A barrier filter useful for aseptically discharging both gaseous and liquid fluids
from a chemical process system is disclosed The barrier filter comprises, within
a common enclosure, one or several filter membranes having singularly or collectively
a mixture or hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The common enclosure of the barrier
filter is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. All filter membranes
are located within the fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
A variety of membrane-based systems, into which such barrier filter is installed,
are also disclosed.
