Hydraulic Snubbing Jacks for Live-Well Workover & Completion – Pipe Handling Under Pressure Without Killing the Well

Innovation & Technical Strengths

We design snubbing units for precision, safety, and non-stop operation under pressure. Here’s what makes SJ different:

• Dual-stroke hydraulic jacks with independent control – Two jacks operate sequentially or simultaneously. Stroke length up to 14 ft, delivering 150–600 tons snubbing force. Fine speed control for delicate operations near surface.

• Quick-change slip & bowl system – Interchangeable slip inserts for pipe sizes from 1.315” to 9.625”. Changeover in under 30 minutes. No special tools required.

• Remote hydraulic console with deadman safety – All functions (raise/lower jacks, set/release slips, operate BOPs) controlled from a blast-proof cabin 100 ft away. Deadman valve automatically holds slips if hydraulic pressure drops.

• Integrated quad-ram BOP stack – 4 sets of rams: blind/shear, slip, and two pipe rams. Annular preventer optional. All rated to 15,000 psi working pressure, 20,000 psi test.

• Telescopic guide mast – Supports pipe handling up to 40 ft single joints. Foldable for transport. Optional top drive adapter for rotating stuck pipe.

• Offshore compact package – Low-profile jack design fits under platform ceilings. Split into 2–3 skids (jacks, power pack, BOP control unit) for helicopter lift or crane transfer.

• Cold-weather and H2S-ready construction – -40°C hydraulic fluid, heated control lines, and stainless steel slip components for sour service. Fully field-proven.

• Data recording of snub forces – Real-time load cells on each jack. Job logs record pull/snub force, stroke count, and operational time for safety and billing.

Technical Specifications – Representative Models

Applications – Where Our Snubbing Units Are Indispensable

• Live-well workover – Pulling tubing, replacing gas lift valves, milling scale, or repairing downhole problems in wells that cannot be killed (low pressure, fractured reservoir, water-sensitive formation).

• High-pressure & H2S wells – Snubbing against wellhead pressures up to 15,000 psi. Our units have run safely in sour gas wells with H2S content exceeding 10%.

• Underbalanced completion – Running production tubing or screens without kill fluid, preserving natural reservoir permeability.

• Deepwater offshore intervention – Compact skids deployed from floating rigs or platforms for snubbing in riserless or completion-mode operations.

• Fishing in live wells – Recovering broken tools, wireline, or coiled tubing stuck under pressure – without bullheading or killing.

• Wellhead replacement or repair – Snubbing allows you to work below the tree while replacing the upper wellhead components under pressure.

• Cement squeezing through snubbing – Pumping cement into perforations or behind casing without killing the well, keeping options open.

• Plug & abandonment (P&A) – Setting plugs in live wells, especially in old fields where kill fluid would damage remaining reserves.

Why Choose SJ Petroleum Machinery for Snubbing Units?

• Sinopec subsidiary – experience with live-well work – Our parent company operates thousands of pressured wells. We know snubbing from the field perspective, not just from engineering drawings.

• Over 80 snubbing units delivered globally – SJ has supplied snubbing systems to NOCs and international service companies since the early 2000s. Operating records show >99% uptime on critical jobs.

• API 6A, 16A, 7K certified – All pressure-containing components (BOPs, manifolds, chokes) meet API standards. Third-party witnessed testing available.

• Modular design – fits in a single 40-ft container – Our S150–S350 units can be disassembled into 6–8 modules and packed into a standard container for overseas shipping. Rig-up in one day.

• Rapid slip changeover – No need to unstack the jacks to change slip sizes. Our swing-out bowl design reduces downtime between pipe size changes by 60%.

• Customizable for extreme conditions – Arctic, desert, offshore, or sour service – we tailor seals, materials, and hydraulic fluids to your well environment.

• Worldwide parts & service – We stock slip inserts, hydraulic seals, BOP rubber, and control valves at regional hubs. Emergency air shipment within 72 hours.

• Comprehensive training – 7-day training at our factory + 7 days on your wellsite. We teach snubbing techniques, emergency procedures, and preventive maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between snubbing and coiled tubing?
A: Snubbing uses rigid pipe (jointed tubing or casing) handled by hydraulic jacks. Coiled tubing uses a continuous reeled tube. Snubbing provides higher push/pull forces (up to 600 tons) and can run large-diameter pipe (up to 9-5/8”). Coiled tubing is faster for shallow, lower-force jobs.

Q2: Can your snubbing unit handle live well pressures exceeding 10,000 psi?
A: Yes. Our S225, S350, S450, and S600 models are rated for 15,000 psi working pressure. All BOPs, manifolds, and seals are tested to 20,000 psi. We have run jobs at 14,500 psi wellhead pressure.

Q3: How long does it take to rig up a snubbing unit on site?
A: A crew of 4 can rig up the jacks, BOP stack, and power unit in 6–8 hours from truck arrival. The telescopic mast and pipe handling guide add another 2–3 hours. Offshore skids can be bolted down in half a day.

Q4: Can I use your snubbing unit for milling and drilling under pressure?
A: Yes, with our optional top drive adapter and hydraulic rotating head. We have supplied snubbing units for underbalanced milling of bridge plugs and for drilling cement plugs at 8,000 ft, 5,000 psi.

Q5: What safety features protect my crew during snubbing?
A: Remote console (100 ft away) with deadman handle, independent secondary slips that automatically engage on hydraulic loss, real-time load monitoring with overpull alarm, and full BOP stack with shear rams as last resort.

Q6: Do you offer snubbing units for small-diameter (workover) and large-diameter (casing) jobs?
A: Yes. Our S150 handles 1.315”–4.5” pipe (ideal for workover). S450 and S600 handle up to 9-5/8” casing for heavy snubbing and completions. Custom slip sizes available.

Q7: What is the typical lead time for a snubbing unit?
A: Standard units (S150–S350): 5–6 months. Larger units (S450–S600): 7–8 months. Rush options possible for modular components already in stock.

Q8: How do you handle training for my local crew?
A: After delivery, we send a snubbing specialist to your location for 14 days. This covers safety, assembly, operation, live-well simulations, maintenance, and emergency drills. We also provide a full set of manuals and certification testing.

Q9: Can your snubbing unit be used on a jack-up or semi-submersible?
A: Yes. Our offshore models (S600) are designed for motion-compensated snubbing. They can be clamped to the platform deck and adapt to heave. We also supply integrated heave-compensated snubbing packages.

Q10: How do I get a quote for a snubbing unit?
A: Please provide: maximum wellhead pressure, desired snub force (tons), pipe size range, onshore/offshore, and environmental conditions (temperature, H2S/CO2). We will send a technical datasheet and commercial offer within 5 working days.