Process for re-purfying highly enriched [H2180]

A sealed distillation system for purifying highly enriched [H218O] water comprising the components of:

• an evaporation vessel containing the impure [H218O];
• a condensation vessel;
• a distillation adapter tube for connecting the evaporator vessel with a condensation vessel;
• a heating source and magnetic stirring plate positioned under the evaporation vessel;
• a magnetic stir bar positioned in the evaporation vessel;
• an inert gas source connected to the distillation system;
• a vacuum source connected to the distillation system;
• a first valve positioned between the vacuum source and the distillation system;
• a second valve positioned between the inert gas source and the distillation system;
• two secondary vessels for containing thermal fluids, one containing the evaporation vessel for heating, and the other containing the condensation vessel for cooling.

A process for re-purifying highly enriched [H218O] water comprising the steps of:

• a flush and fill all parts of a sealed distillation system with an inert gas;
• placing an impure [H218O] in an evaporation vessel of the distillation system thereby displacing the inert gas;
• apply a vacuum to the distillation system, which includes an evaporation vessel, condensation vessel, and a connecting tube therebetween;
• apply heat and stir the impure [H218O] to a boiling point below that of the [H218O] to drive off organic impurities that are withdrawn through the vacuum source;
• close the vacuum source to the system while maintaining a static vacuum in the system;
• increase the heat and stir the evaporation vessel, which is under static vacuum to boil the impure [H218O] and chill the condensation vessel until the enriched water is substantially distilled.