Patent ID: 6984327
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: B01D,C02F,G21F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating heavy isotopes of hydrogen in their oxide forms from contaminated water comprising: a treatment chamber having a substantially closed interior and including an elongated hollow core fiber (HCF) having a first and a second end and extending within said chamber; a reservoir of contaminated water having the heavy isotopes of hydrogen and including a quantity of beads formed of an exchange resin, the mixture of contaminated water and said beads forming a flowable slurry; said first end in fluid communication with an outlet of said reservoir from which said slurry is pumped directly into said HCF, said second end also in fluid communication with an inlet of said reservoir whereby said slurry is recirculated through said HCF and said reservoir; said beads capable of absorbing a portion of the heavy isotopes of hydrogen from said slurry being circulated through said HCF by exchange with waters of hydration of said beads; said hollow core fiber capable of allowing permeation only of light water from said slurry outwardly through a wall of said HCF as a permeate into said treatment chamber a cold temperature source located so as to chill said chamber interior; and a heat source located so as to heat said reservoir.