Heavy duty drilling rig
Technical Specifications
ZJ90 Heavy Duty Drilling Rig
| Parameter | ZJ90/6750D (AC VFD) | ZJ90/6750DBS |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal depth (4‑1/2″ drill pipe) | 6,000 – 9,000 m | 6,000 – 9,000 m |
| Nominal depth (5″ drill pipe) | 5,000 – 8,000 m | 5,000 – 8,000 m |
| Max. hook load (kN / metric tons / lb) | 6,750 / 675 / 1,500,000 | 6,750 / 675 / 1,500,000 |
| Drawworks rated power (kW / HP) | 2,200 – 2,985 / 3,000 – 4,000 | 2,200 / 3,000 |
| Drawworks control | AC VFD, four‑motor load sharing | AC VFD, integrated |
| Top drive capacity (t) | 500 – 750 | 500 |
| Mud pumps | 2–3 × 1,600–2,200 HP | 2 × 1,600 HP |
| Mud pump max pressure (MPa) | 52 | 35 |
| Mast effective height (m) | 48 | 48 |
| Substructure height (m) | 10.5 – 12 | 10.5 – 12 |
| Drilling lines | 14 – 16 | 14 – 16 |
| Wireline diameter (mm) | 45 | 38 |
| Max. hook speed (m/s) | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| Rotary table opening (mm / in) | 952.5 / 37.5 | 952.5 / 37.5 |
| Main brake | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Auxiliary brake | Dynamic braking (AC VFD) | Dynamic braking |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +55°C | -40°C to +55°C |
ZJ120 Heavy Duty Drilling Rig
| Parameter | ZJ120/9000DB |
|---|---|
| Nominal depth (127 mm / 5″ drill pipe) | 12,000 m |
| Max. hook load (kN / metric tons / lb) | 9,000 / 900 / 2,000,000 |
| Max. drill string weight (kN) | 4,320 |
| Drawworks rated power (kW / HP) | 4,400 / 6,000 |
| Top drive capacity (t) | 750 – 900 |
| Mud pumps | 3 × 2,200 HP |
| Mud pump max pressure (MPa) | 52 |
| Mast effective height (m) | 52 – 55 |
| Substructure height (m) | 12 |
| Main / auxiliary brake | Disc + dynamic braking |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +55°C |
| Storage temperature | -60°C to +55°C |
| Steel grade | High‑tensile, low‑temperature‑resistant |
| Control system | Computer‑controlled, multi‑network redundant architecture |
| Drive system | Full AC VFD |
| API compliance | API 4F, 7K, 8C, Q1 |
Product Types – Heavy Duty Drilling Rig Configurations
| Model | Depth Capacity | Hook Load | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZJ70 Heavy Duty | Up to 7,000 m | 4,500 kN / 450 t | AC VFD, 2,000 HP drawworks | Deep conventional wells, transitional depths |
| ZJ90 Heavy Duty (Standard) | 6,000‑9,000 m | 6,750 kN / 675 t | 3,000‑4,000 HP drawworks, modular transport | Deep gas, HPHT reservoirs, Middle East deep development |
| ZJ90 Heavy Duty (High‑Pressure) | 6,000‑8,000 m | 6,750 kN / 675 t | +70 MPa mud circulation, enhanced fluid ends | Ultra‑deep HPHT gas, high‑pressure reservoirs |
| ZJ120 Heavy Duty (Flagship) | 9,000‑12,000 m | 9,000 kN / 900 t | 6,000 HP drawworks, four‑motor load sharing, 52 MPa mud | 10,000 m+ frontiers, deep scientific drilling |
| Heavy Duty Low Temp (Arctic) | 5,000‑9,000 m | 6,750‑9,000 kN | GOST certified, -45°C to -55°C operation, heated enclosures | Siberia, Yamal, Canadian arctic, Alaska |
| Heavy Duty Walking | 5,000‑9,000 m | 6,750‑9,000 kN | Hydraulic walking system, moves between pad wells without disassembly | Multi‑well cluster drilling, extreme pad density |
All configurations are supplied with:
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AC VFD drive as standard (no mechanical option for heavy duty models)
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Full API certification (4F, 7K, 8C, Q1) with optional third‑party witnessing
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Integrated automation suite (auto driller, soft torque, real‑time data acquisition)
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Automated pipe handling system (catwalk, racking arm, iron roughneck)
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Full O&M documentation (English, Russian, Arabic upon request)
Applications – Where Heavy Duty Drilling Rigs Dominate
| Application | Why Heavy Duty Rig | Real‑World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra‑deep gas exploration (Tarim Basin, Sichuan) | 8,000‑10,000 m depths, HPHT formations require 9,000 kN+ hook load capacity and 52 MPa mud systems. | The world's first 12,000‑m fully automated heavy duty drilling rig enabled drilling of Asia's first 10,910‑m well—proving that ultra‑deep reserves can be accessed with the right equipment. |
| Middle East deep development (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE) | Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) deep gas fields require 9,000 m heavy duty rigs capable of 50°C+ ambient temperatures. | SJ Petro (Sinopec Group) delivered 6 x 9,000 m ultra‑deep AC VFD heavy duty drilling rigs to KOC—all commissioned ahead of schedule, marking the first Chinese‑made heavy duty rigs in Kuwait's deep gas market. |
| Arctic & Siberian heavy drilling | Permafrost regions demand heavy duty rigs with low‑temperature steel, heated enclosures and certified to GOST 12.2.141‑99. | SJ Petro has delivered 11 ZJ40DB low temperature heavy duty rigs to Rosneft for Western Siberia operations, with operating ranges of -45°C to +45°C and storage down to -60°C. |
| Deep HPHT gas (South China, Indonesia) | Reservoirs below 5,000 m with H₂S and 150+°C temperatures demand high‑pressure mud systems and heavy top drives for precise torque management. | Heavy duty rigs equipped with 52 MPa mud pumps and 500‑750 t top drives are essential for maintaining well control in HPHT zones. |
| Scientific / continental deep drilling | Projects requiring 10,000‑12,000 m continuous coring demand AC VFD heavy duty rigs with full data acquisition and automated tripping. | The ZJ120/9000DB heavy duty drilling rig set the world record for the shortest time drilling a 10,000‑m well onshore—a direct result of intelligent automation applied at extreme depths. |
| Multi‑well cluster pad drilling (shale / tight gas) | Dense pads with 10‑30 wells require heavy duty rigs with walking capability—moving between wells without dismantling. | The hydraulic walking system on heavy duty rigs reduces inter‑well move time from weeks to hours, dramatically accelerating pad completion. |
Kuwait deep gas – a recent milestone: On July 23, 2025, all 6 of SJ Petro's 9,000‑meter ultra‑deep AC VFD heavy duty drilling rigs successfully spudded in Kuwait’s northern oilfield—every rig fully commissioned ahead of schedule despite 50°C ambient heat and challenging logistics. The KOC operations group supervisor commented, "SINOPEC is KOC's most trustworthy drilling contractor. Their teams are rigorous and precise with strong collaboration, and their equipment is advanced. They always deliver high‑quality Chinese solutions.” An experienced deep drilling supervisor added, "I thought I fully understood deep drilling operations, but the SINOPEC team's performance once again expanded my understanding—this is truly Chinese speed!”
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Heavy Duty Drilling Rig?
1. We Build the Heavies—Proven in the World's Deepest Wells
SJ Petro is not a manufacturer that dabbles in heavy duty rigs. We are part of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation—the division that supplied 6 ultra‑deep heavy duty rigs to Kuwait Oil Company and 11 low‑temperature heavy duty rigs to Rosneft. Our ZJ120/9000DB heavy duty rig was used to drill Asia’s first 10,910‑m well. When you buy a heavy duty rig from SJ Petro, you are buying a platform that has proven itself at the absolute limits of what is technically achievable.
2. Full API + GOST Certification – Global Regulatory Compliance
Our heavy duty drilling rigs are designed and manufactured to API 4F, 7K, 8C and Q1 as standard. For Russian and CIS markets, we can supply GOST‑certified versions meeting GOST 12.2.141‑99 and petroleum safety regulations ПБ 08-624-03, with low‑temperature material testing verified at -60°C. Full documentation packages—material certificates, weld maps, pressure test records—are provided for every rig.
3. Field‑Proven in Extreme Environments – Middle East Desert to Siberian Permafrost
| Environment | Recent Deployment | Operational Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait desert deep gas | 6 x 9,000 m heavy duty rigs | 50°C ambient, sandstorms, 1,000+ m drilled per rig in initial campaigns |
| Western Siberia permafrost | 11 x ZJ40DB low‑temp heavy duty rigs | -45°C operation, -60°C storage, 4,000‑5,000 m depth |
| Tarim Basin ultra‑deep | ZJ120‑class rigs | 10,910 m depth, HPHT formations, 6,000 HP drawworks |
| Offshore platforms | SJF/SJK series heavy offshore rigs | 1,800‑6,750 kN hook load, compact footprint, cantilever reach |
4. Scalable Heavy Portfolio – ZJ90, ZJ120 and Every Depth in Between
From the ZJ70 (4,500 kN hook load) through the ZJ90 (6,750 kN) to the flagship ZJ120 (9,000 kN), we offer a complete depth spectrum of heavy duty drilling rigs. Because the core engineering—AC VFD, modular transport, automation architecture—is consistent across the line, operators can standardize their fleet across multiple depth ratings while keeping common spare parts and interchangeable crew training.
5. Backed by Sinopec Group – Financial Strength, Global Resources
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 – No concerns about supplier bankruptcy or warranty default
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Global supply chain – Access to the world's largest industrial distribution network
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Decades of drilling experience – Sinopec operates thousands of wells annually across every climate zone
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Continuous R&D – Ongoing investment in deep‑drilling technology through the corporate research network
6. Full Lifecycle Support – From Commissioning to Decades of Operation
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On‑site commissioning and training – Included with every heavy duty rig, delivered by engineers experienced in deep and arctic operations
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24/7 remote diagnostics – Our support center can log into the control system (with your permission) to troubleshoot drive parameters and control logic
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Regional parts hubs – Dubai (Middle East), Houston (Americas), Singapore (Asia‑Pacific) stock heavy‑rig specific spares: drawworks bearings, VFD modules, top drive components
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Ongoing engineering support – As new automation features become available, we provide software and hardware upgrades to keep your heavy duty rig performing at industry‑leading levels
FAQ – Heavy Duty Drilling Rig
Q1: What is the difference between a "heavy duty drilling rig” and a "conventional land rig”?
A: A heavy duty drilling rig is distinguished by three core capabilities: (1) Extreme hook load – typically exceeding 4,500 kN, with ZJ90 at 6,750 kN and ZJ120 at 9,000 kN, compared to 3,150 kN for a standard ZJ50; (2) Massive hoisting power – drawworks ranging from 3,000 HP to 6,000 HP, versus 1,500‑2,000 HP for conventional rigs; (3) Deep depth rating – designed for 6,000‑12,000 meters, where standard rigs are typically rated for 3,000‑5,000 meters. Heavy duty rigs also incorporate HPHT‑rated mud systems, higher‑strength materials, and often AC VFD drives as standard rather than optional.
Q2: How deep can your ZJ120 heavy duty drilling rig actually drill?
A: The ZJ120/9000DB heavy duty drilling rig has a rated nominal depth of 12,000 meters using 127 mm (5″) drill pipe. This depth rating is based on theoretical maximum string weight calculations, and the rig has proven its capability by supporting the successful drilling of Asia’s first 10,910‑meter well—the second deepest onshore well ever drilled globally. Actual achievable depth depends on casing program, mud weight, wellbore profile and formation drillability.
Q3: What is the maximum hook load of the ZJ120 – and why does it matter?
A: The ZJ120 delivers a maximum hook load of 9,000 kN (900 metric tons / 2,000,000 lb). This extreme capacity matters because the drill string alone in a 12,000‑meter well can weigh over 800 metric tons. The hook must be capable of lifting not only the string but also overcoming friction, pulling free of stuck pipe, and providing a safety margin for emergency fishing operations. The 9,000 kN rating provides that critical safety margin at the deepest depths.
Q4: Can heavy duty drilling rigs be used for cluster pad drilling without moving entire modules between wells?
A: Yes. Our heavy duty drilling rigs are available with an optional hydraulic walking system. When walking is engaged, hydraulic lift cylinders raise the entire rig, traverse cylinders move it to the next wellhead position, and steering turntables allow rotation. The mast and substructure remain fully erected—no disassembly, no crane. Inter‑well relocation time for a heavy duty pad rig can be reduced from 2‑3 weeks to 24‑48 hours.
Q5: What power options are available for heavy duty drilling rigs – diesel, grid or dual fuel?
A: The standard heavy duty configuration uses diesel‑electric AC VFD with onboard generator sets. For operations near industrial power grids, we offer a grid‑connected AC VFD version that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining full deep‑drilling capability. For remote locations with natural gas availability, we can supply a dual‑fuel (diesel + natural gas) package—already proven in Sinopec's deep drilling campaigns. The ZJ120 requires 5 × 1,900 kVA main generator sets in diesel‑electric configuration.
Q6: What is the typical lead time for a heavy duty drilling rig (ZJ90 or ZJ120)?
A: ZJ90 heavy duty rig: 8‑10 months from order confirmation to FOB delivery. ZJ120 heavy duty rig: 10‑14 months due to the complexity of the 6,000 HP drawworks, 900 t hook load systems, and three 2,200 HP mud pumps. These lead times include full engineering verification, material procurement, fabrication (with API/GOST welding procedures), factory assembly, system testing and export packing. Expedited delivery may be available for specific configurations—contact us with your timeline.
Q7: Do you provide training for heavy duty drilling rig operations?
A: Yes. Every heavy duty rig purchase includes 6 weeks of on‑site training delivered by our deep‑drilling specialists:
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Week 1‑2: Rig assembly, modular transport, hydraulic erection procedures
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Week 3: Deep drilling operational parameters—WOB, RPM, torque management at extreme depths
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Week 4: HPHT safety protocols, well control, BOP operation
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Week 5: Automation system operation (auto driller, soft torque, data acquisition)
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Week 6: Emergency procedures—fishing, stuck pipe mitigation, cold‑weather contingencies
We also provide a full driller simulator for ongoing certification and advanced scenario training.
Q8: What is the typical cost of a heavy duty drilling rig – can you provide a ballpark budget?
A: Heavy duty drilling rigs are high‑capital assets with pricing depending on depth rating, hook load, automation level and optional equipment (walking system, Arctic package, high‑pressure mud, etc.). As a budget range (FOB China, standard configuration):
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ZJ70 heavy duty (4,500 kN, 7,000 m): USD 6M – USD 9M
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ZJ90 heavy duty (6,750 kN, 9,000 m): USD 12M – USD 18M
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ZJ120 heavy duty (9,000 kN, 12,000 m): USD 22M – USD 30M
These are indicative ranges only. Contact us with your specific depth requirements, HPHT criteria, and environmental conditions for a firm proposal.
Q9: Can your heavy duty rig operate in sub‑zero arctic conditions?
A: Yes. Our Heavy Duty Low Temp (Arctic) configuration is designed for -45°C to -55°C continuous operation and -60°C storage. This configuration includes low‑temperature‑resistant steel with Charpy impact testing at -70°C, heated enclosures for all critical equipment, heat‑traced hydraulic lines, synthetic low‑pour hydraulic fluids, engine block heaters, heated battery enclosures, and full GOST certification (GOST 12.2.141‑99 and ПБ 08-624-03). SJ Petro has delivered 11 such low‑temperature heavy duty rigs to Rosneft for operations in Western Siberia's permafrost.
Q10: How does your heavy duty drilling rig compare to offerings from Western manufacturers (e.g., NOV, Cameron)?
A: Our heavy duty 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 heavy duty rigs have drilled Asia's first 10,910‑m well and supplied deep gas wells in Kuwait ahead of schedule
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Service footprint: Backed by Sinopec’s global service network, regional parts hubs and 24/7 remote support
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Experience depth: Sinopec Group is one of the world's largest operators of heavy duty drilling rigs, bringing real operational data into every new rig design
