

A semi‑automated rig with iron roughneck and catwalk reduces crew from 5 to 2–3 personnel, lowers fatigue across long campaigns, and speeds up each intervention. Our XJ650 rig is renowned for powerful capability, stable performance, and great mobility.

Remote Land Drilling with Limited Access

When a drilling program spans multiple wellheads in a remote area, a wheel‑rail automated rig moves between wellheads fully assembled, eliminating disassembly and reassembly cycles. The rig uses a single access road, one set of utilities, and one environmental permit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does SJ Petro manufacture iron roughnecks and floor manipulators directly, or do you integrate third‑party components?

A: SJ Petro specializes in drilling rig platforms—the mast, substructure, drawworks, AC VFD drive system, mud pumps, and control system. For the specific category of iron roughnecks and floor manipulators, we partner with leading automation manufacturers (including KERUI, Jereh, Nabors, FET, etc.) to ensure that our rigs are fully compatible with their equipment. This gives you the freedom to choose the automation system that best fits your operational model while benefitting from an SJ Petro rig platform with standardized interfaces.

Q2: What API certifications does SJ Petro hold for automated drilling rigs?

A: SJ Petro holds API 4F (derricks and structures), API 7K (drilling and well servicing equipment), API 8C (hoisting equipment), API 6A (wellhead equipment), API 16C (choke and kill), and API Q1 (quality management). We are authorized to apply the API monogram on our rigs and welcome third‑party inspection at any stage of manufacturing.

Q3: What is the typical lead time for an automated drilling rig from SJ Petro?

A: Lead time depends on rig size, automation level, and environmental rating:

• ZJ40–ZJ50 fully automated: 8–10 months from order confirmation to FOB port shipment

• ZJ70–ZJ90 fully automated: 10–12 months

• Arctic‑rated automated rig: 12–14 months (includes material impact testing and certification)

• Helicopter‑transportable modular rig: 12–14 months

We recommend engaging our engineering team 12–18 months before your planned spud date.

Q4: Can you supply an automated rig with a specific brand of iron roughneck (e.g., NOV, Nabors, FET)?

A: Yes. We have integrated automation components from multiple manufacturers. Our rig control architecture is designed to accept open‑protocol communication (Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherNet‑IP), allowing you to specify the iron roughneck, manipulator, and catwalk brands you prefer. We provide the mounting interfaces, power connections, and control integration.

Q5: Do your automated rigs come with a warranty?

A: Yes. Standard warranty is 12 months from date of shipment against defects in material and workmanship. Extended warranty options are available, with 5‑year warranty on select drilling and workover equipment. Automation components (iron roughneck, manipulator, etc.) carry their manufacturers' warranties, coordinated through SJ Petro as the prime contractor.

Q6: Can I visit your factory to see automated rigs under construction?

A: Yes. We welcome prospective customers to visit our 663,000‑square‑meter facility in Jingzhou, Hubei province. Our 50,000‑square‑meter rig assembly yard with 24 rigging‑up positions can be toured by appointment. Customers are also welcome to witness factory acceptance testing (FAT) of their rigs before shipment.

Q7: What is your export experience for automated drilling rigs?

A: SJ Petro has exported petroleum equipment to over 30 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. We provide complete export documentation, including API certification packages, material test reports, pressure test certificates, and GOST certification for Russian and Eurasian markets.

Q8: What training do you provide for automated rig operation?

A: Our standard automated rig supply includes on‑site training for drillers and maintenance crews on the integrated control system, automation component operation, and emergency procedures. Training typically takes 5–7 days and includes both classroom instruction and hands‑on supervised operations. Extended commissioning packages are available for complex automation configurations.

Q9: How do I request a quote for an automated drilling rig from SJ Petro?

A: Please provide the following information to our export sales team:

1. Target depth capacity (ZJ40 through ZJ90)

2. Automation level desired (semi‑automated, automated, or fully automated)

3. Pipe sizes to be handled (drill pipe and casing diameters)

4. Environmental conditions (standard, Arctic, high‑temperature, sour service)

5. Preferred automation component brands (if any)

6. Desired delivery date

We will respond within 3–5 business days with a technical proposal and firm price quote.