Design considerations and solutions in rapid-prototyping an ultraviolet reactor for ice borehole disinfection

Title Design considerations and solutions in rapid-prototyping an ultraviolet reactor for ice borehole disinfection
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year
2014
Author(s) Peter W Keen , Mario P Brito
Journal/ Publication
Annals of Glaciology
Volume
55
Issue
65
Pagination
74-82
Abstract

Antarctic subglacial lakes are of great interest to the science community. These systems are considered to be in pristine condition, potentially harbouring an environment containing undisturbed sedimentary sequences and ecosystems adapted to cold oligotrophic environments in the absence of sunlight. Gaining access to subglacial lakes presents major technological challenges. To comply with conventions covering the exploration of pristine Antarctic environments, access should be conducted so the lake is not contaminated in any way. Consequently, all equipment to enter the lake must be sterile and the entrance should isolate the lake from the external environment. Currently, clean access to these environments is achieved using a hot-water drilling system. Differences between the hydraulic pressure head of the lake and the glacial surface result in a section of the borehole being air-filled. It is imperative that this section is disinfected prior to introducing any sampling equipment. This paper describes the design process involved in rapid-prototyping an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection reactor for achieving this goal. Considerations such as UV output, physical constraints, temperature management, and deployment procedures are assessed. We present a design that addresses these considerations.

DOI
10.3189/2014AoG65A006
URL
Categories Hot Water Drilling, Subglacial Access
Citation Peter W Keen , Mario P Brito ( 2014 ) Design considerations and solutions in rapid-prototyping an ultraviolet reactor for ice borehole disinfection. Annals of Glaciology , 55 , 65 , 74-82 . doi: 10.3189/2014AoG65A006
Lead Author
Peter W Keen