Variable Torque Control
IP65 · ExdIIBT4
Manual / Auto Mode
STG30C Iron Roughneck
Drill Floor Make-Up & Break-Out Automation
A compact, fully hydraulic iron roughneck engineered for fast, accurate, and repeatable
make-up and break-out of drill pipe, drill collars, and casing connections — keeping
personnel away from rotating tubulars and saving critical rig time.
Product Overview
The CAMTOP STG30C Iron Roughneck is a state-of-the-art, variable-torque spinning
and torquing device designed for the automated connection and disconnection of drill strings on
land and offshore drilling rigs. By replacing manual tong operations with a single, remotely
operated machine, the STG30C dramatically reduces the number of personnel required on the rig
floor, minimizes exposure to rotating-equipment hazards, and consistently delivers precise,
repeatable make-up torque every time.
Built on a proven modular design, the STG30C integrates a high-speed spin-in / spin-out
unit (for rapid thread engagement / disengagement) with a powerful torque
wrench unit (for final torque application). The entire assembly travels along a linear
guide track — extending to reach the drill string centerline, performing the connection, then
retracting to a safe park position — all in a single automated cycle.
Manufactured by CAMTOP Shanghai Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., every STG30C unit
is assembled under strict quality management controls and subjected to full functional and
hydraulic performance testing before shipment, ensuring it arrives on your rig ready for
immediate deployment.
Technical Specifications
All values below are nominal design parameters for the standard STG30C configuration.
Contact CAMTOP’s technical team for project-specific adaptations, custom pipe ranges,
or offshore-rated configurations.
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Model | STG30C |
| Applicable Pipe OD Range | 3-1/2″ – 9″ (88.9 – 228.6 mm) |
| Spin Speed (RPM) | 80 RPM (at 5″ drill pipe) |
| Spinning Torque | 3,050 N·m (2,250 ft·lbf) |
| Maximum Make-Up Torque | 30,000 N·m (22,124 ft·lbf) |
| Maximum Break-Out Torque | 40,000 N·m (29,499 ft·lbf) |
| Connection Height Range | 765 – 1,725 mm (30 – 68 in) |
| Horizontal Travel (extension) | 1,400 mm (55 in) |
| Vertical Travel (adjustment) | 960 mm (38 in) |
| Hydraulic System Pressure | 25 MPa (3,625 PSI) |
| Power Supply | AC 380 V ± 10% |
| Maximum Operating Current | 130 A |
| Drive Type | Full Hydraulic |
| Operating Mode | Manual / Automatic (switchable) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +158°F) |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP65 |
| Explosion-Proof Rating | ExdIIBT4 |
| Torque Control | Variable, pre-settable; auto shut-off at target torque |
| Mounting | Fixed base plate on rig floor; linear guide track |
| Structure | Modular design; telescopic extension arm + rotating mechanism |
* Specifications are subject to revision. Always request the latest official datasheet from
CAMTOP Shanghai before final procurement.
Key Engineering Features
The STG30C incorporates a range of purpose-built features that distinguish it from conventional
manual tong systems and deliver measurable improvements in rig safety, efficiency, and
connection quality.
Variable Torque Control
Target make-up torque is pre-set by the driller via the control panel. The STG30C
automatically applies and then shuts off at the exact preset value — eliminating
under- or over-torqued connections and providing a full electronic torque record.
High-Speed Spin Unit — 80 RPM
A dedicated high-speed spin-in / spin-out head rapidly engages and runs up threads at
80 RPM, slashing the time spent on each connection cycle compared to manual spinning or
mechanical spinning wrenches.
Wide Pipe OD Compatibility
Self-centering jaws handle tubulars from 3-1/2″ drill pipe through 9″ drill collars
without manual jaw changes, making the STG30C immediately versatile across multiple
hole sections and casing programs.
Manual & Automatic Operating Modes
The operator can seamlessly switch between full-manual joystick control for non-standard
situations and fully automatic sequence mode for routine make-up / break-out operations,
optimizing both flexibility and cycle time.
Modular, Telescopic Arm Structure
The telescopic extension arm deploys the working head to the drill string, performs the
connection, and retracts to a safe park position — all with a single command. The arm
and rotary mechanism use independent load and hydraulic hinges for maximum structural
rigidity and easy maintenance.
Harsh Environment Rated
IP65 sealing and ExdIIBT4 explosion-proof certification allow deployment in Zone 1 and
Zone 2 hazardous areas, with a wide service temperature range of -20°C to +70°C covering
arctic onshore to tropical offshore environments.
Integrated Hydraulic Power Unit
A dedicated HPU delivers up to 25 MPa system pressure with a built-in body-ported
hydraulic circuit, ensuring clean, protected fluid routing and consistent actuator response
throughout the service life of the equipment.
Low Maintenance, Field-Serviceable Design
Modular sub-assemblies can be swapped out independently — the spin unit, torque jaws, and
hydraulic cylinders are all designed for in-field replacement without specialized workshop
tooling, reducing unplanned downtime to a minimum.
How It Works
The STG30C follows a simple, repeatable 5-step operating cycle that can be executed automatically
from the driller’s console or by manual joystick control:
Position
The arm extends horizontally and adjusts vertically to align the working head with the tool joint on the drill string.
Clamp
Self-centering jaws close around the tubular OD, positively gripping the pipe without deforming the tube body.
Spin
The high-speed spin unit rotates at up to 80 RPM to rapidly run threads together (make-up) or apart (break-out).
Torque
The torque wrench engages and applies the preset final torque value. The unit auto-shuts at the target torque.
Retract
Jaws release, arm retracts to the safe park position, and the system signals “ready” for the next stand.
Applications & Use Cases
The STG30C Iron Roughneck is engineered to replace manual tongs across a broad range of
drilling and well-servicing operations:
Replacing Manual Tongs — The Safety & Efficiency Case
Manual tong operations are among the highest-risk activities on the rig floor. They require
multiple workers in close proximity to heavy, rotating tubulars and high-tension tong lines.
Replacing manual tongs with the STG30C removes those workers from the hazard zone entirely,
reduces trip time per stand, and delivers torque data that can be trended for connection integrity
monitoring — a critical requirement under modern well-construction quality programs.
On a typical onshore rig running 5,000 meters of drill string, switching to the STG30C can
reduce connection time per stand by 30–50%, translating directly to fewer rig
hours and lower well cost.
STG30C vs. Manual Tong Operations
The table below summarizes the key operational differences between the STG30C Iron Roughneck
and conventional manual hydraulic tong systems:
| Criterion | Manual Hydraulic Tongs | STG30C Iron Roughneck |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel on Rig Floor (per stand) | 3 – 4 (tong operators + safety backup) | 1 (driller at console) |
| Torque Accuracy | Operator-dependent; ±15–25% | Pre-set, auto shut-off; ±3–5% |
| Spin Speed | Slow; manual spinning | 80 RPM automated |
| Torque Data Logging | None (manual recording) | Electronic, real-time |
| Pinch-Point Exposure | High | Minimal — remote operation |
| Connection Time (per stand) | 3 – 5 minutes | 1.5 – 2.5 minutes |
| Fatigue Factor | High; physical labor intensive | Negligible — operator at console |
| Suitable for Hazardous Area (Zone 1) | Requires separate ATEX equipment | ExdIIBT4 certified as standard |
Why Choose CAMTOP Shanghai?
CAMTOP Shanghai Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. is a specialist manufacturer and
global supplier of oilfield drilling rig automation and wellhead equipment. We combine deep
engineering expertise with agile manufacturing capability to deliver high-performance equipment
at competitive price points — backed by the after-sales infrastructure to keep it running.
Factory-Direct Supply
Direct manufacturing in Shanghai eliminates intermediary markups. Customers receive OEM
quality at competitive FOB pricing, with full factory audit access available on request.
Full Documentation Package
Every STG30C is delivered with an IOM (Installation, Operation & Maintenance) manual,
hydraulic schematic, spare-parts list, hydro-test certificate, and material traceability
documentation.
Rapid Spare Parts Supply
Critical wear items — jaw inserts, seal kits, spin motor assemblies, and hydraulic
cylinders — are held in stock for quick-turn dispatch to minimize rig downtime.
Global Delivery Experience
CAMTOP has successfully delivered rig floor equipment to operators and drilling contractors
across the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and South America.
Operator Training Support
On-site commissioning assistance and operator training are available for all STG30C
installations. Remote e-learning materials and instructional videos are provided
as standard with every unit.
Customization Capability
Non-standard pipe ranges, offshore ATEX/IECEx certification, extended torque versions,
and integration with third-party rig control systems are all available upon project
discussion with our engineering team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an iron roughneck and how does it differ from a power tong?
A power tong only applies torque; an iron roughneck combines a spin unit (for rapid thread engagement) with a torque wrench (for final torque application) in a single, remotely operated machine. This means one device replaces both the spinning wrench and the tong operations of a manual crew, delivering a complete, automated connection cycle in a single pass.
What pipe sizes does the STG30C handle?
The STG30C handles tubulars from 3-1/2 inches (88.9 mm) to 9 inches (228.6 mm) OD, covering drill pipe (3-1/2″, 4″, 4-1/2″, 5″, 5-1/2″), heavyweight drill pipe (HWDP), and drill collars up to 9″ OD used in typical onshore and platform drilling programs. For larger drill collar or casing sizes, CAMTOP offers larger STG model variants — please enquire.
What is the maximum make-up torque and how is it controlled?
The STG30C delivers a maximum make-up torque of 30,000 N·m (22,124 ft·lbf) and a break-out torque of 40,000 N·m. Torque is continuously variable and pre-set by the operator at the control console. The machine automatically applies torque and shuts off upon reaching the target value, providing ±3–5% torque accuracy and an electronic torque log for each connection.
Is the STG30C certified for use in hazardous (explosive) atmospheres?
Yes. The STG30C carries an ExdIIBT4 explosion-proof rating and an IP65 ingress protection rating, qualifying it for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified hazardous areas on onshore drilling rigs. For offshore or more stringent ATEX / IECEx classified environments, contact CAMTOP to discuss certified variants and documentation packages.
Does the STG30C support sour service (H₂S) environments?
The standard STG30C is designed for sweet-service and general oilfield environments. For operations in H₂S-containing environments, CAMTOP can supply versions with NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 compliant materials and elastomers. Please specify sour-service requirements at the quotation stage.
What after-sales support does CAMTOP Shanghai provide?
CAMTOP provides a comprehensive after-sales program including: site commissioning and startup assistance; operator training (on-site or remote); a full IOM manual and hydraulic schematics; OEM spare parts (seal kits, jaw inserts, motor assemblies) held in stock for rapid dispatch; and ongoing remote technical support via email and video call. Contact service@camtop-machinery.com for support requests.