Stichting Connect International

Rota Sludge drilling is a hand drilling technique. Hand drilling is cheaper and less complex than conventional machine drilling but is limited with regard to the maximum depth it can reach (about 40 m; limited factor is the weight of the drilling pipe to be lifted by the lever operators), and the types of ground layers it can penetrate. Compared to making a hand dug well, drilling of boreholes is less dangerous, can penetrate deeper and is more hygienic. Rota Sludge drilling is named after the rotation of the leverage pipe connected to the drilling pipe which is used to give a 'swing' to the drilling pipe giving it a sudden rotation of about 90 degrees. This makes the drilling bit to rotate and loosen the soil (together with the pressure caused by the downward movement of the steel pipe plus drilling bit) after which the loose soil particles are transported upward due to the moving drilling fluid (sludge) out of the hole. Rota Sludge is suitable for soft soils with a loose structure such as sand and clay and to some extend sand stone. Gravel and stones smaller than 4 centimeters can be lifted when drilling with 2 inch pipes if the stones occur in a loose soil structure.

Mc Perfor drilling is a Rota sludge drilling technique with a small motor attached due to which drilling pipes can be heavier and drilling bits larger. With Mc Perfor therefore boreholes can be drilled that are deeper and/or wider than boreholes drilled with Rota sludge drilling. Also harder soils can be penetrated while the costs are still much lower than conventional machine drilling techniques. See the attached folder for more information and photos.

Movie Rota Sludge well drilling