RC Drilling (Reverse Circulation)

RC Drilling is the most popular method of drilling in the mineral exploration industry as it achieves a better penetration than RAB or Aircore drilling.  The drilling mechanism is a pneumatic reciprocating piston known as a hammer that drives a tungsten-steel drill bit.

RIG 1: RC RIG – T450H SCHRAMM

This rig underwent an extensive ground up rebuild in February 2014. It now boasts onboard compressor and upgraded hydraulics powered by a 770HP Cummins KTTA19.

The compressor is an 1150cfm 500psi Sullair unit. Hydraulics are now over rated for the rig for maximum power and longevity.

The rig features an onboard hydraulically raised and rotatable cyclone and splitter assembly. It can be supplied with a riffle or cone splitter depending on client requirements.

To eliminate manual rod handling and the associated risk of fatigue and injuries, the rig is fitted with a hands free KL Rod Handler.

It is also fitted with air spanners and a hands free breakout unit for added safety.

The support truck for this rig is an 8 x 4 Volvo, with large capacity fuel/water tanks complete with a HIAB crane.

RIG 3: Austex X350 High Performance, Small Footprint RC Rig

This rig was built to Drillwest specifications by Austex Engineering. It was delivered new in May 2014 and incorporates the following features:

* Onboard 8 rod carousel, interchangeable with a KL rod handler

* Onboard compressor 900/350psi

* Onboard booster

* Onboard hydraulically operated cyclone and splitter

* Onboard dust suppression

* Onboard safety access and walkway system

* Hands free hydraulic breakout system

* Safety cage

By combining the best and most important features into a rig mounted on a 6X6 Iveco we have created a truly versatile and agile machine capable of drilling unsupported where required. The small footprint allows access where other, less capable machines would require much more site disturbance.

Holes up to 50 metres deep can be drilled direct from the carousel, allowing shallow repetitive drilling to be achieved with all rod changes controlled by the driller alone.

For deeper programs the carousel can be changed out for a KL rod handler.

The hydraulically extended, raised and rotated cyclone and splitter allows safe, efficient operation to produce clean, reliable samples.

RIG 7: Hydco 1200H

This rig was purchased new in September 2011.

This universal rig has the capability of drilling in either RC or Diamond mode. It has a capacity of 1200m HQ, 1800m NQ and 800m PQ.

RIG 9: Schramm T685WS

Deep RC capability provided by the world proven Schramm 685.

Fitted with 1150/500psi compressor, hands free breakout, air operated spanners, KL hands free rod handler and rotating cyclone and cone splitter.

RIGS 15 and 16: Schramm T685W

Deep RC capability provided by the world proven Schramm 685.

Fitted with 1150/500psi compressor, hands free breakout, air operated spanners, KL hands free rod handler and rotating cyclone and cone splitter.

Drillwest's Rig One Schramm T450H RC Drilling Rig

The Schramm RC Drilling Rig has an onboard, hydraulically operated cyclone and splitter system to ensure sample quality and operator safety.

Drillwest designed high impact, small footprint RC Rig 3.

Rig 3 - Everything is onboard, even a custom made tool kit!

Rig 7 Multipurpose Rig in RC drilling mode

Rig 9 Schramm T685WS