STERILIZER FOR PACKING VESSEL

A sterilizing apparatus for packaging containers is equipped with a closable preparation apparatus for a mixture of hot air and sterilizing agent vapor and a sterilizing chamber, into which containers to be sterilized are introduced. The closure means for the sterilizing chamber includes means for suspending a container to be sterilized within the sterilizing chamber. In order to realize a reduced use of sterilizing agent and heating energy, the apparatus has a circulatory system of mixture supply. The sterilizing chamber, as well as a bypass parallel to it, forms a part of this circulatory system. The bypass and the sterilizing chamber are alternately connected with the circulatory system by means of a reversing valve during nonsterilizing and sterilizing periods. A circulating blower, an air heater, and a preparation apparatus are also part of the circulatory system.