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 nominally 10-cm 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.

Substantial modifications to the drills were made between 2014 and 2016, including refurbishment of the heaters and specification and procurement of new nozzle kits. Additional modifications and upgrades were made to the drills in 2017, 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 a depth capability to 60 meters. Lightweight Siglin sleds and system covers for protection from the elements were implemented. Following upgrades to the system and upon review of user feedback, IDP now recommends that trained IDP operators deploy with each system. The system was tested in West Antarctica by two IDP personnel during the 2022-2023 field season and 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 m each.

Current Status

IDP has two small hot water drills in inventory, one with 30 m and one with 60 m depth capability. In 2024, IDP performed testing of one system in Madison, worked to troubleshoot issues with the heaters/thermostats, and documented the performance of heaters and other equipment. Burner controller mounting was made more secure and burner nozzles and pressure gauges were replaced. The Operations and Maintenance Manual was also updated. The second system returned to Madison in April 2025 after lengthy storage and use in Antarctica. Maintenance is conducted between field seasons as needed.