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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1998-99: VUWAE 43

FUELS, OILS & LUBRICANTS (FOL)

FUELS, OILS & LUBRICANTS (FOL)

11. No FOL spills were reported to or observed by the Project Manager during the season, either on CR or the sea ice. Day to day fuel handling was the responsibility of two support staff who are experienced and well trained operators. Wherever minor (ie. a few millilitres) oil or hydraulic leaks were observed, mainly at the 'hitching rails', contaminated or suspected contaminated snow was collected and put through the 'separator'. Snow collected in the outside drip trays was also regularly put through the 'separator' as a precaution. Other than minor drips/leaks the season was free from major hydraulic failures.

12. Fuel Storage. Fuel storage on the Project continues to improve each year. At the end of the previous summer secondary containment, in the form of heavy-duty tarpaulins, was added to the two fuel frames on CR. A plywood base had also been added to one fuel frame to improve the containment. The tarpaulins survived the winter intact. This summer the other fuel frame was also upgraded with a plywood base.

13. One of the first tasks of the support team when they arrived at CR was to haul the two laden fuel sledges (about 150 drums total) off the land to minimise any potential for a damaging spill there. Fuel 'farms' (dedicated storage areas) were then set up on the sea ice at the main Camp and the Drill Site Camp. These 'farms' were isolated from buildings and general traffic areas, and wherever possible all refuelling activities were carried out there. The two fuel farms were clearly sign-posted, and fire extinguishers and spill kits kept there. At the CR Camp a separate cache of 24 drums of 'fresh' fuel was stored about 100m from the helicopter pad for emergency refuelling. Nine drums were used. Helicopter crewmen were responsible for their own refuelling operation. No spills at this site were reported or observed.

14. During the summer season all fuel stocks were checked daily for leaks or damage. Special attention was paid to the fuel stored on CR. No leaks or damage were found.

15. Fuel Resupply. Two refuelling sledge trips were made to Marble Point, about 40 km south of CR, in late October and mid November to refill fuel drums from the American tanks there. The Project Manager accompanied the first sledge train to page 4 obtain first-hand experience of the operation. A total of 322 209litre drums were refilled with JP5. At the same time 15 empty drums were rejected for refilling at Marble Point mainly because of internal rust. A further 30 or more drums were removed from stock following external inspection at CR prior to departure on the fuel runs. The main defect was 'creasing' - indentations caused by impact - which can result in hairline cracks, especially in conjunction with rust. Both fuel runs were carried out successfully without incident. Refer to Appendix xx of the CRP EOS Report for the reports on each of the refueling trips.

16. Fuel Usage and End-Of-Season Fuel Stocks. Fuel usage for the 1998/99 CRP season was close to 400 × 209 litre drums of JP8/JP5/Jet A1. Twelve drums of Mogas (mainly two-stroke mix) were also used. An approximate usage rate through October and November was five drums per day - three at the Drill Site and two at CR Camp. At 30 January 1999 JP5 stored at CR totaled 229 drums:
a.North Fuel Frame - 58 drums.
b.Aalener sledges - 171 drums.

Small quantities of other FOL are also stored at CR, either on the fuel frame or in containers. Total volume would be less than 2,000 litres.