Stepping moving equipment

Technical Specifications – Stepping Moving Equipment

Our stepping moving equipment is available in multiple capacity classes to match different rig sizes. Below are the standard configurations:

Product Types – Stepping Moving Equipment Portfolio

Our stepping moving equipment is designed as an integrated subsystem of our land drilling rig packages, but we also supply standalone walking systems for retrofitting existing rigs:

1. Standard Hydraulic Walking Systems (SWS Series) – For 1,500–3,000 ton rigs. Four‑foot design with electric HPU and wireless control. Ideal for multi‑well pad drilling in conventional and shale plays.

2. Heavy‑Duty Walking Systems (HWS Series) – For ultra‑heavy rigs up to 5,000 tons or special applications. Six‑foot configuration with diesel‑hydraulic power unit for remote locations without grid power.

3. Retrofit Walking Kits – If you already own a drilling rig without a walking system, we can engineer a retrofit solution. The system pins to your existing substructure beams and integrates with your current HPU or includes a standalone power unit.

4. Skidding Systems (Straight Line) – For operators who only need X‑axis movement (single‑row pads). Lower cost than full walking systems, with walking speeds up to 100 ft/hour. Wellhead clearance of 1.5 feet for low‑profile operations.

5. Hybrid Walking + Skidding Systems – Combines a walking system for Y‑axis and rotational movement with a high‑speed skidding system for X‑axis moves. Best of both worlds on large, multi‑row pad developments.

6. Control System Upgrades – For existing walking systems that need modernization. Our PLC‑based controllers with wireless remote can be retrofitted to most third‑party walking equipment.

Applications – Where Our Stepping Moving Equipment Works

Our stepping moving equipment has been deployed in the following drilling environments:

• Multi‑well shale pads – China (Sichuan, Xinjiang, Ordos Basin), North America, Argentina. Walk from well to well without rigging down. Typical pad layout: 8–12 wells per pad, each well 150–300 feet apart. Our systems handle the full pad walk in under 24 hours.

• Desert onshore fields – Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait), North Africa. High ambient temperature tolerance (up to 55°C) and sand‑resistant seals. Our hydraulic HPUs are designed for continuous operation in dusty conditions.

• Arctic and cold‑climate drilling – Russia, Kazakhstan. Special cold‑weather packages with heated hydraulic fluid reservoirs, low‑temperature seals, and battery blankets. Proven on 11 rigs delivered to Rosneft operating at -45°C.

• Island and environmentally sensitive projects – Low ground bearing pressure design minimizes impact on permafrost or fragile soil. The large‑foot walking system spreads the rig’s weight, reducing the need for expensive matting.

• Urban infill drilling – When drilling near residential areas or existing facilities, our walking systems eliminate truck traffic associated with rig moves. Minimal noise and zero emissions (electric HPU option).

• Batch drilling operations – Drill multiple wells from the same pad using the same rig. Step the rig from one cellar to the next without breaking down the mud system. Typical move time: 2–4 hours per well.

Why Choose SJ Petro for Stepping Moving Equipment?

• Sinopec‑backed engineering resources – We are a direct subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation, with a 180,000+ m² manufacturing campus, 2,100 precision machines, and 314 in‑house R&D engineers. Your stepping moving system is designed and built by the same team that builds our full rig packages — not subcontracted out.

• Proven track record in land rig manufacturing – SJ Petro has supplied over 3,100 international shipments of drilling equipment to 30+ countries. Our stepping moving systems are an integrated part of our 1,000–4,000 HP land drilling rig packages, which have been operating successfully in Russia, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and across China.

• API & ISO certified manufacturing – Our stepping moving equipment is designed and manufactured to API 4F (Specification for Drilling and Well Servicing Structures), API 7K, API 8C, and ISO 9001:2015. Third‑party inspection (BV, DNV, SGS, ABS) is always welcome.

• Full in‑house design and testing – We do not outsource engineering. Every hydraulic cylinder, control panel, and structural beam is designed by our own team and tested in our facility before shipping. We can simulate walking cycles under full load.

• Retrofit capability – If you have an existing rig without a walking system, we can design a retrofit kit that pins directly to your existing substructure. Our engineers will work with your rig drawings to ensure a seamless fit.

• Global field service support – We provide on‑site commissioning, operator training, and remote technical support. Our field engineers have experience commissioning walking systems on pads from the Gobi Desert to the Siberian tundra.

• Short lead times – Standard walking system: 90–120 days from order to factory acceptance test. Retrofit kits: 60–90 days. We stock long‑lead components (hydraulic cylinders, control valves, PLCs) to meet urgent schedules.

• Competitive direct‑manufacturer pricing – You deal directly with the factory, not a trading company or middleman. No markups — just Sinopec‑level quality at manufacturer pricing.

• 5‑year warranty on structural components – We stand behind our welding and fabrication. Hydraulic components are covered by a 12‑month warranty (extendable to 36 months).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between a stepping moving system and a skidding system?
A skidding system moves the rig only in a straight line (X‑axis). A stepping moving system (also called a walking system) can move in X and Y axes (forward, backward, sideways) and rotate 360°. Walking systems are preferred for multi‑row well pads; skidding systems are sufficient for single‑row pads and are generally faster and lower cost.

Q2: Can your stepping moving equipment be retrofitted to an existing rig?
Yes. We have retrofitted walking systems to rigs from multiple manufacturers. Our engineers will review your rig’s substructure drawings and design a pin‑on kit that requires minimal modification. The process typically takes 60–90 days from design to delivery.

Q3: How long does it take to move a rig from one well to the next?
For a 200‑foot pad move, typical time is 2–4 hours depending on rig weight and surface conditions. Our SWS‑1500 walks at up to 53 feet per hour under ideal conditions. For comparison, a conventional rig‑down/rig‑up move takes 2–4 days.

Q4: Do I need to disconnect mud lines and electrical cables before walking?
No. Our integrated backyard management system includes flexible mud return lines, high‑pressure piping with swivel joints, and a festoon cable management system. Everything moves with the rig. You do not need to break any connections.

Q5: What is the maximum slope your walking system can handle?
Our standard systems handle slopes up to 5 degrees (9% grade) with full setback. For steeper sites (up to 10 degrees), we offer an enhanced walking foot design with additional steering cylinders. Site survey recommended for slopes above 5 degrees.

Q6: What power options are available for the hydraulic power unit?
Electric HPU (380V/50Hz, 460V/60Hz, or 690V/60Hz) is standard for locations with grid power. Diesel‑driven HPU is available for remote sites. We also offer hybrid diesel‑electric configurations.

Q7: Do you provide training for operators?
Yes. We send a field service engineer to your site for 1–2 weeks of hands‑on training, including walking sequence operation, emergency procedures, and basic maintenance. We also provide a full operations manual and remote support for 12 months after training.

Q8: Can your stepping moving system be used in extreme cold?
Absolutely. We have delivered 11 low‑temperature drilling rigs with walking systems to Rosneft in Russia, operating at -45°C. Our cold‑weather package includes heated hydraulic reservoirs, low‑temperature seals, insulated hoses, and battery heaters.

Q9: What is the warranty on your stepping moving equipment?
Standard warranty: 18 months from shipment or 12 months from commissioning, whichever comes first. Structural components (beams, pins, walking feet frames): 5 years. Extended warranty up to 36 months is available for an additional fee.