The Canadian Rufli-Rand Electro-mechanical Core Drill and Reaming Devices

An electro-mechanical ice core drill of medium depth capability, was built in Ottawa in 1980. The design is based on principles established by Rufli et. al. (1976) and Rand (1976). New to the design however, is a geodesic dome structure which serves both as a structural unit to support the central fixed tower and to provide shelter for the drill crew. The whole unit can be packed in shipping crates weighing a total of 760 Kg, and by suitable dis-assembling, may be fitted into a Helio-Courier (STOL) aircraft in about five loads, including the generator.

The ice core is about 96-100 mm in diameter, depending on the cutter setting, and averages about 1 m in length.

The drum has 270 m of cable with a tensile strength of 4200 Kg. The deepest holes to date are 103 m, in ice at -29 degrees C, (Mt. Logan, 5340 m altitude) and 202.4 m in ice at -51 degrees C, (South Pole, 3100 m altitude).

Currently being constructed, is an electro-thermal drill unit which will connect directly into the electro-mechanical cable termination. This design, (Zotikov, 1979) is based on the Soviet ETB-3 drill. The diameter of this drill is compatible with the hole drilled by the mechanical drill and similar sized cores will be produced. An anti-freeze fluid would be used below the firn/ice transition.