is used to insure locking in the event of hydraulic failure. Syntactic foam is fitted around 

 this section to provide buoyancy. 



DEWATERING MODULE - The dewatering module contains the dewatering hose, 

 television camera and lights, and search-and-recovery system (SAR). Buoyancy is also pro- 

 vided through syntactic foam. The dewatering hose is used to channel the water out of the 

 SRB when the log mode has been attained. The hose is wire-helixed rubber stowed in the 

 central cylinder of the module. A spring-loaded arrangement is used to deploy the hose. 

 The television camera is mounted to provide video displays on the monitor. The lights have 

 half-power and full-power operational capabilities. SAR equipment includes an acoustic 

 pinger, strobe light, and lifting eyes. 



The nozzle plug is launched from a support ship and is maneuvered on the surface 

 to the SRB. The plug is then submerged and performs an inspection of the SRB casing, 

 utilizing the television camera system. The operator then acquires the nozzle opening by 

 using the same television system. The plug is positioned beneath the SRB, using the 

 horizontal and vertical thrusters, and at the appropriate time is driven up into the nozzle's 

 throat. Upon docking, indicator lights on the console show that the plug is seated and that 

 the locking arms are deployed to hold the nozzle plug in position. Dewatering air is 

 activated through the umbilical cable and a pressure differential is attained, thus forcing 

 out the water. As the water is egressed, the SRB raises out of the water, becomes unstable, 

 and falls over into a log mode. At this time, the sealing bag is inflated on the plug to pre- 

 vent air loss. Dewatering continues until the SRB is emptied. The umbilical cables are dis- 

 connected from the ship and the SRB is towed to port. At port, the nozzle plug is removed 

 as the seal and refurbishment of the SRB is begun. 



III! 



Figure 15. SRB nozzle plug. 



22 



