Abstract: The present invention is a bi-thermal membrane process for separating and recovering hydrogen isotopes from a fluid containing hydrogen isotopes, such as water and hydrogen gas. The process in accordance with the present invention provides counter-current cold and hot streams of the fluid separated with a thermally insulating and chemically transparent proton exchange membrane (PEM). The two streams exchange hydrogen isotopes through the membrane: the heavier isotopes migrate into the cold stream, while the lighter isotopes migrate into the hot stream. The heavy and light isotopes are continuously withdrawn from the cold and hot streams respectively.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method and a device for reducing the number of water vapour molecules per unit volume in a housing (1) by providing an end (11) of the housing (1) which has a lower thermal inertia than the rest of the housing with perforations (15). When the temperature outside the housing (1) falls some of the more energetic water vapour molecules in the housing (1) will leave the housing (1) via the perforations (15) and a small number of the less energetic molecules will enter the housing from the surroundings. This will lead to a nett flow of water vapour molecules out of the housing (1).

Abstract: A condenser system for controlling vapor concentration contained in a flowing airstream is provided. The flowing airstream has an initial temperature upon entering the condenser system and a final temperature upon exiting the condenser system. The condenser system has a membrane member allowing mass transfer of the vapor therethrough with the airstream contacting the membrane member. A condensing member diffuses the vapor from the airstream through the membrane member. An insulating layer is positioned between the membrane member and the condensing member with the insulating layer inhibiting heat transfer between the flowing airstream and the condensing member wherein the final temperature of the airstream is substantially equal to the initial temperature of the airstream.