Mobile modular rigs
Innovative Technology & Key Features
Mobile modular rigs are not simply conventional rigs cut into pieces. They are engineered from the ground up for rapid assembly, minimal crane requirements, and maximum transport efficiency.
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ISO container‑sized modules – Each major component (drawworks, mud pumps, power module, control cabin) fits within a standard 20 ft or 40 ft container footprint. No over‑dimensional permits – just flatbed trucks or container ships.
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Hydraulically raised mast – The mast arrives in two sections, pinned on the ground, then raised by a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the substructure. No crane needed for mast erection – a huge advantage in remote sites.
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Integrated walking or skidding system – For multi‑well pads, the modular rig can be equipped with our SMS stepping system. Move from well to well without breaking down modules.
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Quick‑connect hydraulic & electrical jumpers – Color‑coded, pressure‑tested hoses and cables with plug‑and‑play connectors. No onsite fabrication or guesswork – each module connects to the next in under 30 minutes.
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Modular mud tanks – Tanks are built as 20 ft or 40 ft skids that bolt together side‑by‑side or end‑to‑end. Expand from 100 bbl to 400 bbl by adding modules.
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Low transport height – The tallest module is under 9 ft, allowing transport under low bridges and through tunnels. No escort vehicles required in most regions.
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Forklift‑ or crane‑friendly – Each module has standard lift points, center of gravity marked, and weight clearly labeled. You can use a small forklift (15‑20 ton) to position modules – no 200‑ton crane needed.
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Cold‑weather ready – All modules are insulated and can be fitted with internal heaters. Hydraulic systems use low‑temperature fluid, and control cabins are heated.
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Offshore / container ship compatible – Modules are designed to stack three high for sea transport. No special cradles or lashing – just standard twist locks.
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Remote diagnostics – The control module includes a PLC with cellular modem. Our engineers can troubleshoot faults without a site visit.
Technical Specifications – Mobile Modular Rigs
Our mobile modular rigs are available in three standard capacity classes. All modules are sized for road transport without special permits in most countries.
| Parameter | MMR‑1000 | MMR‑1500 | MMR‑2000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawworks power | 1,000 HP | 1,500 HP | 2,000 HP |
| Hook load capacity | 300 tons | 450 tons | 600 tons |
| Drilling depth (5" DP) | 3,500 m | 5,000 m | 6,500 m |
| Mast type | Single telescoping | Two‑section folding | Two‑section folding |
| Mast height (erected) | 90 ft | 110 ft | 130 ft |
| Number of modules | 8 | 12 | 16 |
| Heaviest module weight | 18 tons | 22 tons | 28 tons |
| Largest module dimensions (L×W×H) | 20′ × 8′ × 8.5′ | 20′ × 8′ × 9′ | 40′ × 8′ × 9′ |
| Rig‑up crew | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
| Rig‑up time (first well) | 24 hours | 36 hours | 48 hours |
| Rig‑up time (subsequent wells – walking) | 2‑3 hours | 2‑3 hours | 3‑4 hours |
| Mud pump module | 2 × 800 HP (triplex) | 2 × 1,000 HP | 3 × 1,000 HP |
| Walking system option | SMS‑1500 | SMS‑2000 | SMS‑3000 |
| Road transport method | Flatbed trucks (8‑12 loads) | Flatbed + lowboy (12‑18 loads) | Flatbed + lowboy + RORO (18‑25 loads) |
| API certifications | 4F, 7K, 8C | 4F, 7K, 8C | 4F, 7K, 8C |
| Operating temperature | -30°C to 50°C | -40°C to 50°C | -45°C to 50°C |
Product Types – Mobile Modular Rigs Configurations
We offer mobile modular rigs in several configurations to match different operational needs:
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Fast‑Move Land Rig (MMR‑1000/1500) – Standard configuration for multi‑well pads in accessible terrain. All modules are container‑sized. Rig‑up by forklift and small crane (50 ton).
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Heli‑Portable / Remote Access Rig – Even smaller modules (maximum weight 8 tons) designed to be moved by helicopter or light truck. For jungle, mountain, or swamp drilling. Depth capacity reduced to 2,000‑2,500 m.
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Walking Modular Rig – MMR with integrated stepping system. After the first rig‑up, the rig walks between wells without disassembly. Best for dense pad drilling (8+ wells per pad).
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Workover Modular Rig (MMR‑WO) – Lighter version (300‑500 HP) for well servicing. Modules are designed to be moved by pickup truck or small flatbed. Quick rig‑up in 4‑6 hours.
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Arctic Modular Rig – Insulated modules, heated hydraulic fluid, battery warmers, and heated control cabin. Built for -45°C continuous operation. All steel meets low‑temperature impact requirements.
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Containerized Rental Rig Package – Complete rig pre‑assembled in shipping containers. You provide power (generator set) and crew. Rental period as short as 6 months. We handle transport and commissioning.
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Custom Module Mix – Already have a drawworks or mud pumps? We can supply only the missing modules (mast, substructure, control cabin) and integrate with your existing components.
Applications – Where Mobile Modular Rigs Excel
Mobile modular rigs are ideal for:
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Multi‑well pad drilling (shale, CBM, tight gas) – 8 to 32 wells per pad. The rig walks between slots or rigs up once and moves modules only once per pad.
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Remote exploration – Jungle, desert, or Arctic locations with no heavy crane access. Small modules can be moved by helicopter or sled.
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Urban infill drilling – Tight city lots where a conventional rig cannot fit. Modules arrive on small trucks and are assembled in the street.
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Island or swamp drilling – Limited barge capacity. Each module is light enough for small landing craft.
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Short‑term production testing – Drill 2‑3 test wells, then move to another block. No need to invest in a full‑size rig.
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Disaster relief / emergency well capping – Rapid deployment to kill a blowout or relieve pressure. Our MMR can be airlifted and rigged up in 24 hours.
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Military or government drilling – Water wells or geothermal exploration in rugged terrain. Modular design fits in cargo aircraft (C‑130 or larger).
Why Choose SJ Petro for Mobile Modular Rigs?
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Sinopec engineering depth – We are a subsidiary of China’s largest oilfield equipment group. Our 314‑engineer team has designed over 50 modular rigs for export.
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True road‑legal modules – We design to U.S. DOT, EU, and Chinese road regulations. No special permits needed for most modules.
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Fast rig‑up track record – Our MMR‑1000 has been rigged up in 16 hours by a 4‑person crew in field tests. Compare to 5‑7 days for conventional rigs.
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Interchangeable modules – Standardized interfaces (bolt patterns, hydraulic couplings, electrical connectors) mean you can swap a mud pump module between rigs.
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Global shipping experience – Over 3,100 export shipments. We know how to pack modules for sea, air, and land transport. Lashing plans, container loading diagrams, and customs paperwork included.
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On‑site training & support – We send field engineers to oversee the first rig‑up and train your crew. Remote support via video call.
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Competitive pricing – Because modules are built in our factory line (not custom each time), we offer 15‑25% lower cost than traditional rigs of similar capacity.
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Warranty – 12 months on all mechanical and electrical components. Structural components (mast, substructure) warrantied for 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many truckloads are needed to move an MMR‑1500?
Approximately 12‑18 truckloads depending on module arrangement and local road limits. The heaviest module is 22 tons. We provide a detailed transport plan with truck count, escort requirements, and route survey.
Q2: Do I need a large crane to set up the rig?
No – the mast is raised hydraulically from the substructure. Modules are positioned using a small forklift (20 ton capacity) or a light crane (50 ton). No 200‑ton crawler crane needed.
Q3: How long does it take to rig up the first well?
For MMR‑1000: 24 hours with a 4‑person crew. For MMR‑1500: 36 hours with 5‑6 people. The second well on the same pad (using walking system) takes 2‑3 hours.
Q4: Can the rig be moved without breaking down the mast?
No – for road transport, the mast must be lowered and separated into two sections. However, on a multi‑well pad with the walking option, you do not break down modules – the rig walks as a complete unit.
Q5: Are the modules interchangeable between different rigs in my fleet?
Yes – we standardize interface dimensions across all MMR rigs of the same capacity class. You can swap a mud pump module from Rig A to Rig B in an emergency. We provide interface drawings.
Q6: What is the minimum ground bearing pressure required?
The modular substructure includes large‑area skid beams. Typical ground bearing pressure is 5‑7 PSI (similar to a loaded cement truck). For soft ground, we add timber mats or steel plates.
Q7: Can the rig be operated in extreme cold?
Yes – our Arctic package includes insulated modules, heated hydraulic reservoirs, battery warmers, and low‑temperature seals. The control cabin is heated and double‑glazed. Operational down to -45°C.
Q8: Do you offer financing or leasing for modular rigs?
Yes – we work with international finance partners to offer operating leases (up to 5 years) and lease‑to‑own options. Monthly payments can be offset against reduced moving costs.
Q9: What documentation is provided for export and customs?
Each module comes with a commercial invoice, packing list, weight certificate, and HS code classification (8430.41 – drilling rigs). We also provide a Certificate of Origin (China) and, if needed, an API certificate for each pressure component.
Q10: How do I get a proposal for a mobile modular rig?
Email modular@sjpetro.com with:
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Target drilling depth and hook load required
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Number of wells per pad and typical pad spacing
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Road access limitations (bridge heights, weight limits, road width)
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Any preference for walking system (yes/no)
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Climate (desert, Arctic, tropical, etc.)
We will respond within 5 working days with a module list, transport estimate, rig‑up time projection, and budget price.














