Instruments and Methods: A Simple Thermal Ice Drill

Abstract A thermal ice drill using a silicon carbide electrical resistance element has been developed. The silicon carbide element is operated bare in water, permitting a very simple and efficient drill design. Maximum operating power density in these elements is limited to 400 W./cm. 3 by the tende...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Author: LaChapelle, E.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1963
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002214300002815x
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S002214300002815X
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Summary:Abstract A thermal ice drill using a silicon carbide electrical resistance element has been developed. The silicon carbide element is operated bare in water, permitting a very simple and efficient drill design. Maximum operating power density in these elements is limited to 400 W./cm. 3 by the tendency of wet silicon carbide to deteriorate rapidly at high current levels. The elements are readily replaceable and have a drilling life of 40 to 70 m. of hole. Normal drilling rates in ice of 5 to 6 m./hr. can be consistently maintained with 220 W. power input to the drill.