ROTO-LOC Shatters Expectations in Bensalem Geothermal Project

FE Buehler & Sons Drill 14 Wells in 15 Days Using Center Rock’s ROTO-LOC System

For FE Buehler & Sons, drilling isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy. Since 1910, this fourth-generation company has been trusted to deliver results when it counts. Operating out of Pennsylvania, they’ve been drilling water wells for over a century and are still on the rig every day. So when they say something wows them, we listen.

That moment came in early 2024, during a geothermal drilling project in Bensalem, PA, just northeast of Philadelphia. The job called for 14 individual wells drilled to a total depth of 320 feet. The catch? The geology was tough—really tough.

A Job That Was Supposed to Take Months

FE Buehler & Sons knew the site was going to be a challenge. Advancing casing through fractured formations and unpredictable overburden is always a high-risk operation. They bid the job with a timeline of several months, anticipating the kind of delays typical with this kind of geology.

But before breaking ground, they consulted with their local distributor of Center Rock drilling tools. After evaluating the site conditions and scope, the choice was clear: Center Rock’s 7” ROTO-LOC® Overburden Drilling System paired with a 6” DTH hammer would give them the performance they needed to meet casing advancement head-on.

ROTO-LOC: Built for Geology That Breaks Other Systems

Designed specifically for the world’s toughest overburden, ROTO-LOC is built to do what other systems can’t: keep drilling, keep casing straight, and keep you on schedule.

• No sacrificial ring bits

   

• No expensive casing J-teeth

   

• No broken dreams mid-bore

   

Whether you’re drilling through pinnacle limestone or karst formations, ROTO-LOC is engineered to dominate geology that causes conventional systems to stall, seize, or spiral off-course.

Explore how ROTO-LOC compares to other systems in our Guide to DTH Drill Bits.

How It Works: Engineering That Delivers

The ROTO-LOC system features a rugged shank and pilot configuration. Once lowered through the casing and in contact with the formation, the wings automatically extend and lock into place. From there, the pilot drills a full-diameter borehole that allows casing to advance with minimal resistance.

The long nose of the pilot serves a critical role—guiding the system through sloping formations and maintaining borehole integrity, even under the most uneven ground conditions. That means straighter holes and fewer casing issues.

When the desired depth is reached, a reverse rotation disengages the wings, which retract as the drill string is lifted—leaving the casing securely in place and the crew ready for the next hole.

Results That Speak for Themselves

How well did it work for FE Buehler & Sons? Better than anyone expected.

With ROTO-LOC installed, they didn’t just stay on schedule—they beat it by a landslide. What was slated as a multi-month project wrapped up in just 15 days.

“I have been doing this all my life, and it takes a lot to wow me,” said Russ Buehler, co-owner of the company. “ROTO-LOC did that. We ran 28 feet of casing in 6 minutes. ROTO-LOC made us a lot of money on this job!”

That’s the kind of feedback we build for.

Why ROTO-LOC Pays for Itself—Fast

Besides unbeatable performance, ROTO-LOC is designed to reduce costs across the board:

• No J-teeth required – saving money and time on every install

   

• No sacrificial ring bits – eliminating waste and replacement expenses

   

• Faster penetration rates – dramatically increasing productivity

   

In many cases, the cost savings alone from not using J-teeth or ring bits pays for the ROTO-LOC system over the life of a job. And when you’re drilling multiple wells under pressure, that’s not just smart—that’s critical.

Learn more about our drilling products and systems for overburden conditions.

Available Sizes and Support

ROTO-LOC systems are available in all common casing sizes from 5-1/2” to 36”, with most sizes ready to ship from inventory. Whether you’re taking on a geothermal, oil & gas, utility, or construction project, ROTO-LOC is ready to get the job done.

Ready to Rock? Let’s Talk

If you’re dealing with overburden, unpredictable formations, or casing headaches, ROTO-LOC is the solution. Call Center Rock today to get specs, availability, and technical support from our team of drilling experts.

📞 800-900-9280
🌐 www.centerrock.com