Abstract: Apparatus and method for the recovery, reconstitution and recyclization of a gaseous mixture used as a sterilizing medium. A recycle line interconnects a gas condenser with a sterilization chamber to return a portion of the gases discharged from the chamber, thus avoiding excessive gas losses through venting and ensuring that the pressure in the chamber remains above a selectable predetermined minimum. This eliminates the need for a vacuum pump and obviates expansive explosion of sealed packages contained in the sterilization chamber. The system also uses a liquid ring compressor provided with a special liquid sealant comprising a polyhydric alcohol.