Intermediate Depth Logging Winch

Description

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
Winch control case is 75 lbs

Shipping Volume (Cube)
Shipping Cube

Winch crate is 57" x 42" x 35"
Winch control case is 39" x 24" x 12"

Comments
Comments

Weights and dimensions above do not include a generator or fuel

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

Photos

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

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