Reverse Circulation (RC) – RC drilling is the most popular method undertaken by our customers and is typically drilled to depths of up to 400 metres.
RC drilling produces a hole size Ø 140mm and is generally faster than diamond core drilling and generally produces better samples than rotary air blast (RAB) drilling. Reverse Circulation (RC) is more expensive than RAB and Air-core drilling but less expensive than Core (DD) drilling.
Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling produces rock chips rather than a Core sample. The RC method produces sample from depth by pulverizing rock with compressed air and a percussive hammer and returns it to surface through an inner tube and collects it through a cyclone then into a sample bag.
Reverse Circulation (RC) is often used in conjunction with a multi-purpose rig to drill RC pre-collars with Core tails. This method is used extensively for exploration and resource drilling.