The main feature of the device designed by the Alekseev State Technical University in Nizhny Novgorod is the screw flanges with cutters, which are installed on both cylinders with different winding directions. When rotating, they not only cut the ice, but also send the facings down, where the river stream can catch them. It prevents a fast freezing of the canal made and provides for the work continuity.

The process is intended to cut channels in the ice covering rivers and water bodies for laying pipes, conduits, power and communication cables in winter. This is especially relevant for creating infrastructure of oil and gas fields in the north of Russia.