The Intermediate Depth Logging Winch (IDLW) is a Mount Sopris logging hoist that has been modified for polar field use. The winch is capable of logging boreholes 1750 meters deep, can operate at temperatures as low as -45 degrees C, and is transportable by Twin Otter. The winch allows full-range speed control down to a complete stop, and can maintain a uniform logging speed as low as 2.5 cm/s. The winch includes a digital depth measuring system using a bi-directional counter with a precision of 1 cm or better, and a cable-tension measuring system and a motor cut-out in the event of over-tension. The winch allows for automatic re-spooling of the cable via a level-wind system. The cable is a Teflon-coated standard four-conductor logging cable headed with a standard 1-inch outer-diameter Gearhart-Owen variant. The winch has a broadband slip-ring connector enabling it to transmit both analog and high speed digital signals from DC to ~10 MHz. The winch has an aluminum ramp system for loading/unloading from a Twin Otter.
The IDLW has been used several times for logging the SPICEcore borehole at South Pole, and IDP engineers have implemented several user-recommended upgrades since those deployments. In 2023, a spare motor for the IDLW was purchased, received and wired.
A casing-mounted logging tower is available for use with the Deep Logging Winch.
Equipment Details
Name | Intermediate Depth Logging Winch |
---|---|
Type |
Type
Logging
|
Number in Inventory |
Number in Inventory
1
|
Max. Practical Depth |
Max. Practical Depth
1750 m
|
IDP Driller Required? |
IDP Driller Required?
Yes (usually)
|
Power Requirements/Source |
Power Requirements/Source
120 V, 3.5 kW generator
|
Helicopter Transportable? |
Helicopter Transportable?
Yes
|
Light Aircraft Transportable? |
Light Aircraft Transportable?
Yes
|
Shipping Weight |
Shipping Weight
Winch crate is 900 lbs |
Shipping Volume (Cube) |
Shipping Cube
Winch crate is 57" x 42" x 35" |
Comments |
Documents
Citation | Year |
---|---|
NSF Ice Drilling Program (2021) Intermediate Depth Logging Winch Operations and Maintenance Manual. 1-17. | 2021 |
IDDO (2017) Logging Tool Testing: An Informational Guide - Logging Tool Equipment Testing at IDDO. 1-13. | 2017 |
Ryan Bay, Gary D Clow, Robert Hawley, Erin Pettit, Ed Waddington, Atsu Muto, IDPO (2011) Intermediate Depth Logging Winch - Science Requirements. 1-3. | 2011 |
Project History
2019-2020 Antarctic - RAID Antarctic Field Trial (AFT) 3 |
2019-2020 Antarctic - Radio and Optical Measurements of Glacial Ice Properties Using the SPICEcore Borehole |
2018-2019 Antarctic - Radio and Optical Measurements of Glacial Ice Properties Using the SPICEcore Borehole |
2017-2018 Antarctic - Radio and Optical Measurements of Glacial Ice Properties Using the SPICEcore Borehole |
2016-2017 Antarctic - Laser Dust Logging of South Pole Ice Core Borehole |
2016-2017 Antarctic - RAID Minna Bluff Antarctic Field Trial |
2013-2014 Antarctic - Optical Fabric and Fiber Logging of Glacial Ice |
Weights and dimensions above do not include a generator or fuel