Cluster well moving equipment
Technical Specifications – Cluster Well Moving Equipment
The table below shows specifications for our cluster‑optimized systems. Custom sizes for your well spacing.
| Parameter | Short‑Stroke Skidding | Ultra‑Low Walking |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum well spacing | 3 m (10 ft) | 4 m (13 ft) |
| Maximum rig weight | 1,500 tons | 2,000 tons |
| Stroke / step length | 2 – 5 m (per cycle) | 0.5 – 1.5 m (per step) |
| Move speed (max) | 60 m/hour | 20 m/hour |
| Move time for 8m spacing | 15‑30 minutes | 30‑60 minutes |
| Positioning accuracy | ±3 mm | ±5 mm |
| Hydraulic pressure | 3,000 – 3,500 psi | 3,000 – 3,500 psi |
| Unit height (retracted) | < 0.5 m (20 in) | < 0.3 m (12 in) |
| Unit weight (per unit) | 800 – 2,500 kg | 1,200 – 4,000 kg |
| Number of units needed | 2 – 4 | 4 |
| Beams required? | Yes (short rails) | No |
| Pad preparation | Embedded or bolted steel beams | Leveled gravel/concrete |
| Control type | Wired or wireless console | Wireless console |
| Utility bridge included? | Optional | Optional |
| API certification | API 4F (substructure elements) | API 4F |
Applications
| Cluster Well Type | Typical Spacing | Recommended Equipment | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shale gas pad (inline rows) | 5 – 8 m | Short‑stroke skidding | Fastest move time, lowest cost |
| Tight gas pad (grid pattern) | 6 – 10 m | Short‑stroke skidding + multi‑row walking combo | Move along row by skid, between rows by walk |
| CBM (coal bed methane) dense pad | 3 – 5 m | Short‑stroke skidding (mini beams) | Extremely tight spacing – custom design |
| Urban drilling (limited space) | 4 – 6 m | Ultra‑low walking | No beams, fits in small footprint |
| Offshore platform slot clusters | 4 – 8 m (radial) | Rotating + walking | Swing between slots, walk to next row |
| Batch drilling campaign (100+ wells) | 5 – 10 m | Skidding + batch sequence automation | High move frequency, reduced operator load |
Product Types – Cluster Well Moving Equipment
We offer four equipment families, each optimized for specific pad layouts:
| Family | Movement Type | Spacing Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| SJ‑CS‑S (Cluster Skid Short) | Linear skidding | 3 – 8 m | Shortest stroke, fastest moves |
| SJ‑CW‑U (Cluster Walker Ultra‑Low) | Omni‑walking | 4 – 12 m | <300mm height, no beams |
| SJ‑CR‑S (Cluster Rotator + Skid) | Rotate + skid | Radial patterns | Swing to adjacent slot |
| SJ‑CB‑A (Cluster Batch Automation) | Skid or walk + sequence control | Any | Pre‑programmed well order, auto‑position |
All families are available as standalone component sets (add to existing rig) or integrated with new substructure.
Why Choose SJ Petro for Cluster Well Moving Equipment?
1. Designed for Ultra‑Tight Spacing – Most moving systems require 6‑8m minimum spacing. Our short‑stroke skidding works down to 3m. We have delivered systems for pads with 2.5m spacing (custom engineering).
2. High Move Frequency Proven – Our equipment has performed over 50,000 cluster well moves on shale pads in China, Argentina, and the US. Reliability proven.
3. Batch Sequence Automation – The control system stores your well order. No manual measuring or recalculating. One‑button move to the next well.
4. Fast Field Installation – Skid beams are pre‑cut to your well spacing. Install in 2‑3 days. Walking units bolt on in 1‑2 days.
5. Utility Bridge Saves 30 Minutes per Move – No disconnecting hoses between wells. Over a 30‑well pad, that is 15 hours saved.
6. Remote Wireless Control – Operator stays safe, away from pinch points. Console shows real‑time position and load.
7. Low Maintenance – Sealed cylinders, centralized grease system, replaceable wear plates. Designed for 500+ moves between major overhauls.
8. Retrofit to Existing Rigs – You do not need a new rig. We can design bolt‑on cluster moving equipment for your current substructure.
9. Sinopec Engineering – Developed with Sinopec’s own cluster drilling campaigns – refined over hundreds of pads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the minimum well spacing your cluster moving equipment can handle?
Standard short‑stroke skidding: 3 meters (10 ft). Custom engineering down to 2.5 meters (8 ft) – requires site survey. Ultra‑low walking: 4 meters minimum.
Q2: How long does a typical cluster well move take?
For 5‑8m spacing: skidding 20‑40 minutes, walking 30‑60 minutes. Includes utility bridge movement (no hose disconnect) and final alignment (<5 minutes).
Q3: Can the equipment move the rig diagonally across the pad?
Skidding moves linearly only (along beams). Walking moves omni‑directionally (forward, back, sideways, diagonal). For grid pads with multiple rows, we recommend walking or a combo system.
Q4: Do I need to prepare the pad with steel beams for skidding?
Yes – short steel rails (same length as your skid stroke) are embedded in concrete or bolted to the pad. Beams are low profile (<5 cm height) – you can drive over them. We supply the beams pre‑cut.
Q5: How accurate is the well center positioning?
Skidding: ±3 mm. Walking: ±5 mm. Micro‑adjust cylinders fine‑tune to within 1‑2 mm for BOP stabbing.
Q6: Does the system include the utility bridge?
It is optional. Strongly recommended for cluster pads with 10+ wells – pays for itself in saved move time. Standard bridge handles mud lines, electric, air, and hydraulics.
Q7: Can I retrofit your cluster moving equipment to my existing rig?
Yes – we design bolt‑on brackets for your substructure. No welding required. Installation typically 3‑5 days on site.
Q8: What is the typical lead time for cluster well moving equipment?
Standard skidding system (pre‑cut to your spacing): 3‑4 months. Walking system: 5‑6 months. Retrofit kit: 4‑5 months (includes site survey).
Q9: Do you provide training for cluster well moves?
Yes – 2 days on‑site training covering: system assembly, move sequences, batch programming, alignment procedure, and emergency handling. Simulator available for practice.
Q10: What is the warranty on cluster moving equipment?
12 months from commissioning or 18 months from shipment (whichever first). Wear items (wear plates, hoses) are 6 months.
Q11: Can the equipment move the rig with the mast loaded (pipe in setback)?
Yes – both skidding and walking systems are rated for full rig weight including setback. However, we recommend moving with empty setback for safety and reduced wear.
Q12: How do I get a cluster moving equipment quote?
Provide: pad layout (number of wells, spacing, row arrangement), rig weight, desired move type (skid/walk/combo), and preferred automation level (manual or batch sequence). We will respond within 5 business days.
