We know that every job requires something a little bit different as far as drilling tools go. With the creation of Reverse Circulation dating back 100 years ago, it is a newer form of drilling that many drillers have found to like. It is even required for many jobs in urban areas or other places where it is necessary for a more controlled way to exhaust cuttings or when there are sensitive borehole conditions. Many of our dual rotary drilling customers use RC, and they are having great successes! 

That leaves us with the question, is one better than the other when you get the opportunity to choose?  

When working in construction and thinking about drilling for foundation, oftentimes we use Reverse Circulation due to the heavily regulated areas that construction is being done in. In Foundation and Construction Drilling,  RC systems are also able to be used in partnership with other technologies. Holte’s Grout Through Technology for secant walls is a common technology to use in tandem with RC systems.  

Both Conventional Drilling and Reverse Circulation Drilling are used in the Water Well Industry. Conventional is used more often for most wells. If a well is large (16 inches or more) or has some unconventional requirements, a RC system may be useful to help speed up your project. RC is also great for unstable ground conditions, where blowing rocks up the hole might cause it to cave in. 

When exploring something new, you may want to be able to examine your cuttings that are coming from the hole you are drilling. Reverse Circulation Drilling is a great option to investigate the cuttings because you can control where they are discharged. When paired with a cyclone, silt sifter, or an archeologist, discharge can be reused or explored! 

At the end of the day, the choice between Conventional Drilling and Reverse Circulation Drilling is a drillers’ preference. There are pros and cons for each system that may differ from job to job, industry to industry, and many other varying factors. Some industries may need a certain system due to the nature of the job but both systems can usually be used for most jobs. Take a look at our guide to help determine when it is time to switch to RC Drilling based on air and hole size.  

Many drillers may like to use both types of drilling for various jobs or they may have tools for conventional drilling but need a reverse circulation system for one job. This is where a cuttings interchange and a Reverse Circulation air inlet, Kelly Reverse Circulation Conversion, or an interchange coupled with a thrust bearing may come in handy. 

Conventional drilling will never be phased out, but Reverse Circulation is a great alternative option for many situations. With all of the options now available for RC as well as its perks when it comes to drilling in specific industries, it looks like Reverse Circulation may be the best option to overcome the changes facing the drilling industry.