Customized drilling rigs
Technical Specifications – Customizable Parameters (Full Range)
| Parameter | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal depth (4‑1/2″ DP) | 1,000 m | 12,000 m | Any intermediate value |
| Hook load | 500 kN | 9,000 kN | Any intermediate value |
| Drawworks power | 300 HP | 6,000 HP | Any intermediate value |
| Drive type | Mechanical | AC VFD + regen | SCR, hybrid, grid also available |
| Mast type | Single pole | K‑type cantilever | Telescopic or sectional |
| Mast height | 60 ft | 170 ft | Any height |
| Substructure height | 2 m | 12 m | Any height |
| Number of transport modules | 3 (containerized) | 20 (heavy) | Dependent on capacity |
| Module weight limit | 4,000 kg (heli) | 55,000 kg (road) | Customer defines |
| Top drive capacity | 150 t | 900 t | Any rating |
| Top drive torque | 20,000 Nm | 100,000 Nm | Any rating |
| Mud pumps – quantity | 1 | 3 | Triplex or quintuplex |
| Mud pump – power each | 500 HP | 2,200 HP | Any rating |
| BOP pressure rating | 5,000 psi | 20,000 psi | API 16A |
| Automation level | 0 (manual) | 5 (autonomous) | Modular upgrade path |
| Operating temperature | -60°C | +55°C | Any range within extremes |
| Walking system | No | Yes | Hydraulic, integrated |
| API compliance | Yes | Yes | 4F, 7K, 8C, Q1 |
| Third‑party certs | Optional | ABS, DNV, BV, SGS, GOST | At customer request |
Product Types – Customization Directions
| Customization Focus | Typical Clients | Typical Custom Features |
|---|---|---|
| Depth‑optimized rig | Operators with narrow depth range | Hook load and drawworks power precisely matched to well plan; no over‑spec or under‑spec |
| Logistics‑constrained rig | Remote jungle, mountain, island operators | Module size/weight tailored to existing roads, bridges, cranes; heli‑portable option |
| Climate‑specific rig | Arctic, desert, offshore, tropical | Steel grade, seals, insulation, cooling, heating tailored to ambient extremes |
| Automation‑targeted rig | High‑activity pad drilling, labor‑constrained regions | Automation level matched to crew skill; remote monitoring from central office |
| Legacy‑compatible rig | Operators with existing equipment fleet | Custom interfaces to integrate customer's existing BOP, top drive, or mud pumps |
| Hybrid / low‑carbon rig | Operators with emissions targets | Dual‑fuel (diesel/gas), grid‑connected, battery‑assisted, or fully electric |
| Multi‑purpose rig | Workover + drilling + sidetracking | Quick‑change mast, dual‑capability drawworks, adaptable BOP handling |
Applications – Custom Rig Success Stories
| Region | Challenge | Custom Solution | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon jungle, South America | No roads, only rivers and helicopters. Standard rig modules too heavy for air transport. | Custom heli‑portable rig with modules ≤ 4,000 kg, 1,500 m depth, containerized for barge transport. | First drilling operation in previously inaccessible block. |
| Western Siberia, Russia | -55°C winter temperatures, no field welding possible, GOST certification required. | Custom arctic rig with low‑temp steel, heated hydraulics, pin‑connections only (no welding), -60°C storage rating. | Year‑round drilling, no winter shutdown. |
| Middle East desert, Kuwait | 55°C ambient, sandstorms, extreme logistics to move 9,000 m deep rigs rapidly between pads. | Custom desert rig with sand‑sealed enclosures, oversized cooling, walking system, 6,750 kN hook load. | 24‑48 hour inter‑well move time, 6 rigs delivered ahead of schedule. |
| Offshore platform, Southeast Asia | Platform deck space limited, crane capacity restricted, need to drill through existing platform beams. | Custom compact rig with split‑substructure, containerized modules that fit through platform hatches, cantilever reach extended. | Added 8 new well slots without platform modification. |
| High altitude, Tibetan Plateau | 4,500 m altitude, low oxygen, extreme UV, poor road access. | Custom high‑altitude rig with turbocharged engines, oxygen‑enriched control cabin, UV‑resistant coatings, lightweight modules. | Successful geothermal drilling at 4,200 m elevation. |
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Customized Drilling Rig?
1. We Have Been Doing Custom for Over 20 Years
SJ Petro (as part of Sinopec Group) has designed and manufactured customized drilling rigs for clients across six continents. We have built rigs for 1,000 m water wells and 12,000 m ultra‑deep gas wells. We have built rigs that operate at -60°C and rigs that operate at +55°C. We have built rigs that move by helicopter, by barge, by rail, and by road train. There is no requirement we haven’t encountered.
2. We Offer True Custom Engineering – Not Catalog "Options”
Many suppliers claim "customization” but offer a list of pre‑defined options (option A, B or C). We offer a blank sheet of paper. Our engineers start from your requirements, not our catalog. If you need a 4,750 m rig with a 2,100 HP drawworks, 8,500 psi mud pumps, and a mast that fits on a specific low‑boy trailer – we build that.
3. Full In‑House Engineering – No External Dependencies
All engineering – structural, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, control software – is performed in‑house by SJ Petro engineers. This means no delays waiting for external consultants, no finger‑pointing between design and manufacturing, and full ownership of the design for future modifications.
4. Backed by Sinopec – The World's Largest Energy & Chemicals Company
SJ Petro is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation, part of the Fortune Global 500 Sinopec Group. This provides:
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Financial stability – We honor our warranties and long‑term support commitments.
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Global supply chain – Access to the world's largest industrial distribution network.
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Operational data – Sinopec drills thousands of wells annually; we use that data to inform your custom design.
5. API Certified, Third‑Party Ready
All custom rigs are designed to API 4F, 7K, 8C, Q1 standards. We can also certify to GOST, CE, ABS, DNV, or any other regulatory framework. Full documentation packages for local permitting are provided.
6. One‑Stop Custom Solution
We don't just design the rig. We manufacture, assemble, test, transport, commission, and train. You work with one project manager from concept to first spud. No coordination between multiple vendors.
7. Lifecycle Support for Your Custom Rig
Even a custom rig needs parts and service. SJ Petro maintains engineering records for every custom rig we have ever built. We can manufacture replacement modules, upgrade systems, or provide remote diagnostics decades after delivery.
FAQ – Customized Drilling Rigs
Q1: How long does it take to design and build a customized drilling rig?
A: Typical timeline from contract signing to delivery:
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Simple customizations (e.g., standard rig with climate package): 4‑6 months.
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Medium complexity (custom depth/hook load, different mobility): 6‑9 months.
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High complexity (novel configuration, full custom design): 9‑12 months.
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Extreme complexity (prototype, new technology integration): 12‑18 months.
We provide a detailed project schedule at the proposal stage.
Q2: How much does a customized drilling rig cost compared to a standard rig?
A: A standard ZJ50 rig (5,000 m, 3,150 kN) might cost $10M‑12M. A customized rig with the same capacity but unique features (e.g., walking system, arctic package, MPD integration) typically costs 15‑30% more than the equivalent standard model. For highly novel designs, the premium may be higher. However, the custom rig pays for itself through:
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Perfect fit to your well program (no over‑spec or under‑spec)
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Faster drilling (optimized for your formation)
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Lower operating cost (climate‑specific efficiency)
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Longer asset life (properly matched to environment)
Q3: Can you integrate my existing equipment (e.g., my BOP, top drive, or mud pumps) into a new custom rig?
A: Yes. One of our most common custom requests is to design a new rig around customer‑owned major components. We will:
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Survey your existing equipment (dimensions, interfaces, control protocols)
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Design the rig substructure, mast, power system and controls to accommodate your components
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Provide all necessary adapters and interface panels
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Test the integrated system before shipment
Q4: Do you offer a warranty on custom rigs?
A: Yes. Standard warranty is 18 months from shipment or 12 months from commissioning (whichever first). This applies to both standard and custom components. Extended warranty available for critical systems.
Q5: How do I know my custom rig will actually work – will it be tested before delivery?
A: Every custom rig undergoes a full Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) before disassembly and packing. The FAT includes:
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Full assembly of all modules (on our yard)
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Connection of all utilities (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic)
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Mast and substructure raising (hydraulic test)
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Drawworks and top drive operation (all speeds and torques)
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Mud pump circulation test (with water)
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BOP control function test
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Automation system sequence test (simulated drilling cycles)
You are invited to witness the FAT. Third‑party inspectors are welcome.
Q6: What documentation do you provide for a custom rig?
A: Complete documentation package including:
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General assembly drawings
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Fabrication drawings for every module
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Hydraulic and electrical schematics
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PLC program backup (open format – no proprietary lock‑in)
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Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
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Weld maps and NDT reports
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Pressure test certificates
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Operation and maintenance manuals
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Spare parts list with OEM cross‑references
Q7: Can I make changes to the design after fabrication has started?
A: Yes, but changes will affect cost and schedule. We use a formal change order process. Minor changes (e.g., adding a sensor) can be accommodated with minimal impact. Major changes (e.g., changing mast height, adding a walking system) will require re‑engineering and may delay delivery by several months.
Q8: How do I start the custom rig process?
A. Contact our custom rig engineering team with:
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Your well plan (target depth, casing program, formation pressures)
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Environmental conditions (temperature range, sand, humidity, altitude)
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Transport constraints (road limits, crane availability, heli access)
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Any existing equipment to be integrated
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Your timeline and budget expectations
We will respond with a custom rig feasibility assessment and budget range – typically within 10 working days.













