Small Hot Water Drill

The IDP Small Hot Water Drills (SHWD) use hot water to create shallow holes in ice. They are non-coring and are typically used to produce holes 100-200 mm in diameter down to a maximum practical depth of 60 meters. Primary use is for shot holes for seismic work, but they have also been used for access holes through a thin ice shelf. These drills are transportable by light aircraft and helicopter.

Between 2014 and 2016, IDP implemented substantial modifications to the drills, with assistance from UW-Madison Physical Sciences Lab (PSL) personnel. IDP refurbished the heaters, evaluated the hose, specified and procured a new nozzle kit, and tested and verified all modifications prior to shipping the system to Antarctica in fall 2015. Additional modifications and upgrades were made to the drills in late PY 2016, and IDP built up a fully-operational second unit. One of the two systems has a 30 meter depth capability, and the second system has depth capability to 60 meters. All identified maintenance and upgrades were completed in 2016, including implementation of lightweight Siglin sleds and system covers for protection from the elements. Following upgrades to the system and upon review of user feedback, IDP now recommends that a trained IDP operator deploy with each system. The system was tested in West Antarctica by two IDP personnel during the 2022-2023 field season. The system was subsequently used in support of a science project on Thwaites Glacier during the 2023-2024 field season where it was used to drill 32 holes to a depth of 50 meters each.