Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling
Delivering fast, reliable sample data you can act on, combining decades of WA expertise with advanced RC drilling technology to support efficient exploration and resource definition.
What is RC Drilling?
At Wallis Drilling, Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling is a highly effective method for collecting rock chip samples from beneath the surface, widely used in mineral exploration and grade control programs. This technique uses a large rotary drill and high-powered air compressor, with a dual-walled drill pipe system that drives cuttings up through the inner tube to the surface, delivering consistent and uncontaminated samples.
RC drilling is valued for its speed, cost-efficiency, and ability to produce high-quality, representative samples across a range of ground conditions. It plays a critical role in early-stage exploration and resource delineation, providing the data needed to guide drilling decisions and optimise project outcomes.
Specifications
1260cfm/500psi compressor, 21,500kg pullback, 11000 Nm rotation torque.
Rig Carrier
MAN TGS 8×8
Features
- Autonomous Drilling Modes / Automatic Rod Loading & Tripping / Auto Rig Up-Down
- Wallis Auto-Sampler (up to 12 samples – duplicates & chip, waste sample by-pass)
- Hydraulic Rod Clamps with Upper & Lower Rod Guides
- Hands-free Bit Change and Accessory Handling
- Rod/Tool Handling Boom 500kg WLL with integral Logging Winch
- Wallis Sample System mounted via Leveling Arm with Rotation
- Fire Suppression System Wallis M500 Rod Handler (Rig or external storage, auto and manual modes)
- Acoustic Enclosure for Engine and Compressor
- Sample Hose, Angle Drill 50-90 deg
Specifications
1260cfm/500psi compressor, 12,500kgf Pullback, 7500Nm Rotation torque
Rig Carrier
Man 6×6
Support Trucks:
- MAN 6×6 – Water, Mud tank and mixing, tooling and spares
- MAN 4×4 Dual Cab – Crew, Fuel, Water, Access platform and Tools
Features
- Wireless remote operation
- Acoustic enclosure
- Dual breakout system
- Fire Suppression
- Electronic compressor control system, operator control over compressor pressure and volume
- Automated rod handling, rig up/down, semi-automated drilling
- Programable isolation system
Specifications
1350cfm/500psi compressor, 27,000kgf Pullback, 11,000Nm Rotation torque
Rig Carrier
Man 8×8
Support Trucks:
- MAN 8×8 – Rods, water, tooling and spares
- MAN 4×4 – Water truck and mud mixing
- MAN 4×4 Dual Cab – Crew, Fuel, Water, Access platform and Tools
- MAN 8×8 – Aux compressor and Booster package when required
Features
- Dual breakout system
- Acoustic enclosure
- Rod restraint system
- Fire Suppression system
- Programable isolation system
- Sandvik DA554 rod loader with radio remote
Specifications
1350cfm/500psi compressor, 950psi booster, 12,500kgf Pullback, 7,500Nm Rotation Torque
Rig Carrier
Caterpillar 330 Tracks (2 speed)
Support Trucks:
As required by project
Features
- Automatic Wallis rod loader
- Dual breakout system
- Acoustic enclosure
- Fire suppression system
- Enclosed drill action
- Wireless remote control (Tramming)
- Autonomous drilling capability
Specifications
1260cfm/500psi compressor, 21,500kg pullback, 11000 Nm rotation torque.
Rig Carrier
MAN TGS 8×8
Features
- Autonomous Drilling Modes / Automatic Rod Loading & Tripping / Auto Rig Up-Down
- Wallis Auto-Sampler (up to 12 samples – duplicates & chip, waste sample by-pass)
- Hydraulic Rod Clamps with Upper & Lower Rod Guides
- Hands-free Bit Change and Accessory Handling
- Rod/Tool Handling Boom 500kg WLL with integral Logging Winch
- Wallis Sample System mounted via Leveling Arm with Rotation
- Fire Suppression System Wallis M500 Rod Handler (Rig or external storage, auto and manual modes)
- Acoustic Enclosure for Engine and Compressor
- Sample Hose, Angle Drill 50-90 deg
Specifications
1260cfm/500psi compressor, 12,500kgf Pullback, 7500Nm Rotation torque
Rig Carrier
Man 6×6
Support Trucks:
- MAN 6×6 – Water, Mud tank and mixing, tooling and spares
- MAN 4×4 Dual Cab – Crew, Fuel, Water, Access platform and Tools
Features
- Wireless remote operation
- Acoustic enclosure
- Dual breakout system
- Fire Suppression
- Electronic compressor control system, operator control over compressor pressure and volume
- Automated rod handling, rig up/down, semi-automated drilling
- Programable isolation system
Specifications
1350cfm/500psi compressor, 27,000kgf Pullback, 11,000Nm Rotation torque
Rig Carrier
Man 8×8
Support Trucks:
- MAN 8×8 – Rods, water, tooling and spares
- MAN 4×4 – Water truck and mud mixing
- MAN 4×4 Dual Cab – Crew, Fuel, Water, Access platform and Tools
- MAN 8×8 – Aux compressor and Booster package when required
Features
- Dual breakout system
- Acoustic enclosure
- Rod restraint system
- Fire Suppression system
- Programable isolation system
- Sandvik DA554 rod loader with radio remote
Specifications
1350cfm/500psi compressor, 950psi booster, 12,500kgf Pullback, 7,500Nm Rotation Torque
Rig Carrier
Caterpillar 330 Tracks (2 speed)
Support Trucks:
As required by project
Features
- Automatic Wallis rod loader
- Dual breakout system
- Acoustic enclosure
- Fire suppression system
- Enclosed drill action
- Wireless remote control (Tramming)
- Autonomous drilling capability
Benefits
Fast and efficient sample collection
Ideal for collecting rock samples quickly and efficiently using a large rotary drill and air compressor.
High-speed drilling performance
Rapid penetration rates allow large areas to be covered in shorter timeframes, supporting accelerated exploration programs
Cost-effective per metre
The high speed and lower cost per metre make RC drilling an excellent choice for early-phase mineral exploration.
Reliable sample quality
The reverse circulation process minimises contamination, delivering consistent and representative samples.
Versatile across ground conditions
Capable of handling a wide range of formations, from soft soils to hard rock environments.
Got an upcoming project?
Contact us today - and lets introduce you to the Wallis RC Drilling service today
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