A breathing circuit humidification system (200) is described that includes a humidification system (102) and a patient breathing circuit (201). The humidification system includes at least a moisture water source (209), a flash evaporator (211) and a moisture exchanger. Water is selectively introduced from the water source to the flash evaporator. The flash evaporator includes a heating element that evaporates the received water to form water vapor. The water vapor is sent to the moisture exchanger. The moisture exchanger receives gas from a gas source. The received gas is humidified with the water vapor received from the flash evaporator. The moisture exchanger sends the humidified gas to the patient breathing circuit. The patient breathing circuit provides, in a controlled manner, the humidified gas to a patient (106). Related methods, apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
