Methods and systems for the separation of isotopes from an aqueous stream are described as can be utilized in one embodiment to remove and recover tritium from contaminated water. Methods include counter-current flow of an aqueous stream on either side of a separation membrane. The separation membrane includes an isotope selective layer (e.g., graphene) and an ion conductive supporting layer (e.g., Nafion). An electronic driving force encourages passage of isotopes selectively across the membrane to enrich the flow in the isotopes.

A system and method for producing tritium are disclosed. The system includes at least one neutron generator configured to generate neutrons. The system further includes at least one target comprising a lithium-containing material. The at least one target is configured to be irradiated by at least some of the neutrons and to produce tritium. The system further includes at least one collection structure configured to receive at least some of the tritium from the at least one target. The at least one collection structure comprises at least one gas conduit having an input configured to receive a carrier gas and an output configured to allow the carrier gas and the received tritium to flow out of the at least one gas conduit after the carrier gas has flowed along the at least one target.

A system and method for producing tritium are disclosed. The system includes at least one neutron generator configured to generate neutrons. The system further includes at least one target comprising a lithium-containing material. The at least one target is configured to be irradiated by at least some of the neutrons and to produce tritium. The system further includes at least one collection structure configured to receive at least some of the tritium from the at least one target. The at least one collection structure comprises at least one gas conduit having an input configured to receive a carrier gas and an output configured to allow the carrier gas and the received tritium to flow out of the at least one gas conduit after the carrier gas has flowed along the at least one target.

Provided are processes and systems for the reclamation of tritium from a tritiated byproduct material. A liquid organic tritium containing material is subjected to a series of reactions to isolate purified tritium gas that can be used in subsequent tritiation reactions. The processes involve in some aspects a semi-automated system that subjects a byproduct liquid organic tritium containing material to an oxidation to produce tritiated water, a chemical splitting of the tritiated water to form a tritiated gas that is substantially free of oxygen or other contaminants, and the isolation of purified tritium gas from hydrogen containing HT gas. The processes and systems provided substantially reduce both the cost to produce tritium source material for labeling of organic molecules and the amount of byproduct that requires disposal.

Provided are processes and systems for the reclamation of tritium from a tritiated byproduct material. A liquid organic tritium containing material is subjected to a series of reactions to isolate purified tritium gas that can be used in subsequent tritiation reactions. The processes involve in some aspects a semi-automated system that subjects a byproduct liquid organic tritium containing material to an oxidation to produce tritiated water, a chemical splitting of the tritiated water to form a tritiated gas that is substantially free of oxygen or other contaminants, and the isolation of purified tritium gas from hydrogen containing HT gas. The processes and systems provided substantially reduce both the cost to produce tritium source material for labeling of organic molecules and the amount of byproduct that requires disposal.

An object is to provide a process for providing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens conveniently without the necessity of large-scale equipment and a process capable of performing hydrogenation (protiation, deuteration or tritiation) reaction conveniently without the use of an expensive reagent and a special catalyst. The production process includes a process for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens, containing subjecting water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal, and a process for producing a hydrogenated (protiated, deuterated or tritiated) organic compound, containing subjecting an organic compound and water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal.

An object is to provide a process for providing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens conveniently without the necessity of large-scale equipment and a process capable of performing hydrogenation (protiation, deuteration or tritiation) reaction conveniently without the use of an expensive reagent and a special catalyst. The production process includes a process for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens, containing subjecting water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal, and a process for producing a hydrogenated (protiated, deuterated or tritiated) organic compound, containing subjecting an organic compound and water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal.

A technique may be employed to facilitate manufacturing/processing of generator tubes for use in a variety of logging applications. A getter-based gas storage chamber is provided with a getter able to adsorb a desired gas such as a deuterium and/or tritium gas. The getter-based gas storage chamber may be connected with a neutron tube via a gas flow network and a releasable coupling. The gas, e.g. deuterium and/or tritium gas, is released by heating the getter. The gas is allowed to flow through the gas flow network and into the neutron tube.

A technique may be employed to facilitate manufacturing/processing of generator tubes for use in a variety of logging applications. A getter-based gas storage chamber is provided with a getter able to adsorb a desired gas such as a deuterium and/or tritium gas. The getter-based gas storage chamber may be connected with a neutron tube via a gas flow network and a releasable coupling. The gas, e.g. deuterium and/or tritium gas, is released by heating the getter. The gas is allowed to flow through the gas flow network and into the neutron tube.

Provided are processes and systems for the reclamation of tritium from a tritiated byproduct material. A liquid organic tritium containing material is subjected to a series of reactions to isolate purified tritium gas that can be used in subsequent tritiation reactions. The processes involve in some aspects a semi-automated system that subjects a byproduct liquid organic tritium containing material to an oxidation to produce tritiated water, a chemical splitting of the tritiated water to form a tritiated gas that is substantially free of oxygen or other contaminants, and the isolation of purified tritium gas from hydrogen containing HT gas. The processes and systems provided substantially reduce both the cost to produce tritium source material for labeling of organic molecules and the amount of byproduct that requires disposal.