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Abstract

A vapor extraction apparatus includes a gel sorbent capable of absorbing vapor directly into the liquid state and capable of disgorging the absorbed liquid in a phase-transition. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for movement from a first position, where it is exposed to a vapor-containing gas stream and a first environmental condition, and capable of moving to a second position, where it is exposed to a second environmental condition. A gel sorbent is disposed on at least one surface of the housing. The gel sorbs vapor from the gas stream as liquid when the sorbent is in its first position. The sorbent disgorges the liquid during phase-transition collapse when it is in the second position. A method of extracting vapor from a process gas stream includes contacting a phase transition gel sorbent with vapor under conditions sufficient for the gel sorbent to undergo a phase transition and absorb vapor as liquid inside the gel sorbent. The gel sorbent is then exposed to conditions sufficient for it to undergo a phase transition and disgorge the liquid from inside the gel sorbent. The disgorged liquid is removed from the gel sorbent.

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