Progressively chilled gas separation tanks

A gas separation apparatus comprising:

• a first separation tank linked to a chamber via a first transfer tube;
• a second separation tank in liquid communication with the first separation tank via a capillary transfer tube having a capillary inlet port within 0.5 inches of a bottom surface of the first separation tank;
• a first heat exchanger coupled to the first separation tank, wherein the first heat exchanger configured to cool the first separation tank below a first temperature where He-4 liquifies;
• a second heat exchanger coupled to the second separation tank;
• a first collection port in fluid communication with a first interior of the first separation tank, the first collection port configured to collect He-3 gas;
• and
• a second collection port in fluid communication with a second interior of the second separation tank, the second collection port is configured to collect He-4 gas.

A method to separate and obtain He-3 and the He-4, the method comprising:

• dispensing the He-3 and the He-4 in a gas form into a first separation tank from a gas collection chamber;
• cycling a first He-4 supply at a first temperature through a first heat exchanger connected to the first separation tank;
• cooling the first separation tank to a first temperature below a liquification temperature of the He-4 via the first He-4 supply;
• liquifying the He-4 in the first separation tank;
• transporting the liquified He-4 into a second separation tank via a capillary tube connecting the first separation tank to the second separation tank;
• and
• collecting the liquified He-4 from the second separation tank via a second collection port.