Equipment for shale oil and gas operations under pressure

Technical Specifications – SDYJ Series Snubbing Unit

Field Application – Fuling Shale Gas Field Validation

The SDYJ series snubbing unit has been deployed in the Fuling shale gas field—China's largest shale gas development and one of the most technically demanding operating environments anywhere. This is where the equipment was proven.

In field applications, the 225 ton stand‑alone hydraulic snubbing unit and truck‑mounted continuous pumping and circulating unit have performed extraordinarily [9†L7-L8]:

• 12 wells completed in total

• 155,000 slip open and close operations

• Maximum operating snubbing capacity of 110 tons

• Maximum rotary torque of 20 kN·m (with 30 kN·m capability)

• Maximum continuous pump pressure up to 95 MPa and maximum displacement 500 L/min

• Service life of consumables increased by 30%

The truck‑mounted continuous pumping unit has completed operations on 11 wells and run more than 1,100 hours with maximum pressure up to 95 MPa and maximum displacement 500 L/min [9†L29-L31].

Compared to previous snubbing units available in the Chinese market, the SOFE snubbing unit made a significant breakthrough in the technological challenges of heavy load, high torque, and long running period [9†L9-L11].

Key Shale Oil & Gas Applications

The SDYJ series snubbing unit is purpose‑built for live well intervention in the most demanding shale applications:

Snubbing units are designed for live well operations, using hydraulic jacks to push or pull pipe against wellbore pressure [0†L12-L14]. For shale oil and gas, this capability is not optional—it is essential for maintaining reservoir productivity and controlling intervention costs.

Product Types – Full Range of Snubbing Units from SOFE

The 225 ton stand‑alone hydraulic snubbing unit is the most extensively field‑proven model for deep shale gas operations, having run in 12 wells in the Fuling shale gas field with 155,000 slip open and close operations.

Why Choose SOFE and SJ Petroleum Machinery?

1. The Snubbing Technology Leader in China’s Shale Gas Development

SOFE was actively involved in the initial stages of the Fuling shale gas development project, crafting strategies centered on pressurized gas production and designing specialized equipment matched to shale gas field conditions [0†L22-L26]. The 225 ton snubbing unit and continuous pumping unit were both field‑proven in Fuling before being offered to international customers. This is not equipment designed in a laboratory—it is equipment refined through live well operations in the largest shale gas field in China.

2. 16 Patents and 1 Industry Standard

SOFE's three key independent technologies—automatically loaded tubulars, PLC snubbing control, and highly efficient mixing—have been recognized with 16 patents and 2 software copyrights, and have resulted in 1 industry standard [9†L22-L23]. When you buy SDYJ, you are buying technology that has been formally recognized and standardized.

3. SOFE – The Only State‑Recognized R&D and Manufacturing Center for Oil & Gas Equipment in China

Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation is the only enterprise in China recognized as the R&D, manufacturing and professional technical service center and core manufacturing base for oil and gas equipment [5†L11-L13]. SOFE has 16 production lines with proprietary rights on drill bits & tools, drilling rigs, cementing and fracturing units, steel pipes, and snubbing units.

4. Fortress Balance Sheet – Sinopec Group Backing

SOFE is the oilfield equipment arm of Sinopec Group—one of the world's largest energy companies and a Fortune 500 organization. Every snubbing unit is backed by the resources, quality systems, and manufacturing infrastructure of a global energy major. For international customers, this means reliability of supply, financial stability, and long‑term service support.

5. Export Track Record – 40+ Countries Worldwide

SOFE has successfully exported oil and gas drilling and production equipment, including high‑power fracturing packages, workover rigs, and unitized equipment, to multiple countries through contracts signed with international customers [13†L3-L11]. The company has a global footprint spanning North America, Russia, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

6. API Certified – Ready for Export

The SDYJ series meets API Q1 and ISO 9001 quality management standards, with HSE compliance as standard. BOP stacks meet API 6A standards. Additional certifications—including GOST for Russian operations and DNV for offshore—are available on request.

7. Full Customization for Your Shale Play

We understand that every shale basin has different requirements—pressure, depth, lateral length, wellhead configuration, H₂S content. The SDYJ series can be customized for:

• Snubbing force – From 400 kN to 2,700 kN

• Working pressure – From 35 MPa to 70 MPa (with 95 MPa demonstrated capability)

• Configuration – Standalone or auxiliary

• Mounting – Skid, truck, or trailer

• BOP stack – API 6A triple‑ram + annular, NACE trim available

• Environmental package – Desert cooling or low‑temperature (‑45°C) operation

8. Full Lifecycle Support

We provide:

• On‑site commissioning and acceptance testing

• Operator training for snubbing unit operation in shale gas wells (typical duration 3–5 days for experienced crews)

• Spare parts availability – from slips and seals to hydraulic components and rotary table parts

• Remote troubleshooting via phone, email, or secure digital platforms

• Preventive maintenance schedules and recommended parts replacement intervals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum snubbing force available for shale gas operations?

The SDYJ series offers snubbing forces from 400 kN (40 tons) up to 2,700 kN (270 tons). For deep shale gas wells with high wellhead pressure, the 225 ton (2,200 kN) model is the most extensively field‑proven, having operated in 12 wells in the Fuling shale gas field with 155,000 slip open and close operations.

Q2: What is the maximum torque of the rotary table for plug drillout?

The 225 ton stand‑alone snubbing unit achieved a maximum turning torque of 30 kN·m [9†L11-L12]. The hydraulic power rotary table with large torque is specifically designed for the heavy load, high torque, and long running period required for deep shale gas plug drillout.

Q3: Has the SDYJ series been field‑proven in shale gas applications?

Yes. The 225 ton stand‑alone hydraulic snubbing unit and truck‑mounted continuous pumping and circulating unit have been operating in the Fuling shale gas field—China's largest shale gas development—and have successfully completed 12 wells, with the plug drilling and pumping unit completing operation on 11 wells and running more than 1,100 hours with maximum pressure up to 95 MPa and maximum displacement 500 L/min.

Q4: What is the difference between standalone and auxiliary snubbing units?

Standalone: The complete snubbing system with its own mast, hoisting, and pipe handling. The unit operates independently—ideal for multi‑well pads with no conventional workover rig.

Auxiliary: Designed to work alongside a conventional workover rig. The rig provides derrick and hoisting functions, while the snubbing unit provides live‑well pipe handling and well control. This reduces upfront equipment cost if a workover rig is already available on location.

Q5: Can the snubbing unit be used for continuous pumping operations?

Yes. The SDYJ series can be paired with a truck‑mounted continuous pumping and circulating unit that delivers maximum displacement of 1,876 L/min and maximum working pressure of 99.7 MPa [9†L13-L14]. This combination is specifically designed for plug drillout, underbalanced drilling, and all operations requiring continuous circulation.

Q6: Is the unit suitable for H₂S‑containing shale gas wells?

Yes. The BOP stack and pressure‑containing equipment can be supplied with NACE trim to prevent sulfide stress cracking and hydrogen embrittlement [5†L6-L8]. The standard BOP stack meets API 6A standards.

Q7: What certifications does the equipment carry?

The SDYJ series meets API Q1, ISO 9001, and HSE standards. BOP stacks meet API 6A. Additional certifications—including GOST for Russian operations and DNV for offshore—are available on request.

Q8: What is the typical lead time for a snubbing unit for shale gas operations?

Standard configurations typically ship within 90 days of order confirmation. Custom configurations—with higher pressure ratings, specialized BOP stacks, or environmental packages—may require 90–120 days.

Q9: Do you offer leasing or rental options for shale gas snubbing units?

Yes. Flexible short‑term rental and long‑term leasing arrangements are available through our international finance partners. This is particularly popular for operators testing snubbing for the first time or for short‑term plug drillout campaigns.

Q10: What training do operators receive before deployment?

We provide on‑site training during commissioning covering snubbing unit operation, BOP control, slip interlock safety, rotary table operation, and emergency procedures. Typical training duration is 3–5 days for crews with prior workover experience and 5–10 days for new crews.

Q11: What is the maximum well depth the SDYJ series can handle?

The snubbing unit itself does not have a depth limit—it is limited by the weight of the tubing string and the wellhead pressure. For a 70 MPa dynamic sealing unit, the practical limit is determined by the snubbing and lifting capacities of the specific model. The 225 ton model is suitable for wells exceeding 6,000 m total depth with standard tubing sizes.

Q12: Can the snubbing unit be used for underbalanced drilling?

Yes. A snubbing unit running in snubbing mode (pushing pipe against pressure) can drill new hole sections while maintaining underbalanced conditions. The unit provides weight on bit through the hydraulic cylinders and circulation through the high‑pressure swivel and rotary table.

Q13: What is the warranty and after‑sales support for international customers?

Standard warranty is 12 months from commissioning, covering manufacturing defects. Extended warranties are available. After‑sales support includes 24/7 technical hotline, remote diagnostics, on‑site service visits, and spare parts supply. SOFE has an established international service presence and has supplied equipment to customers in North America, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

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