Automatic Olivier Coupler

The Automatic Olivier Coupler is an innovative and patented coupling system for rotary drives that makes coupling and uncoupling drill pipes faster, safer and more ergonomic. The system reduces downtime, improves on-site safety and is fully compatible with all existing Olivier couplers.

Automatic coupling of drill pipes

The Automatic Olivier Coupler is mounted directly beneath the rotary drive and allows drill pipes to be coupled and uncoupled within seconds. As a result, operators no longer need to manually lock or unlock the coupling with plugs at height, improving safety while significantly reducing assembly and dismantling time.

Thanks to the patented automatic locking mechanism, the male and female couplers are fully inserted into each other. By subsequently rotating the rotary drive, the coupling locks automatically and drilling can continue immediately. ‘Click and Drill’ Depending on the version, uncoupling is performed either manually with the semi-automatic coupler or fully automatically with the hydraulic automatic coupler.

The system is suitable for full displacement drilling systems with pipe diameters ranging from 133mm (5” ¼) to 914mm (36”) transmits the maximum drilling torque in both directions of rotation and is fully compatible with all existing Olivier couplers.

Semi-automatic Olivier Coupler

The Semi-automatic Olivier Coupler operates entirely mechanically. The patented mechanism automatically locks the coupling during connection. Uncoupling is performed manually by turning the handles. This significantly reduces coupling time and operator effort while ensuring reliable transmission of high torque and tensile forces.

This version is particularly suitable for closed concrete systems, for example in combination with a double head rotary drive (VDW).

Once the drill pipe has reached the required depth, the coupling can be uncoupled within seconds, allowing a complete reinforcement cage to be inserted through the drill pipe. The coupling is then reconnected so that drilling operations can continue immediately. As a result, the Automatic Olivier Coupler makes it possible to install a full reinforcement cage through the drill pipe despite the closed upper section of a double head rotary drive (VDW).

Hydraulic Automatic Olivier Coupler

For applications where all operations must be carried out entirely from the operator’s cabin, Olivier has also developed a Hydraulic Automatic Coupler. This version offers the same advantages as the semi-automatic version but is fully hydraulically operated and requires no manual intervention during uncoupling.

Applications

The possibilities of the Automatic Olivier Coupler extend far beyond its current applications. Do you have a drilling or foundation application where drill pipes need to be coupled and uncoupled frequently? Contact us and together we will evaluate how this technology can be adapted to your machine or process.

Patented Technology

The Automatic Olivier Coupler is an in-house development by Olivier and is protected by an international patent family. The patented locking mechanism combines automatic coupling and uncoupling with the safe transmission of high torque and tensile forces, without compromising reliability or ease of use.

Protected by the international patent family WO2025032500, including granted and pending national and regional patents worldwide.