INTRODUCTION 



Under the sponsorship of the U. S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage, the 

 Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory is developing hydraulic tools and 

 equipment for LOSS (Large Object Salvage System) type operations. The 

 purpose of this program is to (1) develop hydraulic salvage equipment 

 for divers; and (2) develop hydraulic salvage equipment suitable for 

 operation from submersibles to depths of 20,000 feet. 



The Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory's hydraulic salvage tool 

 program started with a definition of the work functions that will be 

 required in future salvage." These work functions include rigging and 

 load handling, bolting, and cutting. Subsequently, commercially avail- 

 able hydraulic tools and equipment for rigging, load handling and cut- 

 ting were acquired and tested by Navy divers (hydraulic impact wrenches 

 have been previously evaluated by NCEL""). The testing was performed 

 during December 1970 and from January to March 1971. The results of 

 these underwater tests are evaluated and the limitations of the commer- 

 cial hydraulic tools used underwater are discussed. 



BACKGROUND 



It is well documented in the diving literature that the diver's 

 ability to perform useful work underwater is much less than his ability 

 to do work on the surface. Therefore, it is very desirable to improve 

 the diver's performance by providing him with effective power tools. 

 Previous work at NCEL has established the superiority of hydraulic power 

 tools for most underwater operations. 



The Navy is presently extending its salvage capability into the 

 deep ocean. Improved hydraulic tools and equipment are required to 

 enable the underwater salvor to work effectively and NCEL is developing 

 the hydraulic hardware for this mission. The development program has 

 been designed to first evaluate the commercially available hydraulic 

 tools and components that could be used in future salvage operations. 



* Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory. Technical Note N-1145; Underwater 

 Work Functions Required in Salvage, by G. L. Liffick. Port Hueneme , 

 California, February 1971. 



""Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory. Technical Report R-729: Technical 

 Evaluation of Diver Held Power Tools, by S. A. Black and F. B. Barrett. 

 Port Hueneme, California, June 1971. 



