Seawater Hydraulics: Development and Evaluation of an Experimental Diver Tool System

摘要

The Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory has developed a diver-operated hydraulic tool system that uses seawater as the working fluid. The tool system consists of a diesel-driven hydraulic power source, a rotary impact wrench, and a rotary propeller cleaning brush. The rotary impact wrench is powered by an improved 3-hp reversible vane motor; the propeller cleaning brush is powered by a unidirectional vane motor. Both motors effectively provided power to perform the intended tasks. After 200 hours of operation, the reversible motor provided 3 hp of output at greater than 70% overall efficiency. Vane springs failed and were replaced after operating for 100 hours. The impact wrench delivered over 1,100 ft-lb of torque to a 1-inch-diam bolt in less than 7 seconds when used by a diver. Preliminary diver tests showed that the propeller cleaning brush functioned exceptionally well. The diesel driven power source can deliver seawater at 12 gpm and 2,000 psi. This report presents the results of the test and evaluation of this experimental tool system.