The invention disclosed herein relates to a continuous contacting apparatus for separating a liquid component from a liquid mixture. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first chamber having first and second ends, a second chamber having first and second ends, and a common heat transfer wall capable of providing thermal communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. Two condensors/heat exchangers can also be connected to the two chambers. In an another embodiment, the invention relates to a continuous contacting apparatus for exchanging heat released by a desiccant. The apparatus includes a heat-releasing chamber, a heat-absorbing chamber, a common heat transfer wall capable of providing thermal communication between the heat-releasing chamber and the heat producing chamber, and a desiccant regenerator.