Devices and methods to create a protective gas cushion

A system comprising a gas source and a device, the device being arranged to create a protective gas cushion in an outwardly open volume, the device being connectable to the gas source, the device comprising:

• (i) a flexible hose portion having an intake end and a discharge end and (ii) a distal tip portion connected to the discharge end of the flexible hose portion, the distal tip portion comprising a rigid, non-porous polymer connected to a rigid, porous polymer body, the rigid, porous polymer body having a pore size of 7 to 45 μm, wherein the distal tip portion is adapted to be positioned in the volume and wherein the device is arranged to supply the gas to the volume through a first hollow interior portion of the rigid, porous polymer body, the rigid, porous polymer body being arranged to supply the volume with the gas in a substantially laminar, continuous flow, such that of the protective gas cushion intended to substantially fill the volume and thereby prevent air from the environment from reaching the volume is formed upon the gas passing through the rigid, porous polymer body, and the intake end of the flexible hose portion being connected to the gas source;
• and
• wherein the rigid, non-porous polymer body has a second hollow interior portion which is longer than the first hollow interior portion.