AJAX Screw Auger assists Scientists in their quest to further unravel the mysteries of the universe with the study of Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos

Ajax’s screws help search for subatomic particles

Ajax Equipment has supplied leading interdisciplinary research organisation, British Antarctic Survey, with two screw augers featuring a low friction Xylan coating. The augers will help the British Antarctic Survey team to drill holes for placement of neutrino detectors for the Radio Neutrino Observatory, a next generation observatory being constructed in Greenland to detect ultra-high energy neutrinos.

As the screw augers are required to carry out a wearing application, operating at up to -40°C, testing was carried out to refine the screw’s design. Using an initial auger, testing conducted by the British Antarctic Survey aided by Ajax’s expertise determined that the auger required a smoother coating and an adjusted pitch.

“As well as manufacturing two screw augers Ajax have provided invaluable technical assistance and knowledge throughout the design stage of the project and we intend to continue to work with them as we further improve our drilling system” said Chris Kerr, mechanical engineer, British Antarctic Survey.

Commenting, Eddie McGee, managing director, Ajax Equipment said, "Ajax’s equipment is used across the globe in a variety of applications, but I never thought that we would to be able to add particle physics to that list."

For more information on AJAX's screw augers and screw flights please visit our Augers and Flights Page or call AJAX on 44 (0)1204 386723.

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