Coal bed methane drilling equipment

Technical Specifications – Coal Bed Methane Drilling Rigs

Our CBM-dedicated rigs are based on the ZJ-series platform but modified for shallow gas. Below are standard models.

CBM Series – Shallow to Medium Depth

Parameter	CBM-500	CBM-1000	CBM-1500	CBM-2000
Nominal Depth (CBM wells)	500 m (1,640 ft)	1,000 m (3,280 ft)	1,500 m (4,920 ft)	2,000 m (6,560 ft)
Max Hook Load	500 kN / 112,000 lbs	800 kN / 180,000 lbs	1,000 kN / 225,000 lbs	1,200 kN / 270,000 lbs
Drawworks Power	200 HP	350 HP	500 HP	600 HP
Mast Height	18 m (single-pole)	21 m (telescopic)	24 m (telescopic)	27 m (telescopic)
Mud Pump (standard)	1 × F-500	1 × F-800	1–2 × F-800	2 × F-800
Air Drilling Package	Optional (compressor 500 scfm)	Optional (1,000 scfm)	Optional (1,200 scfm)	Optional (1,500 scfm)
Foam / Mist Injection	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional
Rig-up Time (4-person crew)	4–6 hours	6–8 hours	8–12 hours	12–16 hours
Footprint (drilling position)	12m × 12m	15m × 15m	18m × 18m	20m × 20m
Mounting Options	Skid, trailer, or truck	Skid, trailer, or truck	Skid or modular	Skid or modular
API Compliance	API 4F, 7K, 8C	API 4F, 7K, 8C	API 4F, 7K, 8C	API 4F, 7K, 8C

Air Drilling Add-On Specifications (for CBM-1000 and above)

Component	Specification
Air Compressor	1,000 – 1,500 scfm @ 250–350 psi
Booster Compressor	Optional for deeper wells
Rotating BOP	7-1/16″ 5M (or 10M for higher pressure)
Foam Injection Pump	0–50 gpm, chemical-resistant
Mist Pump	0–100 gpm
Discharge Line	Flame arrestor + diverter

Product Types – CBM Drilling Equipment Configurations

We offer complete drilling packages, as well as retrofits for existing rigs.

1. CBM-Dedicated Skid-Mounted Rig

Best for: Semi-permanent pads, cluster well drilling (multiple wells from one pad)

Our skid-mounted CBM rigs are the most common configuration. The drawworks, mast, and mud pump are mounted on steel skids. For cluster wells, you can skid the entire rig between wellheads using hydraulic jacks – no disassembly.

Includes: Drawworks, telescopic mast, control cabin, mud pump, BOP, and all interconnecting hoses.

2. Trailer-Mounted CBM Rig (Fast Mover)

Best for: Single wells spread across a large coal field, frequent moves (every 3–5 days)

The entire rig is mounted on a heavy-duty trailer. You tow it to location, tilt up the mast (hydraulically), and start drilling. No crane needed. Rig-up in 4–6 hours.

Includes: All components integrated on one trailer.

3. Truck-Mounted CBM Rig (Self-Propelled)

Best for: Remote locations with poor roads, no separate towing vehicle

The rig is mounted on a 4×4 or 6×6 truck chassis. Self-propelled, so you don’t need a tractor. Ideal for mountainous coal fields or locations where maneuverability is limited.

4. Air Drilling Package (Add-on for Existing Rigs)

Best for: Operators who already have a shallow drilling rig but want to convert to air/foam drilling

We supply standalone air packages: compressors, boosters, rotating BOP, foam injection system, and safety equipment. Connects to your existing drawworks and mast.

5. CBM Workover / Service Rig

Best for: Post-drilling well servicing – frac plug drill-out, dewatering pump installation, recompletions

Lightweight workover rigs (XJ-series) rated for 300–1,000 kN. Also available with air/foam capability for underbalanced workover in coal seams.

Applications – Where Our CBM Equipment Works

Our coal bed methane drilling equipment is used across the full CBM development cycle:

• Exploration drilling – core sampling to identify coal thickness, gas content, and permeability

• Production well drilling – vertical or slightly deviated wells into coal seams

• Pattern development – drilling multiple wells in a grid pattern (e.g., 300m × 300m spacing)

• Degasification wells – pre-mining methane drainage in active coal mines

• Water production / dewatering wells – lowering water pressure to release gas

• Workover & intervention – scale removal, pump replacement, plug drilling

• Abandonment – plugging and decommissioning

In addition to coal seam gas, our shallow-rated rigs are also used for:

• Shale gas exploration (shallow horizons)

• Geothermal wells (200–1,500m)

• Water wells (municipal and agricultural)

• Mineral exploration drilling

Why Choose SJ Petro for Coal Bed Methane Drilling Equipment?

Because CBM drilling is a volume business – and every day you spend rigging up is a day you’re not drilling gas.

Your CBM Challenge	SJ Petro’s Solution
"We drill 50–100 wells per year. Rig moves kill us.”	Our modular and trailer-mounted rigs rig up in 1 day or less. Add a second rig – we’ve supplied fleets.
"Coal is soft, but we can’t use heavy mud. Need air/foam.”	Every CBM rig we sell can be equipped with air, foam, or mist capability – including rotating BOP.
"Our pad is small. A standard oil rig won’t fit.”	Our smallest footprint is 12m × 12m (CBM-500). Low-profile mast available.
"We operate in remote areas. Parts and support are hard to get.”	We stock CBM-specific spares (seals, air compressor parts, foam injection components) and ship worldwide.
"We need documentation for government environmental permits.”	Full API certification, emissions data (for diesel engines), and environmental compliance documentation provided.

More reasons CBM operators choose us:

• Sinopec Group heritage – backed by one of the world’s largest energy companies

• API 4F, 7K, 8C certified – not just "designed to API” – manufactured to API standards

• Experience in major CBM fields – we’ve supplied equipment to China’s Qinshui Basin (largest CBM field in Asia) and Ordos Basin

• Export track record – CBM rigs delivered to Australia, India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan

• One-stop CBM package – drilling rig + air compressors + foam system + mud pump + BOP + drill pipe + bits. We can supply everything for a complete CBM drilling program

• Cost-effective – shallow-rated rigs cost significantly less than deep oil rigs. You don’t pay for capacity you don’t need

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What depth range is typical for coal bed methane wells, and what rig do I need?

A: Most CBM wells are 300 to 1,500 meters (1,000 – 5,000 feet). A very small percentage go to 2,000m. Our CBM-1000 (1,000m nominal) handles the majority of global CBM wells. For deeper coals (e.g., some Australian projects), use CBM-1500 or CBM-2000. We’ll recommend based on your specific coal seam depth.

Q2: Do I really need an air drilling package for CBM?

A: Not always, but often yes. Air drilling (or foam/mist) offers:

• Faster penetration – up to 3–4x faster than mud in soft coal

• No formation damage – coal cleats stay open for gas flow

• Lower mud costs – no expensive lost circulation materials

However, air drilling requires additional equipment (compressors, rotating BOP) and training. If your coal is deep, wet, or has high pressure, mud may be necessary. Tell us your coal characteristics – we’ll advise.

Q3: Can your CBM rigs handle directional or horizontal drilling?

A: Yes, within limits. Our CBM-1500 and CBM-2000 models can accommodate downhole mud motors for low-angle directional wells (up to about 30° inclination). For horizontal coal seam drilling (long laterals), you’d need a specialized CBM horizontal rig or a workover-style top drive rig. We can quote that separately.

Q4: How long does it take to move the rig between wells on the same pad (cluster drilling)?

A: If the wells are 5–15 meters apart, you can skid the entire rig using hydraulic jacks without disassembly. Moving to the next wellhead takes 2–4 hours. For wells on different pads, you’ll need to break down and truck the rig – typically 1 day for rig-down, transport, and rig-up.

Q5: What is the typical power source for your CBM rigs – diesel or electric?

A: Standard is diesel engine driving the drawworks and mud pumps. For air drilling, the compressors are also diesel-driven. Electric drive is available where grid power is present – it’s quieter, lower emissions, and often cheaper per hour. We can build either.

Q6: Do your rigs comply with API specifications?

A: Yes. Our CBM rigs are manufactured to API 4F (mast and substructure), API 7K (drawworks and pumps), and API 8C (hoisting equipment). Third-party certification (e.g., API monogram) is available upon request.

Q7: What safety features do you include for methane gas handling?

A: Standard safety features on our CBM air drilling packages:

• Gas detector with audible and visual alarm (mounted on control cabin)

• Automatic engine shutdown on high gas concentration

• Flame arrestor on air discharge line

• Static grounding on all equipment (including compressors)

• Explosion-proof electrical (optional – recommended for gassy coal fields)

• Rotating BOP with remote control

We can also add a diverter system for surface gas handling.

Q8: What’s the warranty on your CBM drilling equipment?

A: 12 months after commissioning or 18 months after shipment (whichever comes first). The air package components (compressors, rotating BOP) are covered under the same warranty.

Q9: Do you provide training for air drilling operations?

A: Yes. We offer:

• On-site training during rig commissioning (1 week) – covers rig operation, air drilling procedures, and safety

• Classroom training at our factory (optional)

• Remote video support during the first few jobs

• Written manuals and checklists for air/foam operations

Many CBM operators are new to air drilling – we make sure your crew knows what they’re doing.

Q10: What’s the typical lead time for a CBM drilling rig?

A: Standard CBM-500 or CBM-1000: 3–4 months after order confirmation. Add 1–2 months for air package and rotating BOP. CBM-1500/2000: 4–6 months.

Q11: Can I get a used or refurbished CBM rig to reduce cost?

A: Occasionally we have trade-ins or factory demos. Contact our sales team for current availability. We also offer refurbishment services for your existing rig – including conversion to air drilling capability.