This paper presents a model and a simulation code which study a Pd-based membrane reactor for detritiating highly contaminated gas streams.

A finite elements method has been applied for evaluating the mass balance equations taking into account the isotopic exchange reactions equilibrium and the permeation kinetics.

The code has been validated by comparing the results of the inactive experiments carried out on a prototype Pd-Ag reactor where high D/H ratios have been used.

Further, a parametric analysis for evaluating the effect of the temperature and membrane wall thickness on the water detritiation capability has been performed.