Breathing Apparatus Stores Cold Supercritical Air

The supercritical air mobility pack (SCAMP) is a prototype self-contained breathing apparatus designed for use in rescue and fire-fighting operations (see figure). The SCAMP is based on the storage of air at supercritical pressure in a temperature range slightly above that of liquid air. Like breathing apparatuses based on the storage of liquid air ("liquid-air packs," for short), the SCAMP offers the advantages of compactness and light weight. In addition, the SCAMP offers the following advantages, as explained below: