A reverse circulation drilling rig moves rock cuttings out through the pipe instead of the annulus. This smart flow path cuts cycle time and keeps a deep hole clean. It suits water wells, geothermal bores, and mineral exploration. YG Machinery builds five sizes from YGL-400 to YGL-1200 for real site needs. Maximum drilling depth climbs from 400 to 1200 meters across the range. Each unit combines a top-drive rotary feed with a high-pressure hammer option. The result is steady penetration in loose strata and hard bedrock alike. Crews value it for dependable output across a full workday.
| Model | YGL-400 | YGL-500 | YGL-600 | YGL-800 | YGL-1200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max drilling depth (m) | 400 | 500 | 600 | 800 | 1200 |
| Hole diameter (mm) | 105-305 | 105-400 | 105-450 | 105-550 | 105-800 |
| Working air pressure (MPa) | 1.2-3.5 | 1.6-6 | 1.6-6 | 1.6-8 | 1.6-8 |
| Air consumption (m³/min) | 16-55 | 16-55 | 16-75 | 16-96 | 16-96 |
| Drill rod length (m) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Drill rod diameter (mm) | 89/102 | 102/114 | 102/114 | 114/127 | 127/146 |
| Axial force (T) | 6 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 13 |
| Lifting force (T) | 22 | 25 | 29 | 47 | 57 |
| Fast hoisting speed (m/min) | 20 | 23 | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Fast advancing speed (m/min) | 32 | 33 | 33 | 42 | 44 |
| Max rotation torque (Nm) | 8000/4000 | 10000/5000 | 12000/6000 | 18000/9000 | 24000/12000 |
| Max rotation speed (r/min) | 75/150 | 75/150 | 75/150 | 70/140 | 86/172 |
| Auxiliary winch force (T) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Outrigger stroke (m) | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Penetration rate (m/h) | 10-35 | 10-35 | 10-35 | 10-35 | 10-35 |
| Travel speed (km/h) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 6.4 |
| Gradeability | 21° | 21° | 21° | 21° | 21° |
| Machine weight (T) | 11 | 12 | 12.5 | 17 | 23 |
| Overall size (m) | 71.852.86 | 72.12.9 | 72.12.9 | 10.52.253.3 | 11.52.253.4 |
| Engine | Yuchai 92KW | Cummins 132KW | Cummins 132KW | Cummins 194KW | Cummins 264KW |
Applications & Field Cases: Where The RC Drilling Rig Excels
- Water Well Drilling: High air volume clears large-diameter holes quickly in unconsolidated sand and gravel.
- Geothermal Borehole Development: Reaches depths up to 1200 meters with continuous cuttings removal to keep deep holes clean.
- Mineral Exploration & Sampling: Preserves sample purity by returning cuttings directly through the inner pipe without wall contamination.
- Foundation & Civil Engineering: Handles mixed geology using quick switches between rotary feed and DTH hammer modes.
How an RC Drilling Machine Moves Cuttings Faster
Yes, the flow path is what sets this method apart. Compressed air carries ground-up rock up the inner rod. Nothing spills into the open borehole wall. That keeps the casing section stable in loose sand and gravel. The system also wastes less air, which lowers compressor load. A cleaner hole reduces stuck-pipe risk during deep work.
- Continuous cuttings removal: No pause to bail the hole between rod joints.
- Stable borehole wall: Less disturbance means fewer cave-ins in weak ground.
- Lower air demand: More of every cubic meter does useful lifting work.
- Faster rod handling: The top drive adds and removes pipe with ease.
These features combine to lift daily footage in hard projects.
Inside a Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig
This machine is engineered around three working systems. The top-drive rotary head spins the drill string from the surface. It delivers 8000 to 24000 Nm of torque across the models. A hydraulic cylinder pushes down with up to 13 tons of axial force. That thrust keeps the bit biting through changing formations. The frame absorbs heavy shock while holding the drill line true.
The air package feeds the hammer or the rotary bit. Working pressure reaches 6 to 8 MPa on larger units. Fast hoisting speed climbs to 30 meters per minute. Outriggers level the rig for a stable drill line. The result is a compact, powerful unit that moves well on site. Servicing follows a clean, simple layout that cuts daily check time. Long-lived components hold up under heavy, repeated use.
RC Drilling vs DTH Drilling: Which Wins on Big Wells?
For production-scale wells, reverse circulation usually wins on speed. It clears a 300-millimeter hole far faster than a DTH-only pass. The two methods can also be combined in one job. This rig switches between top-drive rotary and down-the-hole hammer modes. Operators choose hammer for hard rock and rotary for soft ground. That flexibility keeps penetration steady across mixed geology.
- RC mode: Best for big-diameter holes in soft and mixed strata.
- DTH mode: Strong for crushing hard, consolidated rock.
- Mixed use: Change modes without changing the rig or crew.
This adaptive design is why contractors trust it for tough schedules. A single RC drilling machine covers both small test bores and full production wells. That gives owners more value from one capital purchase. The flexible method also reduces the need for a second rig on site.
Why a Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig Holds Costs Down
Cost efficiency is paramount in every drilling contract. A reverse circulation drilling rig minimizes operational waste on multiple fronts. It delivers larger hole diameters with significantly lower fuel consumption per meter, reduces costly downtime from bit blockages or stuck pipes, and dramatically shortens overall project timelines—directly lowering labor, equipment rental, and operational overhead.
- Lower fuel per meter: Clean cuttings mean fewer passes to clear the hole.
- Fewer delays: Stable walls reduce washing and re-drilling work.
- Faster finish: More meters per shift brings the job in on budget.
- Simple upkeep: Engineered systems are easy to inspect and maintain.
These savings add up quickly across a multi-well program. Field records show steady gains from the first month of use. When comparing drilling options, RC drilling vs. DTH drilling matters for big holes. Reverse circulation keeps those large-diameter wells on schedule. More reliable days mean fewer idle crews and less owner stress. Consistent output also builds trust with the client on the next contract.
Choosing an RC Drilling Rig for Sale That Fits Your Project
Start the search by matching depth and hole size to the site. A YGL-400 unit suits smaller municipal wells. A YGL-1200 model handles deep geothermal and exploration bores. Weight and road limits also guide the final pick, from 11 to 23 tons. Transport speed matters when crews move between sites often. A higher travel speed cuts total mobilization time. Steady logistics keep the whole worksite on schedule.
Confirm the air package matches the hammer you plan to run. Choose a generator and compressor sized for the largest hole planned. Check spare parts availability before signing any order. A trusted builder provides a clear match for every local condition. YG Machinery reviews your geology and well design before quoting. That keeps the final spec practical and cost-effective. Compare total ownership cost, not just the first invoice. Local service and spare parts change the real lifetime expense.
Find Your Next Reverse Circulation Drilling Rig With YG Machinery
YG Machinery is a proven manufacturer of this equipment line. We support buyers with pre-sale site analysis and honest advice. We help you select the correct model and option package. After delivery, we supply training, spare parts, and technical guidance. Regular service notes keep your unit running at peak output.
Ready to lift your drilling production? Send us your target depth and hole size. Our team will recommend the best-fit reverse circulation drilling rig. Email admin@yugongheavy.com or reach us on WhatsApp at +86 183 3715 2861. Ask for a complete specification and a clear quote today. A dependable RC drilling rig for sale comes with full backup and fast support. We deliver both with every order.
