
Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig
The WR600RC-CS3 is a 600 m class crawler reverse circulation drill rig designed for mid-deep mineral exploration and large-volume on-site sampling. Based on the WR600RC deep-hole platform, it adds a three-in-one cyclone sampling system that directly links cuttings return, cyclone separation, sample splitting, and sample bagging, making it more suitable for exploration projects requiring continuous drilling, continuous sample return, and extensive sample numbering management.
The three-in-one sampling system integrates cyclone separation, representative sample splitting, and sample collection into a continuous process. After cuttings return to the surface through the inner tube of dual-wall drill pipes, they directly enter the cyclone system for gas-solid separation, then proceed to splitting and bagging. This reduces manual sample handling and secondary transfer, making it particularly suitable for mineral exploration projects with large daily sampling volumes.
As hole depth increases, the cuttings return distance becomes longer, and air volume loss, drill pipe sealing, and in-hole air leakage have a more significant impact on sample recovery. The WR600RC-CS3 recommends a working air pressure of 1.6–6 MPa and air consumption of 16–75 m³/min. The purpose is not only to drive the RC hammer but also to ensure that cuttings can continuously return through the inner tube to the cyclone sampling system.
RC drilling obtains cuttings samples, not complete cores. On site, fixed sampling intervals can be set according to project requirements, such as collecting one bag of sample every 1 m or every 2 m, while simultaneously recording the drill hole number, start and end depths, and sample number. The three-in-one sampling system allows drilling, sample return, splitting, and bagging to be more closely coordinated.
In gold exploration, shallow geological and geochemical anomalies often require deeper drilling to confirm whether they extend downward. The 600 m drilling depth of the WR600RC-CS3 can cover deeper structural zones, alteration zones, and mineralized layers, making it suitable for quickly determining the continuity of deep mineralization, peripheral targets, and potential ore body boundaries.
Copper, iron, lithium, and polymetallic projects often require multiple verification holes arranged over a large area. The RC method can quickly obtain a large number of cuttings samples, and assay results can be used to screen key deep targets. For key anomalies, core drilling rigs can then be used for continuous coring, forming a combined exploration plan of "RC rapid screening + core fine verification."
The three-in-one system improves sampling process efficiency, but sample management must still be strict. Each sample bag should be labeled with the drill hole number, sample number, start and end depths, date, and shift, and on-site records must be consistent with the sample bags. If the project implements a QA/QC system, duplicate samples, standard samples, and blank samples should also be set up as required.
If residual cuttings between different mineralized sections are not cleaned in time, the risk of sample contamination increases. Each time drilling stops, the hole is changed, or a new key sampling interval is entered, the interior of the cyclone, splitter, and sample return hose should be checked for residue to prevent samples from the previous depth from mixing into the next sampling section.
Maximum drilling depth is 600 m, and hole diameter is 105–450 mm. This range not only meets most mid-deep mineral exploration holes but can also handle some large-diameter water wells and mine dewatering projects. Actual drilling depth will vary with hole diameter, dual-wall drill pipe weight, air compressor capacity, and formation conditions.
The equipment supports 45° and 90° working angles. For inclined veins, fault-controlled ore bodies, and specific targets, 45° inclined holes can be used to improve the effectiveness of intersecting the target body; for vertical overburden surveys and general deep water wells, 90° construction can be used. The hole angle should be based on the geological design.
Dual-wall RC drill pipes have a more complex structure than ordinary single-wall drill pipes, and the weight and friction of the entire string are higher at deep depths. The 29 T lifting force can be used for normal tripping, RC hammer recovery, and some casing operations. If stuck pipes or abnormal pulling resistance occur, they should be handled by first judging through hole cleaning and in-hole conditions.
Maximum rotary torque is 12000 / 6000 N·m, corresponding to rotary speeds of 75 / 150 r/min. Low speed and high torque are more suitable for large-diameter, high-resistance, and hard rock sections; higher speeds are suitable for stable formations with lighter loads. On-site adjustments should be made dynamically based on sample return conditions and drilling tool loads.
In 600 m RC holes, the air compressor must not only provide impact energy but also transport cuttings from the hole bottom to the surface. The recommended air consumption reaches 16–75 m³/min. If air volume is insufficient, common manifestations include reduced sample return, delayed sample return, and cuttings accumulation at the hole bottom. Therefore, air compressor selection should fully consider hole depth, hole diameter, and altitude.
Granite, limestone, sandstone, and other relatively intact rock formations can use RC hammers or DTH down-the-hole hammers. RC hammers are more suitable for exploration holes requiring continuous samples; ordinary DTH hammers are more suitable for water wells and general boreholes where sample quality is not emphasized. The same machine can switch drilling tools according to project objectives.

Soil layers, clay, sand layers, and gravel layers are prone to hole collapse and may not be suitable for direct high-pressure RC drilling. The equipment supports mud rotary drilling, which can first use mud and casing to stabilize the upper hole section, then switch to RC or DTH processes after entering rock formations, improving hole stability.
Fault fracture zones and large fissures can cause air leakage, and cuttings may remain in the hole and then return in concentrated batches, causing poor correspondence between samples and actual depths. During construction, penetration should be reduced, hole cleaning maintained, and special records made in abnormal sections. If necessary, foam, casing, or other air leakage treatment methods should be used.
The WR600RC-CS3 is not only suitable for mineral exploration but can also be used for agricultural, industrial, and mine deep water wells. Water well projects focus more on hole wall stability, aquifers, and well completion structures, and do not necessarily require the full sampling system. Changing drilling tools and construction procedures according to purpose can improve equipment utilization.

The 600 m class depth and relatively large hole diameter are also suitable for some mine dewatering and groundwater investigation projects. For such projects, well locations, well spacing, well diameter, and pump capacity should be determined based on hydrogeological conditions. The drill rig is only responsible for hole completion and cannot replace a complete dewatering design.
The equipment uses a 132 kW Cummins engine to provide power for rotation, feed, crawler travel, and auxiliary hydraulic systems. RC sites usually also require large air compressors and sampling systems, so fuel supply, equipment layout, and maintenance space should be planned uniformly before starting work.
Travel speed is approximately 3.5 km/h, and the maximum climbing angle is referenced at 21°. The crawler chassis is suitable for gravel roads and generally uneven platforms in mining areas. The overall weight is approximately 12.5 T, so road bearing capacity, slope, and soft ground conditions should be confirmed before relocation.
The outrigger stroke is 1.7 m, which helps level the equipment and provide stable support. When performing 45° inclined holes or high-torque drilling, the force direction on the entire machine is more complex, and outrigger stress and platform stability directly affect hole direction control and operational safety.
The winch lifting force is 2.5 T, which can be used for handling RC hammers, dual-wall drill pipes, sample return hoses, and other auxiliary tools. The sampling area is usually close to the drill rig and cyclone, so during lifting, suspended objects should be kept out of the working range of sampling personnel.
The overall weight is approximately 12.5 T, and the dimensions are approximately 7 × 2.1 × 2.9 m. In addition to the drill rig, the site also needs to accommodate air compressors, cyclone sampling systems, sample bags, and transport vehicles. Therefore, the drilling platform should reserve sufficient area to ensure smooth sample return pipelines and safe personnel access.
Before starting work each day, check the dual-wall drill pipe seals, sample return hoses, cyclone, splitter, engine, hydraulic system, and high-pressure air pipes; continuously observe whether sample return is continuous during construction; and clean the sampling system promptly when changing holes and sampling sections to avoid residual cuttings contaminating subsequent samples.
Due to differences in actual geological conditions, in-hole tools, drilling angles, and operating methods, the final drilling efficiency, drilling depth, sample recovery, and well completion results should be based on on-site conditions.
| Parameter Item | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Basic Parameters | |
| Product Model | WR600RC-CS3 |
| Equipment Type | Crawler Heavy-Duty Reverse Circulation Drill Rig |
| Maximum Drilling Depth | 600 m |
| Hole Diameter | 105–450 mm |
| Working Angle | 45° / 90° |
| Applicable Formations | Soil, sand, gravel, weathered rock, fractured rock, and hard rock |
| Three-in-One Cyclone Sampling System | |
| Integrated Sampling System | Three-in-one cyclone sampler |
| Main Functions | Cyclone separation + sample splitting + sample collection |
| Sample Return Method | Cuttings return directly to the cyclone sampling system through the inner tube of the drill pipe |
| Sample Type | Cuttings sample |
| Sample Collection Method | Depth-numbered sample bags |
| Drill Pipe and Drilling System | |
| Drill Pipe Length | 3 m |
| Recommended RC Drill Pipe Diameter | 102 / 114 mm |
| Lifting Force | 29 T |
| Fast Lifting Speed | 29 m/min |
| Fast Feed Speed | 33 m/min |
| Reference Drilling Efficiency | 10–35 m/h |
| Rotary System | |
| Maximum Rotary Torque | 12000 / 6000 N·m |
| Maximum Rotary Speed | 75 / 150 r/min |
| Pneumatic System Matching | |
| Recommended Working Air Pressure | 1.6–6 MPa |
| Recommended Air Consumption | 16–75 m³/min |
| Compatible Tools | RC hammers, DTH down-the-hole hammers, dual-wall drill pipes, and related pneumatic drilling tools |
| Power System | |
| Engine Brand | Cummins |
| Engine Power | 132 kW |
| Auxiliary System | |
| Winch Lifting Force | 2.5 T |
| Outrigger Stroke | 1.7 m |
| Travel and Overall Parameters | |
| Travel Speed | 3.5 km/h |
| Maximum Climbing Angle | 21° |
| Overall Weight | 12.5 T |
| Dimensions | 7 × 2.1 × 2.9 m |
| Drilling Methods | |
| Reverse Circulation Drilling | Suitable for mineral exploration, geological sampling, and continuous cuttings return |
| DTH Down-the-Hole Hammer Drilling | Suitable for hard rock, water wells, and general mid-deep hole construction |
| Mud Rotary Drilling | Suitable for soil, clay, sand, and other loose formations |
| Typical Applications | |
| Mineral Exploration | Gold, copper, iron, lithium, nickel, and other mineral surveys |
| Geological Sampling | Depth-based collection of RC cuttings samples and on-site splitting |
| Mine Survey | Verification of ore body boundaries, overburden, surrounding rock, and structural changes |
| Deep Water Well Construction | Agricultural, industrial, mining, and general groundwater development |
| Mine Dewatering | Mid-deep dewatering holes in mines and engineering sites |

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