Abstract: A method for sterilizing at least one item in a chamber, comprising the steps of: disposing the at least one item in the chamber; pumping the atmosphere from the chamber until the atmosphere of the chamber has a pressure of less than ten torr; adding water vapor and ozone to the chamber; and generating electrical discharge in the chamber, such that the electrical discharge produces OH radicals from the water vapor and the ozone so as to contribute to sterilization of at least part of the at least one item.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing at least one item in a chamber, comprising the steps of: disposing the at least one item in the chamber; pumping the atmosphere from the chamber until the atmosphere of the chamber has a pressure of less than ten torr; adding water vapor and ozone to the chamber; and generating electrical discharge in the chamber, such that the electrical discharge produces OH radicals from the water vapor and the ozone so as to contribute to sterilization of at least part of the at least one item.

Abstract: A frame-type ozone generator has a plurality of elongated electrodes deployed in substantially parallel, spaced relation to each other so as to form a substantially flat electrode array, and a flow generator for generating a flow of oxygen containing gas through the electrode array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electrode array. According to a first embodiment each of the electrodes is formed from an electrically conductive core covered with polyvinyl-difluoride. According to a second embodiment each of the electrodes is formed from an electrically conductive core covered with a material which includes silicon rubber.

Abstract: A frame-type ozone generator (242) has a plurality of elongated electrodes (201, 202) deployed in substantially parallel, spaced relation to each other so as to form a substantially flat electrode array, and a flow generator (241) for generating a flow of oxygen containing gas through the electrode array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electrode array. Each of the electrodes is formed from an electrically conductive core (211) covered with polyvinyl-difluoride (212). Preferably, each electrode array is arranged within a frame (206) of a given area. Also disclosed are an apparatus for treating a product with ozone-containing gas in which pressure-waves are used to enhance effectiveness of the ozone treatment, and a two-chamber batch method for implementing treatment of a product with possibly harmful gases such as ozone.

Abstract: A system for producing ozone at a high efficiency from oxygen or air is described. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises at least two parallel electrodes made of metallic surfaces and separated by dielectric insulating material, wherein air or oxygen is passed through the gap between the electrodes with an electric field of at least 4 kV/mm AC, being characterized by: (a) a ratio of the electrodes-surface area to gas volume of at least 2 cm.sup.2.min/l, said electrode being selected from a horizontal, vertical and plate type tube, and (b) the electric field in the said gap is formed by the difference in potentials between the electrodes and the dielectric insulating material. According to a preferred embodiment the dielectric insulating material has a breakdown voltage of at least 12 kV/mm. Among the main advantages of the system is the small size of the generator and the relatively small amount of energy required per unit of ozone produced.