Drill floor robot
Technical Specifications
Robot Arm
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Payload (including tool) | 200 kg |
| Reach (horizontal) | 1,500 mm |
| Reach (vertical) | 2,200 mm |
| Degrees of freedom | 6 axes |
| Repeatability | ±0.1 mm |
| Max speed (collaborative mode) | 1.0 m/s (reduced to 0.25 m/s near humans) |
| Protection class | IP54 (dust/water splashes) |
| Operating temperature | –10°C to +45°C (standard); –30°C optional |
| Arm weight | 180 kg |
| Base dimensions | 800 × 800 mm |
| Power supply | 220V AC single‑phase or 380V 3‑phase, 2.5 kVA |
| Control cabinet dimensions | 600 × 400 × 300 mm, 25 kg |
| Mounting | 4 x M20 bolts through floor plate |
| Safety certification | ISO 10218‑1, ISO/TS 15066, Category 3, PLr = d |
| Warranty | 12 months |
End‑Effectors (Sample)
| Tool | Weight | Function | Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light gripper (2-3/8″–7″) | 8 kg | Hold pipe steady during spinning | Electric, parallel jaws |
| Suction pad | 1.5 kg | Pick up slips, protectors | Pneumatic (rig air) |
| Magnetic mount | 2 kg | Attach cleaning brush, camera | Passive |
| Thread cleaning nozzle | 2.5 kg | Blow air or apply wire brush | Pneumatic |
| Slip hook | 3 kg | Lift manual slip handles | Electric |
Product Types – Drill Floor Robot Models
| Model | Payload | Reach | Best For | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR‑C100 | 100 kg | 1,200 mm | Small workover rigs, shallow drilling | $28,000 – $35,000 |
| DR‑C200 | 200 kg | 1,500 mm | Standard land rigs (ZJ30–ZJ50) | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| DR‑C300 | 300 kg | 1,800 mm | Heavy land rigs, occasional heavy tool use | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| DR‑C‑ATEX | 150 kg | 1,500 mm | Offshore / Zone 2 hazardous area | $60,000 – $80,000 |
Optional extras:
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Second gripper – $3,500
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Thread cleaning tool – $2,000
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Extended reach arm (2,200 mm) – +$10,000
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Cloud analytics subscription – $1,200/year
Applications – Where This Robot Delivers Immediate Value
| Task | Manual Method | With Drill Floor Robot | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holding pipe during spinning | Floor hand holds pipe with tongs, near spinning threads | Robot grips pipe at safe distance, holds steady | No crushed fingers, consistent alignment |
| Slip placement / removal | Bend over, lift 20‑40 kg slips, insert manually | Robot picks slip from rack, lowers into rotary | Eliminates back strain & pinch injuries |
| Thread cleaning & doping | Hand brush and rag, contact with compound | Robot holds cleaning nozzle and doper | No chemical exposure, uniform coverage |
| Moving heavy subs / crossovers | Two persons carry awkward 60‑100 kg tool | Robot lifts and carries to mousehole | Zero manual heavy lifting |
| Mousehole pipe stabbing | Floor hand guides pipe into mousehole, risk of dropped pipe | Robot guides pipe with vision assist | Removes person from under raised pipe |
| Stand building (offline) | Manual handling on pipe rack | Robot moves joints to staging area | Faster, reduces crew fatigue |
| Tool delivery from storage | Walk across floor to fetch tong dies, etc. | Robot retrieves from pre‑set locations | Saves steps, keeps crew near safe zone |
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Drill Floor Robot?
1. Designed for Real Rig Conditions – Not a Factory Robot
Most collaborative robots are built for clean assembly lines. Ours has:
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Vibration dampening – tested on rigs with 100+ hp mud pumps running.
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Oil / mud resistant seals – wipes clean with solvent.
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Overload management – brief overloads (e.g., stuck pipe) won’t break joints.
We have units operating in Sichuan shale gas fields, where humidity, dust, and vibration are extreme.
2. Minimal Interference with Existing Workflows
Because the robot is small and collaborative, it can be installed without redesigning your drill floor. It works alongside your existing roughneck, top drive, and catwalk. If it breaks down or is removed for maintenance, operations continue exactly as before – no single point of failure.
3. Fast Payback – Usually Under 6 Months
Based on actual customer data (small to mid‑size land rigs):
| Saving Category | Annual Saving per Rig |
|---|---|
| Reduced slip‑related back injuries (avoided claims) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Faster connection times (1‑2 min saved per connection) | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Less thread damage (consistent cleaning & torque) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Reduced floor hand fatigue → lower turnover | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Total | $75,000 – $125,000 |
With a robot cost of ~$40,000, payback is often 4‑6 months.
4. Backed by Sinopec – But Focused on Practical Automation
We are not just a tech startup. We are part of Sinopec’s equipment division, with 50+ years of rig engineering. Our robot has been field‑tested on Sinopec’s own rigs before being offered to customers. That means you get proven reliability, not beta hardware.
5. Global Support & Training
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Online helpdesk – email, chat, or remote login (with your permission).
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Spare parts – joints, cables, gripper pads stocked in Dubai and Houston.
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Training – 2‑day on‑site course for your crew (basic operation, safety checks, simple troubleshooting). Included with purchase.
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Extended warranty – available up to 36 months.
6. Low‑Risk Trial Options
Not sure if a small collaborative robot fits your operation? We offer:
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3‑month rental ($3,000/month) – includes full support.
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Buy‑back guarantee – if not satisfied after 3 months, return for 80% refund (less rental fees).
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Lease – from $800/month (36 months).
FAQ – Drill Floor Robot
Q1: Is this robot strong enough to hold a heavy drill pipe during spinning?
A: Yes, the DR‑C200 can exert up to 200 kg of grip force and hold a static load of 150 kg at full extension. For normal Range‑2 drill pipe (approx. 300‑400 kg per joint), the robot does not lift the full weight – it only stabilizes and aligns the pipe while the elevator or slips bear the weight. The gripper is designed to apply side force to keep the pipe centered, not to suspend it. For full lifting, we recommend our larger manipulator (MF series).
Q2: Does it require a dedicated operator? Who controls it?
A: No dedicated operator is required. The driller or a floor hand can control the robot via a tablet or a small physical pendant. Common practice: the same floor hand who used to hold the pipe now operates the robot with one hand (joystick or presets) while doing other tasks. The robot follows pre‑programmed cycles (e.g., "grip pipe at 0.5m height, hold until spinning done”).
Q3: Can I use it on a rig that has no VFD and only mechanical controls?
A: Absolutely. The robot is fully electric and only needs a standard 220V or 380V outlet (15A). It does not communicate with the drawworks or top drive unless you choose to add digital I/O integration. In basic mode, the robot simply holds position – the driller continues to operate the rig manually. No VFD required.
Q4: How does the robot know where the pipe is?
A: The basic version uses teach points – you manually move the arm to the desired position (e.g., "pipe waiting position” and "mousehole position”) and save them. The robot then moves between these points. For more advanced operation, we offer a vision‑guided option (additional $5,000) where the robot locates the pipe automatically using a small camera on the wrist.
Q5: What happens if the robot malfunctions? Does it create a hazard?
A: The robot has multiple redundant safety layers:
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Force limiting – any unexpected resistance stops motion.
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Emergency stop button – on pendant and on the base.
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Manual release – you can physically move the arm by hand (with brakes released) if powered down.
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No stored energy (springs, hydraulics) – the arm is all electric with fail‑safe brakes.
Routine failure (e.g., a sensor fault) simply disables the robot; it does not cause uncontrolled motion.
Q6: Can I use it on an offshore platform? Is it explosion‑proof?
A: We have an ATEX Zone 2 version (DR‑C‑ATEX) with sealed electronics, anti‑static covers, and stainless steel fasteners. It is rated for Class I, Division 2 environments. For Zone 1 or higher, you would need our larger, fully sealed manipulator (MF‑OS series).
Q7: How long does the battery last on the wireless tablet?
A: The tablet runs for 8‑10 hours on a charge and sits in a charging dock when not in use. The robot itself is always tethered – no wireless control for safety‑critical motions (only tablet for programming and status; emergency stop is hardwired).
Q8: What is the delivery lead time?
A: Standard models (DR‑C100, DR‑C200) are in stock and ship within 2 weeks. Custom versions (ATEX, extended reach) take 6‑8 weeks. Installation support can be scheduled within 2 weeks after arrival.
