Oil drilling rig models
Key Differences Across Our Oil Drilling Rig Models
| Feature | ZJ30 | ZJ40 | ZJ50 | ZJ70 | ZJ90 | ZJ120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best depth range (m) | 1,500 – 3,000 | 2,500 – 4,000 | 3,500 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 7,000 | 7,000 – 9,000 | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Hook load (kN) | 1,700 | 2,250 | 3,150 | 4,500 | 6,750 | 9,000 |
| Drawworks power (HP) | 600 | 1,000 | 1,500 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000+ |
| Mast height (ft) | 118 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170+ |
| Typical truck modules | 6-8 | 7-9 | 8-10 | 9-11 | 12-14 | 14-16 |
| Walkable? | No | No | Yes (opt) | Yes (opt) | Yes (opt) | Yes (special) |
| Top drive ready? | 250T | 350T | 500T | 650T | 750T | 900T |
| Best for… | Workover, shallow oil | Medium conventional | Deep conventional | Shale gas, HPHT | Deep exploration | Ultra-deep frontier |
Innovation Highlights Shared Across All Models
Before we dive into each model individually, here’s what every ZJ series rig shares:
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API 4F / 7K / 8C structure – Welded by certified inspectors, fully traceable materials.
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Modular substructure – Pin-connected, no field welding. Rig-up time reduced by 40%.
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AC-VFD ready – Even mechanical models can be retrofitted later.
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Integrated BOP handling – Hydraulic trolley, no crane needed for BOP moves.
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Single-source controls – Same driller’s interface across all models. Train once, drill anywhere.
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Climate-proof options – Desert, arctic, jungle, offshore – we have a package for each model.
Detailed Model-by-Model Breakdown
ZJ30 – The Workhorse for Shallow Wells & Workover
Best for: Wells up to 3,000m, workover operations, coalbed methane, remote shallow gas.
Why this model: Small footprint (can fit on a standard truck), low fuel burn (600 HP drawworks), and the lowest cost-per-meter for shallow programs.
Available as: Truck-mounted, trailer-mounted, or skid. VFD or mechanical drive.
Real talk: Don’t buy a ZJ50 for 2,000m wells – you’ll pay twice the transport cost and burn extra fuel. ZJ30 is the sweet spot.
ZJ40 – The "Standard Issue” Development Rig
Best for: 2,500m – 4,000m conventional development wells. The most popular model for mature fields.
Why this model: Best balance of capability and logistics. 1,000 HP drawworks is easy to maintain globally. Fits on standard low-bed trailers.
Common configurations: SCR diesel-electric (lower upfront) or VFD (lower fuel). Also available as a desert fast-mover.
ZJ50 – Deep Well Specialist
Best for: 3,500m – 5,000m wells, higher pressure formations, deeper casing strings.
Why this model: 3,150 kN hook load gives you real reserve for deep fishing jobs. Often chosen by NOCs for their "deep development” campaigns.
Upgrade options: Walking system for 6-well pads. 500T top drive standard.
ZJ70 – The Shale Gas & HPHT Star
Best for: 5,000m – 7,000m deep wells, high-pressure gas, shale pad drilling with walking system.
Why this model: 4,500 kN hook load, 2,000 HP drawworks, and an optional hydraulic walking system that moves the entire rig between wellheads in 4-6 hours. This is our best-selling model for complex wells.
Special feature: Can be fitted with high-pressure mud system (10,000 psi) and automated pipe handling for reduced red-zone exposure.
ZJ90 – Frontier Exploration & Deep Gas
Best for: 7,000m – 9,000m deep exploration, ultra-deep gas (Tarim, Sichuan type).
Why this model: 6,750 kN hook load handles 8″ drill pipe and heavy casing strings. 160 ft mast allows triple stands. Often used as the "big rig” for high-cost, high-reward wildcats.
Note: Requires more trucks (12-14 modules) and larger camp. Not for shallow fields.
ZJ120 – The Ultra-Deep Giant
Best for: 9,000m – 12,000m ultra-deep wells, scientific drilling, extreme HPHT.
Why this model: 9,000 kN hook load, 4,000+ HP drawworks, and a mast over 170 ft. Only a handful of manufacturers in the world build this class. We’ve supplied ZJ120 rigs for China’s deepest wells (over 8,800m completed, designed for 12,000m).
What to know: Lead time is longer (200+ days). Transport requires special permits. But if you need to drill past 9,000 meters, there is no substitute.
Product Type Matrix – By Application & Mobility
| Model | Truck-Mounted | Trailer-Mounted | Skid (Conventional) | Walking (Pad) | Desert Fast-Move | Offshore Skid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZJ30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – |
| ZJ40 | – | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | – |
| ZJ50 | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| ZJ70 | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (OS) |
| ZJ90 | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ (OS) |
| ZJ120 | – | – | ✓ | (special) | – | ✓ (OS, limited) |
Applications Across Oil & Gas Sectors
| Application | Recommended Models | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow gas / CBM | ZJ30, ZJ40 | Low cost, fast move, small footprint |
| Conventional oil development | ZJ40, ZJ50 | Best balance of economics and capability |
| Shale gas pad drilling | ZJ50, ZJ70 (walking) | Walking between wellheads, high pump pressure |
| Deep HPHT gas | ZJ70, ZJ90 | Heavy casing, high pressure, extra hook load |
| Frontier exploration (wildcat) | ZJ90, ZJ120 | Maximum depth and contingency capacity |
| Workover & deepening | ZJ30, ZJ40 (truck) | Quick mobilization, low daily cost |
| Offshore platform | ZJ50OS – ZJ90OS | Corrosion-resistant, skid beams, ATEX |
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Oil Drilling Rig Models?
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One family, common parts – Across ZJ30 to ZJ90, many components (crown block sheaves, brake pads, mud pump valves) are interchangeable. You stock fewer spares.
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We don’t over-sell – If your well is 3,800m, we’ll quote a ZJ50, not a ZJ70. Our engineers prioritize your ROI.
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Factory-direct pricing – No middlemen. You get the same rig that Sinopec uses in its own fields.
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Free well planning support – Send us your target depth and casing design. We’ll recommend the exact model and provide a hook load simulation.
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Full documentation & training – Every rig comes with O&M manuals, 3D digital model, and 4-week onsite training.
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Global service – Regional hubs in Dubai, Houston, Singapore. 24/7 remote support.
FAQ – Oil Drilling Rig Models
Q1: Which model is best for a 5,500m well with 9-5/8″ casing?
A: ZJ70 is comfortable. ZJ50 would be borderline on hook load during casing running. We’ll run a simulation for you free of charge. If your field has high H2S or pressure above 10,000 psi, consider ZJ90 for extra safety margin.
Q2: Can I upgrade a ZJ40 mechanical rig to VFD later?
A: Yes. We offer retrofit kits that replace the mechanical gearbox with an AC motor and cabinet. Typically 80% of the drawworks is reused. Ask for our ZJ40-to-VFD upgrade datasheet.
Q3: What is the difference between a "walking” ZJ70 and a conventional skid ZJ70?
A: Walking version has hydraulic lift-and-push feet mounted under the substructure. It can move horizontally (up to 2m per step) between wellheads without dismantling. Conventional skid needs crane disassembly for any move longer than a few meters.
Q4: How many trucks does a ZJ90 desert fast-moving rig require?
A: 12-14 truck loads depending on module breakdown. Max module weight 45 metric tons. We provide a detailed trucking plan – you won’t need special oversize permits in most countries.
Q5: Do you offer leasing for any of these models?
A: Yes – operating leases from 12 to 60 months. All models available. We also offer "model upgrade” leases: start with a ZJ50, move to ZJ70 later with no penalty.
Q6: Which model do you recommend for a remote jungle location with limited crane capacity?
A: ZJ30 or ZJ40 truck-mounted. Both use self-loading masts (no crane needed for rig-up). Max single piece weight under 15 tons – can be handled by local cranes or even winch.
Q7: Are your offshore models (ZJxxOS) certified by ABS or DNV?
A: We can build to ABS, DNV, or Lloyd’s classification at your request. Base offshore models are designed to meet class requirements – third-party certification is an option.
Q8: How do I get a firm price for a specific model delivered to my country?
A: Send an inquiry with target depth, terrain, and delivery port. We’ll reply within 48 hours with a model recommendation and FOB/CIF quote. No obligation.
