Sepp on the scaffold cutting snow blocks from the ceiling with a chain saw.
July 3, 2023
Sepp on the scaffold cutting snow blocks from the ceiling with a chain saw.
The day started with a very short 17 cm ice core. But with a strange behavior of the motor. On the surface the ice core was recovered and it looked like a very normal ice core. Also, the drill looked OK – so a second run was started. After drilling 15 cm a strange behavior was observed with jumping drill current. On the surface we again had a short ice core but could see from the break that the bottom part of the ice core still was at the bottom. Also, the step cutters on the drill where damaged. No sign of refrozen water on drill or ice core. Taking the drill apart it was observed that the pin connecting the motor to the rotating shaft was gone and the shaft deformed. The two pin parts were missing. So, are we drilling on rock (stone or bedrock) or are the pins at the bottom causing trouble?? No liquid level change has been observed. A very technical story today – but this is needed to explain what has happened. We decided to add 1 kg frozen glycol intended to fall to the bottom and melt ice cuttings and maybe also the stump of the ice core left attached to the bed. This is preparation to lowering the borehole camera down tomorrow.
What we did today:
Ad 3: The front door is sagging and needs better support so first step is to dig the snow away. Meg and Jinhwa did a great job.
Ad 4: Sepp is really going for the hanging snow in the entrance. Loads after loads of snow blocks cut with a chain saw are produced and removed with the help of Nan.
Ad 5: Two PistenBullies where active operated by Sverrir and Martin. The camp and the first row of winterhills were levelled out.
Weather today: A sunny day with ground fog until the afternoon. Wind between 0 and 8 kt from 240T, temperatures between -15°C and -4°C.
FL, Dorthe Dahl-Jensen
Close up on one of the three step cutters on the drill head. The very damaged cutting edge can be seen.