Cluster well rig movement
Technical Specifications – Cluster Well Movement Systems
The table below shows typical parameters for systems designed for dense cluster wells (3–10m spacing). Custom configurations available.
| Parameter | Skidding (Linear) | Walking (Grid) | Rotating (Radial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rig weight capacity | 500 – 1,500 tons | 500 – 2,000 tons | 500 – 1,500 tons |
| Minimum well spacing | 3 m (10 ft) | 4 m (13 ft) | Any (rotation around center) |
| Movement per cycle | 8–15 ft (full stroke) | 1–2 ft (per step) | 1° – 90° per rotation |
| Move speed | 60 – 100 ft/hour | 30 – 60 ft/hour | 15 – 30° per hour |
| Positioning accuracy | ±3 mm | ±5 mm | ±0.05° |
| Number of hydraulic units | 2 gripper jacks | 4 walking units | 2 rotation cylinders |
| Ground bearing pressure | 3,000 – 5,000 psf | 4,000 – 6,000 psf | 3,000 – 5,000 psf |
| Control system | Wired/wireless console | Wireless + joystick | Wired/wireless |
| Utility bridge included | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Pad preparation required | Embedded rails or beams | Leveled ground | Circular steel track |
| Typical move time (per well) | 2 – 4 hours | 4 – 8 hours | 3 – 6 hours |
| API certification | API 4F | API 4F | API 4F |
Applications
| Cluster Well Type | Typical Well Count | Recommended Movement System | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shale gas pad (rows & columns) | 20 – 40 wells | Walking system | Move to any well in any order |
| Conventional cluster (inline) | 8 – 15 wells | Skidding (short-stroke) | Fastest moves, lowest cost |
| Offshore platform (radial slots) | 6 – 12 slots | Rotating system | Swing rig to each slot, minimal deck space |
| Urban drilling (tight pad) | 10 – 20 wells | Walking + rotating combo | Maximum flexibility in restricted area |
| CBM (coal bed methane) cluster | 50+ wells (phased) | Skidding + batch automation | High frequency moves, low per-move cost |
Product Types – Cluster Well Movement Systems
We offer three dedicated product families for cluster well movement:
| Product | Movement Type | Well Spacing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SJ-CS (Cluster Skid) | Linear skidding | 3 – 10 m | Inline cluster wells, batch drilling |
| SJ-CW (Cluster Walker) | Omni-directional walking | 4 – 15 m | Grid pattern pads, frequent re‑ordering |
| SJ-CR (Cluster Rotator) | Rotating (pivot) | Radial pattern | Platform slots, circular pads |
Combo systems (e.g., skid + rotate) available for irregular pad layouts. We also offer retrofit kits to add cluster movement capability to existing rigs.
Why Choose SJ Petro for Cluster Well Rig Movement?
1. Designed Specifically for Tight Spacing – Our short-stroke skidding and compact walking units fit between wells spaced only 3 meters apart. Most competitors’ systems require 6–8 meters.
2. Batch Drilling Expertise – We have supplied cluster movement systems for pads with over 50 wells in China, Argentina, and Kazakhstan. We understand the sequence optimization needed for high-frequency moves.
3. No Rig-Down, No Crane – All our systems keep the mast vertical and use onboard hydraulics. You do not need auxiliary cranes or trucks for pad moves – critical when there is no space for them.
4. Integration with Your Drilling Program – We can coordinate move sequences with your drilling plan. For example: while you are drilling Well A, the system moves the BOP and skid beams to Well B – ready for instant transfer.
5. Lowest Ground Pressure in the Industry – Our walking foot pads are oversized (3 ft × 3 ft) and can be further enlarged with bogie mats. Tested on soft reclaimed land – no subsidence.
6. Global References – Over 30 cluster movement systems delivered. References available for pads in North America (shale), Middle East (tight gas), and Southeast Asia (offshore platform).
7. Full Training & Move Simulation – We provide a move simulator to plan and optimize your entire cluster drilling sequence before the rig arrives on site. Includes time estimates per move and total pad duration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the minimum well spacing your cluster moving system can handle?
Skidding: 3 meters (10 ft) center-to-center. Walking: 4 meters (13 ft). Rotating: any spacing (rotation around fixed center). If your spacing is less than 3 m, we can engineer a customized solution – contact us.
Q2: Can the rig move directly from Well #1 to Well #3 (skipping #2)?
Yes, with walking or rotating systems – they are omni-directional. With skidding, you must move sequentially along the beam line. We can design skid beams with bypass sections if you need non‑sequential moves.
Q3: How long does a typical cluster well move take?
Skidding: 2–4 hours per well (including alignment and BOP connection). Walking: 4–8 hours. Rotating: 3–6 hours. Compare to traditional rig-down/move: 2–5 days.
Q4: Does the system work on sloped pads?
Yes, up to 2° slope with automatic leveling. For steeper slopes, we add larger outriggers and inclinometer‑controlled jacking. Consult us for slopes > 2°.
Q5: Can the system move a workover rig as well as a drilling rig?
Absolutely. We have supplied cluster movement systems for workover rigs as light as 150 tons. The same technology applies – just smaller cylinders and beams.
Q6: Do you provide the steel skid beams, or does the client supply them?
We design and fabricate all beams, tracks, and mounting interfaces. Beams are fabricated from high-strength steel (Q345D) and welded to API 4F standards.
Q7: What happens if the pad ground settles unevenly during a move?
Our inclinometers detect tilt. The system automatically adjusts individual cylinder heights to keep the rig level. If tilt exceeds safe limits, the system stops and alerts the operator.
Q8: Can I use the same system for different cluster pad layouts?
Skidding systems are pad‑specific (beams cut to length for that layout). Walking and rotating systems are reusable on different pads – they do not require permanent beams. Tell us your future plans, and we will recommend the most flexible option.
Q9: What is the lead time for a cluster well movement system?
Skidding system: 5–7 months. Walking system: 7–9 months. Rotating system: 6–8 months. Retrofit kits: 4–6 months. Expedited delivery available for repeat configurations.
Q10: Do you offer rental systems for short cluster campaigns?
Yes. We have SJ-CW walking systems available for rent (3–12 months). Ideal for operators drilling a single multi‑well pad. Rental includes installation and training.
Q11: How do you ensure alignment over the next wellhead?
We use laser targets mounted on the wellhead plus sensors on the rig. The control system shows real‑time offset on the operator’s screen. Auto‑stop feature stops the rig within ±3 mm of target.
Q12: What training do you provide for cluster well moving?
Standard: 3 days classroom (move planning, controls, safety) + 2 days field (supervised first moves). We also provide a move simulator for operators to practice sequences offline.
