Abstract: A liquid barrier is disclosed that comprises a porous hydrophobic material which allows the flow of gases (e.g., corrosive gases) but inhibits the flow of liquids, including aqueous liquids. A specific embodiment of the invention relates to a venturi which incorporates a liquid barrier that allows the flow of gases (e.g., ozone and air) but inhibits the flow of liquids. Another specific embodiment of the invention relates to an ozone generation system that includes an ozone generator and a liquid barrier made of a porous hydrophobic material, which allows the flow of ozone but inhibits the flow back of liquids to the ozone generator. The invention also encompasses methods of introducing a gas into an aqueous liquid, wherein the gas passes through a liquid barrier prior to being introduced into the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A coalescing element is provided which is capable of separating a continuous phase fluid from a discontinuous phase fluid. The coalescing element includes a wrap structure which facilitates the coalescing process by conglomerating smaller droplets of the discontinuous phase fluid into larger droplets which may be of a size that will prevent them from being re-entrained.