METHOD FOR EXTRACTING LARGE SLABS OF ICE USING ICE-CUTTERS

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for extracting a large slab of ice that involves melt-cutting said slab along its outline from an ice massif using an ice-cutter. During the melt-cutting process of the vertical walls of the slab, the water formed by the melting ice is drained, while during the melt-cutting process of the lower wall of the slab, an antifreeze is supplied into the cutting area. The ice-cutter for melt-cutting the vertical walls of the slab has an elongated shape. Its lower portion consists of a working organ, has an undulated shape in the longitudinal direction and is provided with flutes for draining the water formed by the melting ice. The body includes a heating member that repeats the shape of the working portion of the ice-cutter. The ice-cutter for melt-cutting the lower wall of the slab is designed so that during the cutting process, one of its sides forms grooves in the ice massif. Its surface also includes flutes for draining water, and it also contains a heating member. All ice-cutters are further provided with water inlets and with collector and discharge ducts.