Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig

A Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig is a specialized drilling machine used to collect clean, accurate rock samples. It is widely used in mining and exploration projects where reliable geological data is required. By using reverse air flow, the Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig reduces sample contamination and improves drilling efficiency, helping operators make better decisions in exploration and resource evaluation.

What Is A Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig

Basic Concept Of Reverse Circulation Drilling

A reverse circulation drilling rig uses compressed air to lift rock cuttings from the bottom of the hole through an inner tube inside the drill pipe. The samples are transported directly to the surface without mixing with surrounding materials.

This drilling method focuses on:

• Clean sample delivery
• Stable drilling performance
• Reliable geological data

What Makes Reverse Circulation Drilling Different

Compared with conventional drilling, reverse circulation drilling has clear advantages:

• Samples travel inside sealed pipes
• Less contamination from surrounding layers
• Faster drilling speed in hard formations

Because of these features, reverse circulation drilling is widely used in exploration.

Product Parameters of RC Drilling Rig

The typical parameters of a Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig include:

Model		YG150RC
Drill rig weight(crawler mounted)	kg	9000
Engine Power	kW	125
Length × Width × Height (normal)	mm	6750x2200x2950
Ambient Temperature Range	°C	-10～38
Drill Ability
Nominal Drill Depth	m	150
End-hole Diameter	mm	110-250
Drill angle	°	-10-90
Horizontal hole height	m	1.85-2.8
Drill head output
Max Output Torque	N.m	8000
Output Rotation Speed(continuity)	rpm	30 / 60, 54/108rpm
Output Rotation Speed(interval)	rpm	62 / 124105/210rpm
Feeding	mm	3500
Thrust Force	kN	45
Lifting Capacity	kN	65
Pipe-puller Device Output
Output Rotation Speed	rpm	40
Max Output Torque	N.m	30000
Hole-through Diameter	mm	370
Auxiliary Winch
Pull Force of the First Layer	kN	11
Rope Diameter	mm	14
Rope Capacity	m	60
Engine(Cummins)		6BTA5.9-C125
Power	kW	125
Rotary Speed (Max.)	rpm	2200
Track Chassis Base
Walk Speed	Km/h	1.2
Unit Pressure	MPa	＜0.05
Climb Ability	°	≥20

Exact parameters may vary by model, but these specifications help buyers understand the machine’s application range.

How a Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig Works

Air And Sample Circulation Path In Reverse Circulation Drilling Equipment

In reverse circulation drilling equipment, compressed air flows down between the drill pipe and the hole wall. Rock cuttings are pushed upward through the inner tube of the drill rod.

The process includes:

• Air injection at the drill head
• Cuttings lifted through the inner pipe
• Samples collected by the cyclone system

This reverse flow protects sample quality.

Sample Quality And Contamination Control

Because samples move inside sealed pipes:

• Mixing with the upper layers is reduced
• Sample loss is minimized
• Geological information is more reliable

This is a key reason why RC drilling is preferred in exploration projects.

Applications Of Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig

Mining Exploration With A Mining RC Drilling Machine

A mining RC drilling machine is commonly used in mineral exploration.

It supports:

• Ore body identification
• Grade analysis
• Exploration drilling before mining

Clean samples help geologists make accurate decisions.

Geotechnical Investigation

Reverse circulation drilling is also used in:

• Ground condition analysis
• Engineering foundation investigation
• Pre-construction surveys

The method provides stable and repeatable drilling results.

Resource Evaluation Drilling

In resource evaluation, drilling accuracy is critical. RC drilling helps:

• Define resource boundaries
• Reduce uncertainty
• Support feasibility studies

Typical Project Scenarios And User Needs

Remote Exploration Sites With An RC Exploration Drilling Rig

An RC exploration drilling rig is often used in remote areas where access is limited.

User needs include:

• Reliable operation
• Easy transportation
• Low downtime

Tracked rigs are popular in such environments.

Hard Rock And Mixed Ground Conditions

Reverse circulation drilling performs well in:

• Hard rock formations
• Mixed soil and rock layers
• Abrasive ground conditions

Stable air pressure and strong drilling power are important.

Projects Requiring Fast And Clean Samples

Many projects require quick drilling results.

RC drilling meets this need by:

• Delivering samples fast
• Reducing re-drilling
• Improving work efficiency

Key Product Features Buyers Care About

Drilling Depth And Diameter Of A Reverse Circulation Drill Rig

A reverse circulation drill rig supports different drilling depths and hole diameters.

These factors determine:

• Exploration range
• Suitable drill tools
• Project flexibility

Sample Recovery Efficiency

High sample recovery is a major advantage.

Key points include:

• Continuous sample flow
• Low contamination rate
• Stable recovery performance

Mobility And Site Adaptability

Depending on the terrain, buyers can choose:

• Tracked chassis for rough ground
• Truck-mounted rigs for faster relocation

Good mobility improves project efficiency.

Equipment Configuration Options

Power System And Air Compressor

A reverse circulation drilling rig usually includes:

• Diesel engine
• High-capacity air compressor

A stable air supply is critical for RC drilling performance.

Chassis And Mobility Options

Common configurations include:

• Crawler-mounted rigs
• Truck-mounted systems

The choice depends on site conditions and transport needs.

Drill Rods And Cyclone System

Standard configuration includes:

• Dual-wall drill rods
• Cyclone sample collection system

These components ensure clean and efficient sampling.

Situations Where a Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig Is Not Suitable

Reverse circulation drilling is not ideal in all cases.

It may not be suitable when:

• The ground is very soft clay or loose sand
• Only shallow holes are required
• The project budget is very limited

In such situations, simpler drilling methods may be more cost-effective.

How To Choose The Right Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig

Select Rig Size Based On Project Scale

Buyers should consider:

• Target drilling depth
• Hole diameter requirements
• Ground conditions

Larger projects require more powerful rigs.

Balance Cost And Performance

High performance should match real needs.

Important factors include:

• Initial equipment cost
• Operating efficiency
• Maintenance expense

The best choice is not always the most expensive.

Consider Long-Term Operation

Long-term factors affect total cost:

• Spare parts supply
• Ease of maintenance
• Operator training

These factors should be evaluated before purchase.

Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig Manufacturer – YG Machinery

YG Machinery is an experienced manufacturer of drilling equipment, offering reliable Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig solutions for global mining and exploration projects. With a focus on practical design, stable performance, and export-ready quality control, YG Machinery supports customers with dependable machines and professional technical support.

Still don’t know how to choose? Let our experts help you find the perfect solution.