Automated wellhead equipment
Technical Specifications – Automated Wellhead Equipment Packages
The table below shows typical specifications for a complete automated wellhead equipment package. Custom engineered for each project.
| Parameter | Pneumatic Package | Hydraulic Package | Electric + Solar Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure rating | Up to 15,000 psi | Up to 20,000 psi | Up to 15,000 psi |
| Valve size range | 1-13/16″ – 7-1/16″ | 1-13/16″ – 7-1/16″ | 1-13/16″ – 4-1/16″ |
| Number of valves per well | 3–8 (custom) | 3–8 (custom) | 3–6 (optimized for power) |
| Actuator fail-safe | Spring-return (air-off-close) | Spring or accumulator | Spring-return (battery backup) |
| Control panel type | Single-well or multi-well | Single-well or platform | RTU + web dashboard |
| Communication | Hardwired (limits) | Hardwired | 4G/5G, satellite, or radio |
| ESD integration | Yes (pneumatic logic) | Yes (hydraulic logic + PLC) | Yes (PLC logic) |
| Partial stroke test | Not typical | Optional | Standard (electric) |
| Power requirement | Instrument air @ 80 psi | Hydraulic fluid @ 3,000 psi | Solar array: 200W – 2kW |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +60°C | -40°C to +80°C | -40°C to +60°C |
| Enclosure rating | IP66 / NEMA 4X | IP66 / NEMA 4X | IP66 / NEMA 4X |
| Hazardous area | Class I, Div 1 (optional) | Class I, Div 1 (optional) | Class I, Div 2 (standard) |
| API 6A PSL | PSL1 – PSL3G | PSL1 – PSL3G | PSL1 – PSL3 |
| NACE compliance | Optional (EE/FF/HH) | Optional (EE/FF/HH) | Optional (EE/FF/HH) |
Applications
Our automated wellhead equipment is deployed across:
| Application | Automation Package Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Remote onshore wells (no grid) | Solar + electric + RTU | Zero fuel cost, remote monitoring, reduced truck rolls |
| Offshore platforms | Hydraulic + multi-well panel | Fail-safe ESD, central control, corrosion-resistant |
| Unconventional / shale pads (20+ wells) | Pneumatic or electric + SCADA integration | Batch valve operation, data aggregation |
| High-pressure gas wells | Hydraulic with PST | Safety compliance, partial stroke testing |
| Sour gas / H2S wells | NACE-compliant, all types | Corrosion resistance, personnel safety |
| Water injection / disposal | Electric with remote on/off | Scheduled injection, remote shutoff |
| Well testing operations | Automated choke manifold | Precise flow control from safe distance |
| Mature fields with frequent intervention | Retrofit kits on existing wellheads | Low-cost upgrade, extend field life |
Product Types – Automated Wellhead Equipment
| Equipment Category | Types / Models | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Complete wellhead automation skid | Pre-engineered skid with actuated valves, panel, sensors | Drop-in installation, factory tested |
| Single-well automation panel | Wall-mount or pedestal, PLC + HMI + ESD | Compact, local + remote control |
| Multi-well master control panel | Control up to 16 wells, Ethernet SCADA link | Centralized operation for pad drilling |
| Electric actuator retrofit kit | Bolt-on to existing manual gate valves | Low-cost automation for existing assets |
| Solar power system | 200W to 2kW array + battery + charge controller | Off-grid power for electric actuators & RTU |
| Wellhead ESD package | Pressure sensors + logic solver + fail-safe actuators | Automatic shutdown on abnormal conditions |
| Remote monitoring unit (RTU) | 4G/5G, solar-powered, with I/O for 4 valves | Standalone wellhead monitoring |
| Partial stroke test system | Built into electric actuators or added to hydraulic | Compliance with safety standards |
We also offer hybrid packages – for example, electric actuators on main valves with pneumatic on less critical ones, all controlled by a single panel.
Why Choose SJ Petro for Automated Wellhead Equipment?
1. Complete System Integration – We supply valves, actuators, controls, sensors, and communication – all from one source. No finger-pointing between vendors when something fails.
2. API 6A Certified – Full Material Traceability – Every pressure-containing component is API 6A certified with MTRs. Not just "designed to API” – actually monogrammed when required.
3. Solar Remote Expertise – Hundreds of solar-powered automated wellheads installed in remote desert, mountain, and arctic locations. We know how to size batteries for weeks of no sun.
4. Flexible Communication – 4G/5G, satellite (BGAN, Inmarsat), radio (license-free or licensed), fiber optic, or simple hardwired. We integrate with your existing network or provide standalone.
5. NACE / Sour Service Capable – Full material classes through HH with NACE MR0175 certification. We can supply automated wellhead equipment for the most aggressive corrosive environments.
6. Retrofit-Friendly – Already have manual wellheads? We can design actuator mounting brackets, control panels, and sensors to fit your existing equipment – no need to replace the entire wellhead.
7. Global Field Service – Our engineers have commissioned automated wellhead equipment on six continents. 24/7 remote support via phone, email, or VPN.
8. Sinopec Backing – Long-Term Commitment – As a Sinopec subsidiary, we have the engineering depth and financial stability to support your equipment for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is included in a typical automated wellhead equipment package?
A complete package includes: actuated valves (gate, choke, SSV), control panel (PLC + HMI), pressure/temperature sensors, position feedback devices, communication equipment (wired or wireless), and ESD logic. Solar-powered packages include panels, batteries, and charge controller.
Q2: Can I automate my existing manual wellheads without replacing them?
Yes. We offer retrofit actuator kits that bolt onto most API 6A gate valves. A site survey is required to confirm mounting dimensions. We also supply retrofit control panels to integrate with existing instrumentation.
Q3: What communication options do you support for remote monitoring?
Wired: Modbus RTU (RS485), Modbus TCP (Ethernet), HART, Profibus. Wireless: 4G/LTE, 5G, satellite (BGAN, Inmarsat), point-to-point radio (900 MHz/2.4 GHz), and fiber optic.
Q4: How does the system handle loss of power or communication?
All fail-safe actuators are configured to move to a safe position (open or closed) on power loss. The control panel retains last known status and logs. Upon power restoration, the system resumes normal operation without manual intervention (unless safety logic requires otherwise).
Q5: What is the typical battery life for solar-powered systems?
Our battery banks are sized for 5–7 days of autonomy (no sun). With conservative operation (occasional valve actuation, mostly monitoring), the system can run for 10–14 days. For arctic regions with prolonged darkness, we add wind turbine or fuel cell backup.
Q6: Do you provide equipment for NACE / sour gas (H2S) service?
Absolutely. We supply material classes EE, FF, and HH (full NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156). All wetted components – valve bodies, trim, actuator cylinders exposed to wellbore fluid – are compliant.
Q7: What is partial stroke testing and do you offer it?
Partial stroke testing (PST) moves a valve through 10–20% of its travel to verify it is not stuck. It is required by safety standards for ESD valves. Our electric actuators include PST as standard. Hydraulic actuators can be equipped with a PST module.
Q8: Can your wellhead automation integrate with my existing SCADA?
Yes. We support standard protocols (Modbus, OPC UA, etc.). Our control panels are designed to act as slaves to your master SCADA. We can also supply a standalone web-based SCADA if you have no existing system.
Q9: What is the typical lead time for automated wellhead equipment?
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Standard packages (pneumatic or electric, non-NACE): 10–14 weeks
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Hydraulic or NACE packages: 14–18 weeks
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Solar-powered packages: 12–16 weeks
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Retrofit kits: 8–10 weeks
Q10: Do you provide installation and commissioning?
Yes. We can supply a commissioning engineer to supervise installation, configure the control panel, test communication links, and train your personnel. Typical on-site time: 5–10 days depending on number of wellheads.
Q11: What training do you offer for operators and technicians?
We provide 2–3 days of on-site training covering: system overview, HMI operation, manual overrides, safety procedures, troubleshooting common faults, and preventive maintenance schedules. Remote refresher training available via web conference.
Q12: How do I get a quote for automated wellhead equipment?
Provide: number of wellheads, valve sizes and pressure ratings, required actuation type (pneumatic/hydraulic/electric), power source availability, communication distance and type (wired/wireless), any NACE or special material requirements. We will respond with a technical proposal and fixed price within 5–7 business days.
