COLD GAS STERILIZATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

摘要

"COLD" GAS STERILIZATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR A "cold" gas sterilization process that operates at temperatures below 80.degree. C in a temperature range that is generally considered nonsporicidal. The process is capable of sterilizing with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at extremely low concentrations in a gas phase, such as 0.5 mg/L. The widely used process of "cold" sterilizing with ethylene oxide is typically run at a gas concentration of 630 mg/L and 55.degree. C. Apparatus is also disclosed for use of this process in "cold" sterilization of contact lenses.