Deep well drilling rig
Technical Specifications
ZJ90 Deep Well Drilling Rig
| Parameter | ZJ90/6750D (AC VFD) | ZJ90DB |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal depth (4-1/2″ drill pipe) | 6,000–9,000 m | 9,000 m |
| Max. hook load | 6,750 kN / 675 t | 6,750 kN |
| Drawworks rated power | 3,000–4,000 HP | 3,000 HP |
| Top drive capacity | 500–750 t | 500 t |
| Mud pumps | 2–3 × 1,600–2,200 HP | 2 × 1,600 HP |
| Mast effective height | 49 m | 49 m |
| Drill floor height | 10.5 m | 10.5 m |
| Mast type | K‑type front‑opening | K‑type front‑opening |
| Substructure type | Box‑on‑box / modular skid | Modular skid |
| Main gen. set capacity | 4 × 1,200–1,600 kVA | 4 × 1,600 kVA |
| API compliance | 4F, 7K, 8C | 4F, 7K, 8C |
| Operating temperature | -35°C to +55°C | -40°C to +55°C |
ZJ120 Ultra‑Deep Drilling Rig
| Parameter | ZJ120/9000D (AC VFD) | ZJ120DB |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal depth (127mm / 5″ drill pipe) | 12,000 m | 12,000 m |
| Max. hook load | 9,000 kN / 900 t | 9,000 kN |
| Drawworks rated power | 6,000 HP (4,400 kW) | 6,000 HP |
| Top drive capacity | Up to 900 t | 750–900 t |
| Max. drill string weight | 4,320 kN | 4,320 kN |
| Mud pumps (quantity / power) | 3 × 2,200 HP | 3 × 2,200 HP |
| Max. pump pressure | 52 MPa | 52 MPa |
| Mast effective height | 52 m | 49 m |
| Drill floor height | 12 m | 12 m |
| Main gen. set capacity | 5 × 1,900 kVA | 5 × 1,900 kVA |
| Steel grade | High‑tensile, low‑temp‑resistant | High‑tensile, low‑temp‑resistant |
| Operating environment | -44°C to +55°C | -44°C to +55°C |
Product Types – Deep Well Drilling Rig Configurations
| Model | Depth Capacity | Hook Load | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZJ70-Class Deep | Up to 7,000 m | 4,500 kN | Standard AC VFD | Conventional deep wells, transitional depths |
| ZJ90-Class (Standard) | 6,000–8,000 m | 6,750 kN | Modular design, high‑capacity top drive | HPHT deep gas, early-stage ultra‑deep |
| ZJ90-Class (High‑Spec) | 7,000–9,000 m | 6,750 kN | High‑pressure mud circulation (70 MPa) | Ultra‑deep gas, HPHT reservoirs |
| ZJ120-Class | 9,000–12,000 m | 9,000 kN | World‑class AC VFD automation, 6,000 HP drawworks | Extreme depth frontiers, deep scientific drilling |
| Desert Deep Rig | 5,000–9,000 m | 6,750 kN | Sand‑sealed, oversized cooling, modular towing | Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia deserts |
| Low‑Temp Deep Rig | 6,000–9,000 m | 6,750 kN | Heated enclosures, cold‑start engines | Northern Siberia, arctic frontier drilling |
All configurations are available with:
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AC VFD drive as standard (no mechanical or SCR option on ZJ120)
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Top drive integration (our in‑house or customer‑specified brand)
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Automated pipe handling system – catwalk, racking arm, iron roughneck
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Walking or skidding system (optional) – for cluster well pads without dismantling
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MPD / managed pressure drilling package (optional)
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Remote monitoring and data reporting dashboard
Applications – Where Deep Well Drilling Rigs Deliver Maximum Value
| Application | Why Deep Rig | Typical Depth | Market Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra‑deep gas exploration | Tarim Basin (China), Yamal (Russia), Amu Darya (Central Asia) require rigs capable of 8,000–10,000 m depths with HPHT tolerance. | >8,000 m | China's first 10,910 m ultra‑deep well proved deep reserves accessible; rig capability is primary constraint. |
| HPHT reservoirs | Downhole temperatures >150°C, pressures >70 MPa demand high‑strength materials, advanced BOP systems, and precise pressure control. | 5,000–9,000 m | HPHT well equipment market projected from USD 4.7B (2024) to USD 8.9B (2033), CAGR 7.1%. |
| Middle East deep development | Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE require desert‑optimized deep rigs capable of 50℃+ ambient with modular towing for rapid moves. | 5,000–9,000 m | Sinopec's ZJ90DB/3000HP deep rig entered Kuwait's northern oilfield as the first Chinese‑made deep rig in the market. |
| Offshore deep platform drilling | Fixed platforms require heavy deep rigs with compact footprint and cantilever reach. | 4,000–8,000 m | Offshore drilling market forecast to reach USD 87.5B by 2034. |
| Deep geothermal drilling | Volcanic/rift zone resources require deep, high‑temperature capable rigs for enhanced geothermal systems. | 2,500–5,000 m | Geothermal sector emerging as major application for HPHT technology. |
| Scientific / exploration drilling | Continental deep drilling programs (e.g., ICDP) demand ultra‑deep, highly automated rigs with full data recording. | 5,000–12,000 m | World's first 12,000‑m fully automated drilling rig used in China's deep earth program. |
Real‑world reference: The 12,000‑meter ultra‑deep automated drilling rig achieved the world's fastest onshore drilling time for a well deeper than 10,000 meters. The rig's advanced automation system allowed drilling to proceed consistently under extreme temperatures and pressures—an achievement made possible by deep well drilling rig technology that was barely conceivable a decade ago.
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Deep Well Drilling Rig?
1. We've Already Delivered to the World's Most Demanding Deep Drilling Markets
SJ Petro is a Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation subsidiary. Sinopec has drilled deep wells across China and internationally for decades. From Kuwait's northern oilfield deep gas development to the Russian market's cold‑climate drilling modules and the Siberian oilfields, our deep well drilling technology is already serving the world's most challenging frontiers.
In Kuwait, the ZJ90DB/3000HP deep rig—featuring modular design, integrated towing, and rapid moving capabilities—successfully arrived and was assembled at the wellsite, demonstrating seamless collaboration between manufacturing, logistics and field operations.
2. Full API Certification with Zero Compromises
Our deep well drilling rigs are designed and manufactured to API 4F (masts and substructures), API 7K (drawworks), API 8C (top drive), and API Q1 (quality management). The ZJ120/9000D rig is constructed with high‑tensile, low‑temperature‑resistant steel welded to API standards, operating from -44℃ to +55℃.
All critical load‑bearing components undergo finite element analysis and stress inspection testing. Full material traceability (EN 10204 3.1) and NDT records are supplied with every rig.
3. Designed for Extreme Efficiency – Not Just Power
Deep well rigs are expensive to run. Downtime is measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars per day. Our rigs are engineered for maximum operational efficiency:
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Pin‑connected modular architecture – No field welding between modules; the Kuwait deep rig was assembled from 160 truckloads on a tight schedule, demonstrating rapid deployment capability.
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Hydraulically self‑erecting mast and substructure – No crane required for rig‑up in standard configurations
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Standardized interface design – Common connection points reduce rig‑up time and eliminate alignment issues on the first attempt
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Walkable drill floor with pre‑fabricated grating and integrated safety railings
From arrival at the wellsite, a ZJ90 deep well rig can be fully rigged up and ready to spud in 2–3 weeks—far faster than conventional deep rig designs requiring 4–6 weeks for assembly.
4. Backed by Sinopec Group – Financial Strength and Engineering Depth
SJ Petro is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation, part of the Fortune Global 500 Sinopec Group. Sinopec is the only Chinese enterprise with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) deep drilling qualification.
The engineering that went into the world's first 12,000‑m fully automated drilling rig—the rig that enabled Asia's first 10,910‑m ultra‑deep well—comes directly from Sinopec's deep earth program. That expertise flows directly into every deep well rig we manufacture. You are not buying a design that works "in theory.” You are buying technology that has proven itself in the deepest wells ever drilled.
5. Comprehensive Training and Global Service Support
Deep well drilling rigs require skilled crews. We provide:
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On‑site training (4 weeks) covering rig assembly, deep‑well operational procedures, HPHT safety protocols, automation system operation, and emergency response
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Simulator‑based training for driller certification on complex deep well scenarios
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24/7 remote diagnostics – engineers can log into the control system (with your permission) to troubleshoot drive parameters and automation logic
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Regional parts hubs stocking deep‑rig specific components: drawworks bearings, VFD modules, top drive spares, mud pump fluid end components
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Field service – on‑site commissioning, major repairs, and crew training available globally
6. Flexible Commercial Models – Own, Lease, or Automate Gradually
| Option | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Outright purchase | Standard 30/40/30 payment terms, 18‑month warranty | Operators with dedicated deep drilling campaign |
| Operating lease | 12–60 months, maintenance included | Contractors, multi‑year programs with capital constraints |
| Short‑term rental | 3–12 months, includes full support | Single ultra‑deep exploration well |
| Lease‑to‑own | 24–36 months, ownership at term end | Long‑term commitment with flexible entry |
FAQ – Deep Well Drilling Rig
Q1: What is the difference between "deep well,” "ultra‑deep well,” and "HPHT” drilling rigs?
A: "Deep well” typically refers to depths beyond 4,500 m. "Ultra‑deep well” is generally defined as depths exceeding 8,000 m—a market segment that grew 22% in 2025. "HPHT” (high‑pressure, high‑temperature) describes the downhole environment, not the depth itself. At depths beyond 6,000 m, downhole temperatures and pressures routinely exceed 150°C and 70 MPa, requiring specialized equipment. Our ZJ90 and ZJ120 rigs are HPHT‑ready, with components rated for these extreme downhole conditions.
Q2: How deep can your ZJ120 drilling rig actually drill?
A: The ZJ120/9000D drilling rig has a nominal drilling depth of 12,000 meters using 127 mm (5″) drill pipe. This depth rating is based on theoretical maximum string weight calculations. The actual achievable depth depends on the casing program, mud weight, wellbore profile, and formation drillability. In field application, the ZJ120 class of rigs has proven itself on China's 10,910‑m ultra‑deep well, the first well in Asia and the second globally to exceed 10,000 m vertical depth.
Q3: What HPHT capabilities does the rig have for extreme downhole conditions?
A: Our deep well rigs feature:
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High‑strength materials for all pressure‑containing components (rated to 52+ MPa circulation pressure)
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Closed BOP control systems rated for ultra‑deep service
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Corrosion‑resistant fluid end components for aggressive downhole chemistry
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High‑temperature seals and elastomers across all hydraulic systems
When paired with advanced drilling fluid systems capable of 240°C+ downhole temperatures, these rigs can tackle the most demanding HPHT reservoirs.
Q4: How long does it take to mobilize the deep well drilling rig between wells in a cluster pad?
A: With the modular design and optional hydraulic walking system, a ZJ90 deep rig can be moved between wellheads on a cluster pad in 24–48 hours without dismantling. For inter‑field moves (disassembly, transport, reassembly), plan 2–3 weeks for a ZJ90 rig (12–14 modules) and 3–4 weeks for a ZJ120 rig (14–16 modules), assuming a trained crew and favorable logistics.
Q5: What are the power requirements – can the rig run on grid electricity in addition to diesel?
A: The standard deep well rig configuration uses diesel‑electric AC VFD. For operations near grid power, we offer a grid‑connected AC VFD version that reduces fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining full HPHT drilling capability. The ZJ120 requires 5 × 1,900 kVA main generator sets in diesel‑electric configuration, with equivalent grid connection requirements.
Q6: What is the typical cost of a deep well drilling rig? Can you provide a ballpark budget?
A: Deep well drilling rigs are high‑capital assets with pricing depending on depth rating, automation level, and optional equipment. As a ballpark range (FOB China, standard configuration):
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ZJ70‑class deep rig (5,000–7,000 m): USD 6M – USD 9M
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ZJ90‑class deep rig (6,000–9,000 m): USD 10M – USD 15M
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ZJ120‑class ultra‑deep rig (9,000–12,000 m): USD 18M – USD 25M
These are indicative ranges. Contact us with your specific depth requirements, HPHT criteria, and automation expectations for a firm proposal.
Q7: Do you offer training for deep well rig operations? What does it include?
A: Yes. Every deep well drilling rig purchase includes a 4‑week on‑site training program covering:
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Rig assembly, disassembly, and hydraulic erection procedures (Week 1)
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Deep well drilling operational parameters (WOB, RPM, torque management, tripping speeds) (Week 2)
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HPHT safety protocols, well control, and BOP operation (Week 3)
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Automation system operation, data interpretation, and emergency backup procedures (Week 4)
We also provide a full driller simulator for ongoing certification and advanced scenario training.
Q8: What is the typical delivery lead time for a deep well drilling rig?
A: Standard ZJ90 deep rig: 8–10 months from order confirmation (includes engineering, fabrication, assembly, factory testing, and export packing). ZJ120 ultra‑deep rig: 10–14 months due to more complex components (6,000 HP drawworks, 900 t hook load systems, high‑pressure mud pumps). Expedited delivery may be available for certain configurations—contact us with your timeline.
Q9: Does the rig comply with API standards for export to international markets?
A: Yes. All our deep well drilling rigs are designed and manufactured to API 4F, API 7K, and API 8C specifications, with API Q1 quality management system. Full API monogram is provided. For specific markets (Russia / CIS), we can supply GOST / EAC‑certified versions. Third‑party inspection (ABS, DNV, BV, SGS) is welcome at every stage of fabrication at customer's request.
Q10: How does your deep well rig compare to Western competitors (e.g., NOV, Cameron, Weatherford)?
A: Our rigs are API‑certified to the same standards as any Western supplier. The key differences are:
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Price: Typically 20‑30% lower due to Sinopec's integrated manufacturing base
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Field proof: Our rig design has been validated on China's 10,910‑m ultra‑deep well, the first onshore well deeper than 10,000 m completed in the shortest time globally
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Service footprint: Backed by Sinopec's global service network and regional parts hubs
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Experience depth: Sinopec Group is the world's largest operator of deep wells in certain basins, bringing real operational data into every rig design
