Abstract: Described is a process for sterilizing objects in a sterilization chamber in which a vacuum prevails, in which sterilization chamber a vapour mix consisting of water steam and hydrogen peroxide steam is fed without the use of carrier gas. The vapour mix is deposited in the form of a condensate layer abruptly on the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and on the surfaces of the sterilization chamber. The condenste layer is subsequently sucked out by means of further evacuation of the sterilization chamber. In accordance with the present invention, the surfaces of the objects to be sterilized and/or the surfaces of the sterilization chamber are pre-heated to a pre-determined temperature.

Abstract: A process is described for evacuating a reactor, in which at least one object is sterilized by means of Low pressure plasma. The reactor must be evacuated from atmospheric pressure to plasma discharge pressure. At least two separate, successive evacuation stages are hereby provided. In the first. evacuating stage and a possible further evacuation stage, the reactor is brought down step by step to a reduced intermediary pressure. In the last evacuation stage the reactor is evacuated to the plasma discharge pressure. For each evacuation stage it is advantageous to provide a separate vacuum chamber, to each of which the reactor is corrected. This brings with it the advantage that the entire amount of gas does not need to be transported through one single pump or a single set of pumps.

Abstract: In the case of a machine installation for sterilizing, filling and closing containers it is provided that the above named devices are arranged together in a station, which is, with regard to drive, independent of the mechanism for feeding and removing the containers. A plurality of such stations can be provided, which preferably comprise a plasma sterilizing reactor.