Abstract: The invention relates to gaseous sources from which to reclaim energy using a pressurized direct contact heat exchanger, and in particular, those sources containing a condensable vapor. While the main applications involve water as the condensable vapor, the process is applicable to other vapors, e.g. those in the chemical and petroleum industries where various organic solvents are used. The reclaimed energy can be in the form of a hot fluid, process steam and or electricity.

Abstract: A process for converting latent heat of water vapor, appearing with non-condensable gases expelled into the atmosphere, into more useful forms of energy, such as process steam/electricity. It uses pressurized direct contact heat exchange systems to achieve this conversion at high thermal efficiencies. When pressure combustion is used in combination with pressurized water electrolysis it produces pressurized by-product hydrogen which can be used to extract methane from methane hydrate ice located below the earth and sea.