Liquid Air Breathing Technology Current Projects
Ten man mine refuge alternative (chamber) being tested with the Cryogenic Rescue Alternative Supply System.
Present efforts are involved with the design, development, and testing of cryogenic based life-support systems to enhance mine safety. This work is being performed in partnership with BCS Life Support who holds a Space Act Agreement with NASA which is funded by the National Institutes of Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH).
Cryogenic Breathing Apparatus – 2 hour duration – For miners escape – Miners can self-refill – Positive pressure, demand breathing
Cryogenic Refuge Alternative Supply System (CryoRASS)
– Provides 96 hrs of breathing air to a mine refuge chamber
– Provides active cooling
– Dehumidifies chamber air
– Employs zero loss liquid air storage technology
CryoRASS installed in NIOSH Experimental Mine (Pittsburgh)
Cryogenic Air Supply Fill Station
– Refills CryoBA during egress
– Simultaneous filling of 8 packs
– Located approximately every 1:30 on egress path
– Employee zero-loss liquid air storage technology
Liquid Oxygen Rebreather
– 4 hour duration
– Significantly reduced breathing circuit temperature
– Technology development in collaboration with U.S. Navy
Cryogenic Breathing Apparatus – interior layout