초록

Containers are sterilized by means of a low-pressure plasma and subsequently filled and sealed in a sterilization chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A process for sterilizing, filling and closing containers in a sterilization chamber comprising the sequential steps of:placing at least one container to be sterilized as well as a container closing element into an open sterilization chamber having walls formed by elect

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A process for sterilizing, filling and closing containers in a sterilization chamber comprising the sequential steps of:placing at least one container to be sterilized as well as a container closing element into an open sterilization chamber having walls formed by electrodes insulated with respect to one another,closing the sterilization chamber gastight and evacuating same,feeding at least one gas to be ionized into the sterilization chamber,igniting a low-pressure plasma in the sterilization chamber for a predetermined time to effect direct sterilization of surfaces of the container by connecting a high frequency generator to one of the electrodes forming the walls of the chamber while another of said walls is grounded,putting the sterilization chamber under a suitable pressure for filling the container,filling the container by a filling tube projecting into the sterilization chamber and then closing the container by the closing element,opening the sterilization chamber, andfinally removing the filled and closed container from the reopened sterilization chamber,wherein, in addition to the container and the closing element, all surfaces of the filling tube projecting into the sterilization chamber as well as inner walls of the sterilization chamber are sterilized by the ignited low pressure plasma, andwherein, in order to generate the pressure necessary for the filling of the container, a sterile gas is fed into the sterilization chamber.