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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1979-80: VUWAE 24

VUWAE "Drillers" (A. McP)

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VUWAE "Drillers" (A. McP)

Three student members of VUWAE 24 worked as offsiders on the Longyear 44 drill rig alongside MOW drillers during the MSSTS project. Shift work began on October 16 in 8 hour shifts with one VUWAE member in each of three of the four drill crews. Some of the jobs done by the student offsiders are described below. The rig set up is shown in Figure 8.

Two ten foot lengths of drill pipe were joined to make 20 foot "stands". This was accomplished by means of chain vices and stilsens.

Floor work in the drill shack included joining and breaking of "stands" to and from the drill string, monitoring pump pressure, and general maintenance.

Derrick work consisted of detaching the winch howser from the "stands" while "tripping out" (removal of the entire drill string from the hole), and attaching it while "tripping in". This was often very uncomfortable as the derrick was exposed to all weathers.

Core pulling, or "grabbing" included breaking the drill string and lowering a light wire line with an "overshot" attachment down the hole. The "overshot" latches onto the core barrel, which is then pulled up the hole by winch. The core was then removed from the barrel by a high pressure water jet or other means.

Mixing of mud was always enjoyable, though often rather more grubby. This consisted of mixing the various drill muds and gels in the mud tanks with the help of motorized stirrers. The mud was then pumped down inside the drill string, returning up the casing and bringing with it rock clips from the drilling.

We also acted as general "dogs body", which included any tiling from getting the coffee (and not forgetting the biscuits) for smoko, to refuelling the rig and pump at the end of the shift.

The VUWAE members also assisted in the packing up of the camp and dismantling of the rig. All rig gear and camp buildings were dismantled and towed on sleds by D4 caterpillar back to Scott Base. Because this was such a long (9 hours), slow, monotonous and potentially dangerous trip, the D4 was escorted by a student in a Snotrac. "Riding shotgun" was at times a rather tedious task but enjoyed by most as it gave an opportunity to be relatively alone and reflect on the Antarctic surroundings.

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Figure 8 Layout of the drilling rig at MSSTS 1.

Figure 8 Layout of the drilling rig at MSSTS 1.