Liquid barrier and methods of using the same
First Claim
1. A liquid barrier comprising a housing with a first opening and a second opening, and a porous hydrophobic material disposed between the first and second openings such that gas flowing from the first opening to the second opening must pass through the porous hydrophobic material.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
14 Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A liquid barrier comprising a housing with a first opening and a second opening, and a porous hydrophobic material disposed between the first and second openings such that gas flowing from the first opening to the second opening must pass through the porous hydrophobic material.
-
10. A gas injection system comprising:
-
an inlet for a liquid stream;
an outlet for the liquid stream;
an inlet for a gas stream; and
a liquid barrier made of porous hydrophobic material through which a gas stream can pass;
wherein the liquid barrier is located upstream of the inlet for the gas stream. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. An ozone generation system comprising:
-
an ozone generator having an outlet; and
a liquid barrier made of a porous hydrophobic material through which ozone can pass;
wherein ozone from the generator outlet is passed through the liquid barrier. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
-
Specification