Working Principle of Mining RC Core Drilling Rig
The Reverse Circulation (RC) Core Drilling Rig System is designed for efficient, continuous, and high-quality sample recovery in mineral exploration. Its core principle is based on a closed-loop, dual-wall drill pipe system that separates the cutting medium from the sample stream, ensuring uncontaminated and representative core samples.
Dual-Wall Drill String: The system uses concentric drill pipes: an outer pipe and an inner tube. The annulus between them serves as the downward passage for the drilling fluid (typically compressed air or a combination of air and foam), while the inner tube acts as the upward passage for the cuttings and core samples.
Reverse Circulation Flow: The drilling fluid (air) is forced down the annulus between the outer and inner pipes. At the bottom of the hole, it enters the hollow-face RC hammer or bit, which pulverizes the rock.
Sample Recovery: The kinetic energy of the air, combined with a high-velocity upward flow, immediately captures the rock cuttings and small-diameter core pieces. This sample-laden air stream is then evacuated up the inner tube at high speed (typically 15-25 m/s).
Separation & Collection: The high-velocity air and sample mixture reaches the surface and passes through a large-diameter cyclone or a sample collection system. Here, the kinetic energy is reduced, causing the rock chips and dust to fall into a sample bag or splitter. The air is then filtered and released or recirculated.
Key Advantage: This method creates a near-continuous and uncontaminated sample column. Since the sample travels up a sealed inner tube, it is protected from mixing with material from the upper walls of the borehole (caving contamination), providing highly accurate grade control for mineral resource estimation.
Construction/Drilling Process Flow
The operational sequence for a mining RC coring project follows a systematic and efficient workflow:
Phase 1: Site Preparation & Rig Setup
Clear and level the drill pad.
Position the RC drill rig and support equipment (air compressor, boosters, sample system).
Connect all hoses (air, water) and power sources. Assemble the initial dual-wall drill string with the RC hammer/bit.
Phase 2: Drilling & Continuous Sampling
Commence Drilling: The top drive rotates the drill string while the hammer is activated by high-pressure air.
Sample Collection: Drilling proceeds in standard rod lengths (e.g., 6m or 9m). At the end of each rod, drilling pauses.
Sample Retrieval: The sample from the completed rod length is blown through the cyclone into sample bags. Bags are labeled with depth intervals (e.g., 0-6m, 6-12m).
Process Continuation: A new rod is added to the string, and drilling resumes. This process repeats continuously, providing real-time, depth-specific geological data.
Phase 3: Core Drilling Integration (Optional but Common)
For sections requiring intact core for detailed geology and metallurgy, the system can be adapted.
The RC hammer is retrieved, and a wireline core barrel system is deployed through the dual-wall string.
A conventional diamond-tipped core barrel is lowered and used to cut a solid core. After retrieval, RC drilling can resume immediately.
Phase 4: Completion & Demobilization
Upon reaching target depth, the drill string is tripped out of the hole.
The hole is typically sealed or grouted according to environmental and safety regulations.
Equipment is disassembled, cleaned, and prepared for transport to the next site.
Phase 5: Sample Handling & Data Management
Sample bags are logged, weighed, and prepared for dispatch to the laboratory.
Down-the-hole (DTH) geology is recorded in real-time by a geologist observing the cuttings, enabling immediate on-site decisions.
Summary
Mining RC core drilling combines the speed and cost-effectiveness of reverse circulation with the sample quality of coring. Its principle of isolated upward sample transport and its adaptable process flow make it the dominant method for rapid, reliable grade control and resource definition in modern mineral exploration.
Product Description
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Drilling capacity
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Drilling depth(m)
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500
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The hole diameter(mm)
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140-400
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Drill pipe diameter(mm)
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76/89/102/114
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Drill pipe length(m)
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1.5/2/3
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Axial pressure(kN)
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100
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Drive head
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Rotation torque(N.m)
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8000-12000
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Rotation speed(rpm)
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40-160
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Stroke(m)
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1.7-3.5
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Rig lifting force(kN)
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300
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Feeding capacity(kN)
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150
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Rapid rise speed(m/min)
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20
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Fast feeding speed(m/min)
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40
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Power Unit
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Rated power/speed(kW/rpm)
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132/2400
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Tool winch capacity
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Lifting force(kN)
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20
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Air compressor
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Air pressure(MPA)
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1.7-3.5
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Air consumption(m³/min)
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17-42
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Equipped with hammer(Reverse circulation)
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Medium and high pressure series
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Crawler chassis
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Walking speed(km/h)
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2.5
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Climbing angle(°)
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30
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Dimension
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Transport(mm)
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6450*2100*2700
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Working(mm)
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4500*4000*7000
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Weight
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Weight(t)
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12
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This is just a part of the overseas clients who came to our company to negotiate cooperation, sign contracts and take photos.
We welcome more overseas clients to come to our company for negotiation and cooperation.
Company Profile
Quzhou Sanrock Heavy Industry Machinery Co.,Ltd is founded in 2017, fastly develop as a key enterprise in the industry of mine field, geological exploration, water well field and engineering construction field, with the ability to research, manufacture and market.
Sanrock products now cover more than 10 species such as:
Mining Drilling Rig Engineering Drilling Rig
Underground Drilling Rig Solar Pile Drilling Rig
Water Well Drilling Rig Rotary Drilling Rig
Core Drilling Rig Air Compressor
We have many year experience in these fields to offer various solutions, with ISO 9001 and CE certificate to guarantee our quality control. We also have excellent engineer and sale teams to serve different customers' demand.
We also offer comprehensive after-sales service support, including on-site installation guidance, operation training and regular maintenance services, to ensure that customers have no worries during the use of the equipment.
We Sanrock here wish to hand in hand with our customers,create better future!
This is just a part of the overseas clients who came to our company to negotiate cooperation, sign contracts and take photos.
We welcome more overseas clients to come to our company for negotiation and cooperation.
1.What can you buy from us?
DTH drilling rig,Integrated DTH DTH drilling rig ,core drilling rig,highway pile driver,solar pile driver ,anchor pile driver,rotary drill rig ,Top Hammer drill rig,Underground jumbo drill rig ,DTH hammer,drill rod,screw air compressor,water well drilling rig,truck mounted water well drilling rig,screw air compressor,piston air compressor,pneumatic rock drill ,drill bit,tricone bit ,spare parts.
2.Do you provide design drawing and customization services for complete machines and drilling tools?
Please provide your technical specifications or project background details, and we are ready to develop a customized proposal based on your requirements.
This includes 2D and 3D design drawings , delivered in various formats including DWG, PDF, STEP, and IGES.
Our engineering team specializes in developing tailored solutions that meet your specific operational requirements, geological conditions, and performance objectives.
3.How is the shipment? How long dose it take?
A: For large quantity or heavy products, we ship by sea shipping or land shipping. Shipping efficiency depends on country and city you want to ship to. For small and delicate products, we ship by DHL, UPS, Fedex or TNT. You can also appoint shipping method you like before we ship.
4.How is your quality control? A: We have our own experienced QC. There will be strict inspection and testing for every order before shipping out.
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