Abstract: Catalytic isotopic exchange between hydrogen and water is prospective to be applied in waste water treatment for fusion reactor such as ITER and heavy water upgrading for fission reactor. Research in modeling the exchange process and the key facility, catalytic exchange column, is significant for optimization and design in engineering and processing. The advances in simulation of catalytic exchange process are mainly introduced. Methods adopted in determining catalytic isotopic exchange rate and applications of absorption tower model and trickle bed model in simulating catalytic isotopic exchange process are discussed. The further development of the research is also suggested. Trickle bed model is considered to be prospective in simulating catalytic isotopic exchange process compared with other models. Mechanism and rate determination of catalytic isotopic exchange between hydrogen and water as well as modeling of catalytic exchange tower still need to be perfected.