Patent Publication Number: US-2023158190-A1

Title: Apparatus for Disinfecting Objects or Solids, Preferably Pieces of Protective Equipment, and Its Use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the U.S. National Phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/056920 filed Mar. 18, 2021, and claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2020 107 981.8 filed Mar. 23, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for disinfecting, in particular for sterilizing, objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, in particular protective masks or protective clothing. 
     Description of Related Art 
     To protect against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or spores, protective masks or protective clothing such as protective suits are used in particular. Such pieces of protective equipment can typically only be used for a limited period of time before they need to be changed. For example, depending on the type, protective masks may need to be changed daily, after a few hours, hourly or even at shorter intervals. 
     After use, the protective equipment must be laboriously disinfected or, in the case of disposable protective equipment, disposed of directly. 
     In times of increased demand or shortage of supplies, there may be an undersupply of protective equipment. 
     There is a need to disinfect protective equipment quickly and easily so that it can be made available for use again more quickly. Furthermore, there is a need to be able to use for a longer period of time or to reuse protective equipment that is otherwise only suitable for single use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Based on this, the present object is to propose a solution for at least partially satisfying at least one of the aforementioned needs. 
     This object is solved according to the invention by an apparatus for disinfecting, in particular for sterilizating, objects or solids, preferably of pieces of protective equipment, in particular protective masks or protective clothing, with a treatment chamber for receiving one or more objects or solids, preferably one or more pieces of protective equipment, with a closable airlock through which objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, can be introduced into the treatment chamber and/or removed from the treatment chamber, and with a generation unit for generating reactive species in a gas stream, wherein the generation unit comprises discharge means arranged to generate an electrical discharge in the gas stream, and wherein the generation unit is arranged such that the gas stream, during operation, passes from the generation unit into the treatment chamber. 
     With such an apparatus, objects or solids can be disinfected quickly, easily and reliably. In particular, the objects or solids may be one or more goods. In particular, the objects may be one or more pieces of one or more goods. 
     The apparatus described above can be used to disinfect, in particular sterilize, protective equipment quickly, easily and reliably in order to make it ready for a new use. Furthermore, such an apparatus can also be used, for example, to disinfect items of protective equipment such as breathing masks, which are otherwise only intended for single use. In this way, the service life of the protective equipment can be extended and the protective equipment can be reused as far as permissible. 
     In addition to the disinfection of protective equipment, the apparatus can also be used for the disinfection of other goods such as powders, seeds or foodstuffs, in particular vegetables, fruit, lettuce, nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, pulses or spices such as pepper. 
     The apparatus has a treatment chamber. The treatment chamber is preferably completely closable except for inlets and outlets required for operation, so that no reactive species can escape uncontrolled from the treatment chamber during operation. In particular, the treatment chamber is dimensioned to accommodate one or more objects or solids, preferably one, particularly several pieces of protective equipment, in particular one or more breathing masks and/or pieces of protective clothing. 
     The apparatus further comprises a closable airlock through which objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, can be introduced into the treatment chamber and/or removed from the treatment chamber. The airlock may be, in particular, a door provided in a side wall of the treatment chamber which, when open, allows access to the treatment chamber so that objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, can be introduced into the treatment chamber and/or removed from the treatment chamber, and which, when closed, closes the treatment chamber. 
     The apparatus further comprises a generation unit for generating reactive species in a gas stream. Accordingly, the generation unit is particularly configured to generate reactive species in a gas stream. To this end, the generation unit comprises discharge means which are configured to generate an electrical discharge in the gas stream. In particular, the discharge means may comprise electrodes to which a high frequency high voltage may be applied to generate electrical discharges in the gas stream. Furthermore, the discharge means may comprise a voltage source, for example a transformer, for applying a high-frequency high voltage to the electrodes. 
     The electrical discharge causes the formation of reactive species in the gas stream. In particular, the reactive species may be one or more of the following: ozone, nitrogen oxides, hydroxyl radicals, nitrites, nitrates, fully or partially ionized or excited atoms or molecules. The gas stream may be at least partially converted to the plasma state by the electrical discharge. 
     According to the invention, the above-mentioned object is further solved by the use of the previously described apparatus for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, objects or solids. Preferably, the apparatus is used for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, protective equipment, in particular protective masks, such as FFP2 or FFP3 masks, or protective clothing (e.g. Tychem or Mikrogard). Furthermore, the apparatus can be used for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, other goods, in particular powders, seeds or foodstuffs, in particular vegetables, fruit, lettuce, nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, pulses or spices such as pepper. 
     Various embodiments of the apparatus and of the use are described below, with the individual embodiments applying individually to both the apparatus and the use. Furthermore, the individual embodiments may be combined with each other. 
     In one embodiment, the discharge means are configured to generate a dielectric barrier discharge in the gas stream. By means of a dielectric barrier discharge, very high concentrations of certain reactive species, in particular ozone, can be generated in the gas stream, whereby a strong disinfecting, in particular sterilizing effect is achieved. 
     The discharge means for producing a dielectric barrier discharge may in particular comprise at least two electrodes and a dielectric disposed therebetween which impedes a direct electrical discharge between the two electrodes. Preferably, one of the electrodes is grounded. Furthermore, the discharge means may in particular comprise a voltage source for applying a high-frequency high voltage to the electrodes, for example with a voltage amplitude in the range of 5 to 15 kV and a voltage frequency in the range of 7.5 to 25 kHz, in particular 13 to 14 kHz. 
     In one embodiment, the discharge means are configured to generate a high-frequency high-voltage discharge, in particular between at least two electrodes, in the gas stream. Preferably, the discharge means are configured for generating an arc-like discharge in a gas stream, wherein the arc-like discharge is generated by applying a high-frequency high voltage between electrodes. 
     In particular, the generation unit can comprise a plasma nozzle for generating an atmospheric plasma jet, through which plasma nozzle the gas stream flows during operation, the plasma nozzle having discharge means in the form of electrodes between which a high-frequency high-voltage can be applied via a high-voltage source configured for this purpose, so that high-frequency high-voltage discharges occur, in particular a high-frequency arc-like discharge, by means of which the gas stream passed through the plasma nozzle is enriched with reactive species. 
     In this way, a high concentration of certain reactive species can be generated in the gas stream, in particular nitrogen oxides and/or fully or partially ionized or excited atoms or molecules. Ozone is generated only to a small extent compared to dielectric barrier discharges, thus reducing the ozone load. In contrast, nitrogen oxides are increasingly generated by a high-frequency arc-like discharge. 
     A high-frequency high voltage, in particular for generating a high-frequency arc-like discharge, is understood to mean in particular a voltage of 1 - 100 kV, preferably 1 - 50 kV, more preferably 10 - 50 kV, at a frequency of 1 - 300 kHz, in particular 1 - 100 kHz, preferably 10 - 100 kHz, more preferably 10 - 50 kHz. 
     In a further embodiment, the generation unit has a first part generation unit and a second part generation unit, the first part generation unit comprising first discharge means for generating a dielectric barrier discharge in a first partial gas stream, and the second part generation unit comprising discharge means for generating a high-frequency high-voltage discharge in a second partial gas stream. Preferably, the generation unit is configured to combine, in particular to mix, the first partial gas stream and the second partial gas stream. The merging, in particular mixing, preferably takes place before the partial gas streams are supplied to the treatment chamber. It was found that the first part generation unit generates reactive species in the first partial gas stream with very high efficiency and concentration. Furthermore, it was found that the ozone generated with the first part generation unit can be partially or completely annihilated by the second partial gas stream from the second part generation unit. In this way, the ozone load can be reduced while the common gas stream created by mixing the first and second partial gas streams continues to have a sterilizing effect. 
     In a further embodiment, the generating unit is arranged within the treatment chamber. In this way, the distance between the discharge means and the objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, arranged in the treatment chamber during operation is kept as small as possible, whereby a high disinfection effect is achieved. 
     In a further embodiment, the generation unit is integrated into the wall of the treatment chamber. In particular, an outlet of the generation unit, from which the gas stream with the reactive species exits during operation, can be integrated into the wall of the treatment chamber. In this way, the distance between the discharge means and the objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, arranged in the treatment chamber during operation can be kept small, while at the same time the generating unit is largely protected from the atmosphere in the treatment chamber, thus extending its service life. 
     In another embodiment, the generation unit is arranged outside the treatment chamber and is connected to the treatment chamber in such a way that the gas stream enters the treatment chamber during operation. In this way, the generation unit can be positioned more flexibly. In addition, the spatial arrangement can in this way already reliably prevent a user from coming into contact with the discharge means of the generation unit, thus increasing operational safety. 
     In one embodiment, a fan is arranged in the treatment chamber. In this way, the gas stream from the generation unit can be better distributed in the treatment chamber during operation, so that objects or solids arranged in the treatment chamber, preferably pieces of protective equipment, are disinfected more uniformly. 
     In a further embodiment, one or more positioning devices are arranged in the treatment chamber for positioning objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, at a predetermined position in the treatment chamber. In this way, it can be ensured that the objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, are arranged in the treatment chamber in such a way that a most uniform and complete disinfection of the objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, is achieved. For example, one or more hooks or other holding devices for breathing masks or pieces of protective clothing can be provided as a positioning device, which are arranged at predetermined positions within the treatment chamber. 
     In a further embodiment, a tubular element is arranged in the treatment chamber in such a way that, during operation, the gas stream introduced into the treatment chamber flows through it, the tubular element being configured to receive a plurality of objects, preferably items of protective equipment, in particular a plurality of breathing masks, in such a way that the objects, preferably items of protective equipment, in particular breathing masks, are flowed through by the gas stream as it flows through the tubular element, in particular one after the other. It has been found that objects, in particular pieces of protective equipment such as breathing masks, can be disinfected more effectively when they are forcibly flowed through with a gas stream containing reactive species. By providing the tubular element, the gas stream is passed through the objects arranged therein, preferably pieces of protective equipment, in particular breathing masks, whereby a substantially better disinfection can be achieved than by diffusely flowing gas containing reactive species around the objects, in particular pieces of protective equipment, in particular breathing masks. In particular, the tubular element can be configured to accommodate a number of objects, preferably items of protective equipment, in particular breathing masks, arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of flow. 
     In a further embodiment, a perforated plate is arranged in the treatment chamber in such a way that the gas stream introduced into the treatment chamber flows through it during operation, the perforated plate being arranged in particular in such a way that a number of objects, preferably a plurality of items of protective equipment, in particular a plurality of breathing masks, can be positioned on the perforated plate. In this way, the perforated plate represents a simple positioning device for objects, preferably pieces of protective equipment, in particular breathing masks. It has been found that by providing a perforated plate for the arrangement of objects, preferably pieces of protective equipment, in particular breathing masks, a targeted flow of the gas stream through the objects, preferably pieces of protective equipment, can be achieved. 
     Preferably, a suction device, in particular comprising a fan, is provided to suck the gas stream through the perforated plate. In this way, the gas stream can be directed through the objects positioned on the perforated plate, preferably pieces of protective equipment, with a higher throughput. 
     In a further embodiment, an outlet is provided on the treatment chamber for discharging the gas stream from the treatment chamber. In this way, gas, in particular gas with reactive species, can be discharged from the treatment chamber during or at the end of a disinfection process, so that the exposure of the user to reactive species, in particular ozone, is reduced when the airlock is opened. For this purpose, exhaust means can preferably be connected to the outlet, which are adapted to exhaust the gas stream from the treatment chamber. In this way, gas containing reactive species can be selectively removed from the treatment chamber. Preferably, a fresh air inlet is provided at the treatment chamber, through which fresh air can flow in particular at the end of a disinfection process when the gas stream is discharged, in particular sucked off, from the treatment chamber. 
     In a further embodiment, a neutralization device is provided at the outlet, which is arranged to reduce the ozone content of the gas stream, in particular of the gas stream discharged from the treatment chamber. In this way, the ozone pollution of the environment can be reduced. 
     In particular, the neutralization device may comprise a plasma nozzle for generating an atmospheric plasma jet. It has been found that the ozone content in the gas stream can be significantly reduced with an atmospheric plasma jet. The plasma nozzle is preferably configured to generate a plasma jet by high-frequency, high-voltage discharges in a working gas stream. A plasma jet generated in this way reduces ozone very effectively. To reduce the ozone content in the gas stream discharged from the treatment chamber, the gas stream can be passed through the plasma nozzle, in particular as a working gas stream. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to impinge the gas stream discharged from the treatment chamber with the plasma jet emerging from the plasma nozzle. 
     In a further embodiment, a recirculation system is provided which is configured to discharge the gas stream from the treatment chamber and to resupply it to the treatment chamber via a recirculation duct system. In this way, reactive species can be repeatedly generated in the gas stream so that an overall higher concentration of reactive species is achieved in the gas stream. In addition, the circulation of the gas stream brought about by the recirculation system can achieve a better distribution of the gas stream with the reactive species in the treatment chamber. In particular, the recirculation system comprises at least one recirculation inlet at the treatment chamber, through which the gas stream from the treatment chamber reaches the recirculation duct system, and at least one recirculation outlet at the treatment chamber, through which the gas stream from the recirculation duct system reaches the treatment chamber again. 
     In a further embodiment, the recirculation system has a fan, in particular a side-channel compressor, which fan is configured to extract the gas stram from the treatment chamber and to direct it through the recirculation duct system. In this way, a controllable gas stream is ensured in the recirculation system. In particular, the fan can be arranged in the recirculation duct system. 
     In a further embodiment, the generation unit is integrated into the recirculation system in such a way that the gas stream conducted through the recirculation system is at least partially supplied to the generation unit. In this way, the circulated gas stream, which typically still contains some reactive species, is further enriched with reactive species by the generation unit. The generation unit may be located between a first and a second section of the recirculation duct system, the first section directing the gas stream from the treatment chamber to the generation unit and the second section directing the gas stream from the generation unit back to the treatment chamber. Alternatively, the generation unit may be arranged at the end of the recirculation duct system so that the gas stream from the generation unit enters the treatment chamber. It is further conceivable that the generation unit is arranged in a bypass line branching off from a main line of the recirculation duct system, the bypass line joinung again into the main line or directly into the treatment chamber on the downstream side of the generation unit. 
     In a further embodiment, the generation unit is formed separately from the recirculation system. Preferably, for this purpose, the generation unit has a supply line separate from the recirculation system for supplying the generation unit with a separate gas stream, for example with a separate fresh air supply. By separating the recirculation system and the generation unit, the service life of the generation unit can be improved, as it has less contact with the reactive species in the circulated gas stream. 
     In a further embodiment, humidifying means are provided which are configured to increase the relative humidity of the gas stream and/or the relative humidity in the treatment chamber, preferably to a relative humidity in the range of 90% RH - 100% RH, preferably 95% RH - 98% RH. It has been found that by increasing the relative humidity, especially in the above ranges, in combination with the reactive species in the gas stream, a better disinfection effect can be obtained. In particular, the relative humidity of the gas stream is increased before it enters the area of the treatment chamber intended for the objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment. 
     In a further embodiment, the humidifying means comprise a preferably heatable water trough. In this way, the advantageous increase in relative humidity can be effected in a simple manner. The water trough may in particular be arranged in the treatment chamber. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the water trough outside the treatment chamber, in particular if the generation unit is arranged outside the treatment chamber. 
     However, it has been found that an increase in the relative humidity in the gas stream can already be achieved with an unheated water trough, especially with water at room temperature. Therefore, in order to save costs, for example, heating agents can be dispensed with. 
     However, in order to achieve a higher evaporation performance, heating means are preferably provided for heating the water trough, which are particularly preferably configured to feed-back control water contained in the water trough to a predetermined set temperature, in particular in the range of 50 - 100° C., preferably 50 - 80° C. In this way, more water vapor can be generated and the relative humidity of the gas stream can be increased more effectively, for example, even at higher gas stream flow rates. 
     In a further embodiment, the water trough is arranged such that the gas stream from the generating unit is directed onto the water trough during operation. For this purpose, for example, a conduit or a nozzle orifice may be provided through which the gas stream is directed onto the water trough during operation. It has been found that the relative humidity of the gas stream can be increased very easily and effectively by blowing the gas stream over the water surface of the liquid water in the water trough. In this way, the water vapor above the water surface accumulates in the gas stream. 
     In a further embodiment, an evaporative body is arranged in the water trough. In this way, the gas stream can be humidified more effectively. On the one hand, a higher evaporation performance can be achieved with such an evaporation body. On the other hand, such an evaporation body favors that small water droplets are entrained with the gas stream, so that the water content of the gas stream is increased in this way. The evaporation body preferably consists of a porous, in particular sponge-like material. Such materials have a very large surface area in relation to their volume, which improves the humidification of the gas stream. The evaporation body is preferably arranged in such a way that the gas stream flows around and/or through it during operation. 
     In a further embodiment, a nebulizer, in particular an ultrasonic nebulizer, is arranged in the water trough. In this way, the evaporation performance can also be improved. 
     In a further embodiment, the water trough is filled with plasma-activated water. In this way, the disinfection effect can be further improved. 
     Plasma-activated water is understood to mean water that has been activated by exposure to a working gas emerging from an atmospheric plasma source. In particular, the water can be directly exposed to atmospheric plasma, such as an atmospheric plasma jet, that is, to a working gas emerging from the plasma source that is still at least partially in the plasma state. Furthermore, the water can also be exposed to the working gas exiting the plasma source after the working gas has already recombined, i.e. is no longer in the plasma state. It has been found that even in such a recombined working gas there are still sufficient reactive species, for example ozone or nitrogen oxides, which form relatively long-living reactive species in the water, such as hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid or nitrous acid. 
     Accordingly, the plasma-activated water may be or may have been produced by exposure of (in particular liquid) water to a working gas emanating from an atmospheric plasma source. 
     Suitable plasma-activated water and a device for its production are described, for example, in EP 3 470 364 A1. 
     When using plasma-activated water, it is particularly advantageous to provide an evaporator or a nebulizer in the water trough, because these promote the entrainment of water droplets with the gas stream. Compared to pure evaporation of the water, moistening the gas stream with water droplets has the advantage that the reactive species from the plasma-activated water enter the gas stream to a greater extent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the apparatus and the use will be apparent from the following description of embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawing. 
       In the drawing  FIG.  1    shows a plasma nozzle for generating an atmospheric plasma jet, 
         FIG.  2    shows a nozzle for generating reactive species in a gas stream by means of dielectric barrier discharge, 
         FIG.  3    shows an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  4    shows the generation unit of the apparatus from  FIG.  3   , 
         FIG.  5    shows an alternative generation unit for the apparatus in  FIG.  3   , 
         FIG.  6    shows another alternative generation unit for the apparatus in  FIG.  3   , 
         FIG.  7    shows another alternative generation unit for the apparatus in  FIG.  3   , 
         FIG.  8    shows a further examplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  9    shows the neutralization unit of the apparatus in  FIG.  8   , 
         FIG.  10    shows an alternative neutralization unit for the apparatus in  FIG.  8   , 
         FIG.  11    shows another examplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  12    shows a further examplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  13    shows a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  14    shows a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  15    shows a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIGS.  16   a - b    show a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use, 
         FIG.  17    shows a further alternative generating unit for the apparatus in  FIG.  3    and 
         FIG.  18    shows a further alternative generating unit for the apparatus in  FIG.  3   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    shows a plasma nozzle  2  for generating an atmospheric plasma jet  26 . 
     The plasma nozzle  2  has a nozzle tube  4  made of metal, which tapers conically to a nozzle opening  6 . At the end opposite the nozzle opening  6 , the nozzle tube  4  has a swirl device  8  with an inlet  10  for a gas stream, in particular a working gas, for example nitrogen. 
     An intermediate wall  12  of the swirl device  8  has a ring of bores  14  set obliquely in the circumferential direction, through which the gas stream is twisted. The downstream, conically tapered part of the nozzle tube is therefore flowed through by the gas stream in the form of a vortex  16 , the core of which runs along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube. An electrode  18  is arranged centrally on the underside of the intermediate wall  12 , which projects coaxially into the nozzle tube in the direction of the tapered section. The electrode  18  is electrically connected to the intermediate wall  12  and the other parts of the swirl device  8 . The swirl device  8  is electrically insulated from the nozzle tube  4  by a ceramic tube  20 . A high-frequency high voltage, which is generated by a transformer  22 , is applied to the electrode  18  via the swirl device  8 . The inlet  10  is supplied with a gas stream  23  via a line not shown. The nozzle tube  4  is grounded. The applied voltage generates a high frequency discharge in the form of an arc  24  between the electrode  18  and the nozzle tube  4 . The electrode  18  connected to the transformer and the grounded nozzle pipe  4  thus constitute discharge means  25  which are configured to generate a high-frequency high-voltage discharge in the form of the arc  24  in a gas stream  23 . 
     The terms “arc”, “arc discharge” or “arc-like discharge” are used here as a phenomenological description of the discharge, since the discharge occurs in the form of an arc. The term “arc” is also used elsewhere as a form of discharge for DC discharges with essentially constant voltage values. However, the present case involves a high-frequency discharge in the form of an arc, i.e. a high-frequency, arc-like discharge. 
     Due to the swirling flow of the working gas, however, this arc is channeled in the vortex core on the axis of the nozzle tube  4 , so that it branches out to the wall of the nozzle tube  4  only in the region of the nozzle opening  6 . The working gas, which rotates at high flow velocity in the region of the vortex core and thus in the immediate vicinity of the arc  24 , comes into intimate contact with the arc and is thereby partially converted into the plasma state, so that an atmospheric plasma jet  26  emerges from the plasma nozzle  2  through the nozzle opening  6 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a nozzle for generating reactive species in a gas stream by means of dielectric barrier discharge. 
     The nozzle  32  has a nozzle tube  34  made of metal, at the upstream end  35  of which a distributor head  36  with an inlet  37  for a gas stream  38 , in particular for a working gas stream, and with an annular distributor channel  40  is arranged. An outlet nozzle  44  with a nozzle opening  46  is arranged at the opposite downstream end  42  of the nozzle tube  34 , from which nozzle opening the gas stream  38  enriched with reactive species emerges during operation. 
     From the distributor head  36 , a ceramic tube  48  extends through the nozzle tube  34  into the outlet nozzle  44  in such a way that an annular discharge channel  50  extends from the distributor channel  40  between the nozzle tube  34  and the ceramic tube  48  to the outlet nozzle  44 . Instead of a ceramic tube, for example, a tube made of quartz glass could also be considered. 
     A tubular high-voltage electrode  52  made of metal is arranged on the inside of the ceramic tube  48 , which is connected to a transformer  56  via a high-voltage cable  54 , with which a high-frequency high voltage can be applied between the high-voltage electrode  52  and the grounded nozzle tube  34  acting as a counter-electrode. Instead of a tubular high-voltage electrode  52 , for example, a differently shaped high-voltage electrode could also be considered, for example in the form of a rounded sheet. 
     Insulating plugs  58  are disposed in the ceramic tube  48  to enclose the high voltage electrode  52  and further prevent working gas from flowing into the area of the high voltage electrode  52  or flowing out of the nozzle  32  through the ceramic tube  48 . Further, a sealing ring  60  is inserted into an annular groove  62  on the manifold head  36  to seal the manifold head  36  to the ceramic tube  48 . 
     A coolant line  64  may be provided around the nozzle tube  34 , through which a coolant may be passed during operation to cool the nozzle tube  34 . The coolant line  64  can, for example, run spirally around the nozzle tube  34  as shown. 
     In operation, a gas stream  38  is introduced into the manifold head  36  through the inlet  37  so that the gas stream  38  flows through the annular discharge channel  50 . 
     The transformer  56  is used to apply a high-frequency high voltage between the high-voltage electrode  52  and the nozzle tube  34 , so that dielectric barrier discharges occur in the discharge channel  50  in the region of the high-voltage electrode  52 , as a result of which reactive species, in particular ozone, are generated in the gas stream  38  flowing there. The high-voltage electrode  52  connected to the generator  56  and the grounded nozzle tube  34  thus represent discharge means  65  which are configured to generate a dielectric barrier discharge in a gas stream  38 . 
     The gas stream  38  enriched with the reactive species exits the nozzle orifice  46 . 
       FIG.  3    shows an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably protective equipment parts, and for its use. 
     The apparatus  72  has a housing  74  in which a treatment chamber  76  is arranged for receiving pieces of protective equipment, such as protective masks or protective clothing  78 . A closable airlock  80  in the form of a door attached to the housing  74  is provided on one side of the treatment chamber  76 , through which a user can arrange items of protective equipment to be disinfected in the treatment chamber  76  or remove the disinfected items of protective equipment from the treatment chamber  76  at the end of the disinfection process. 
     Positioning devices  82  are provided in the treatment chamber  76  for positioning pieces of protective equipment at predetermined locations in the treatment chamber  76 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the positioning devices  82  are in the form of a holder  84  with a plurality of hangers  86  for hanging protective clothing  78 . In this way, wrinkling of the protective garments  78  can be prevented and the protective garments  78  have a predetermined spacing from each other, allowing for more uniform and reliable disinfection. 
     The apparatus  72  further comprises a generation unit  88  for generating reactive species in a gas stream  90 . The generation unit  88  is disposed above the treatment chamber  76  and is connected thereto via a manifold  92  having a plurality of openings  93 , through which the gas stream  90  enriched with reactive species by the generation unit  88  flows into the treatment chamber  76  during operation and causes disinfection of the protective equipment disposed in the treatment chamber  76 . 
     The generation unit  88  is integrated into a recirculation system  94 , which has recirculation inlets  96  at the bottom of the treatment chamber  76 , through which the gas stream  90  passes into a recirculation duct system  98  after passing through the treatment chamber  76 . A fan  100 , in particular a side channel compressor, is arranged in the recirculation duct system  98 , which sucks the gas stream  90  out of the treatment chamber  76  through the recirculation air inlets  96  and feeds it back to the generation unit  88 . 
     Since the gas stream  90  typically still contains reactive species after passing through the treatment chamber  76 , the recirculation system  94  can be used to successively increase the reactive species in the gas stream  90 , thereby improving the disinfection effect. 
     The apparatus  72  may further comprise a control unit  102  connected to a control device  104 , via which a user may operate the apparatus  72 . The control device  104  is configured to control the various components of the apparatus  72 , in particular the generation unit  88  and the fan  100 , depending on user input received via the control unit  102 . 
     To use the apparatus  72  to disinfect protective equipment items, the user first opens the airlock  80  and positions the protective equipment items to be disinfected, for example the protective clothing items  78  shown in  FIG.  3   , using the positioning devices  82  provided for this purpose. The user then closes the airlock  80  and activates the apparatus  72  via the control unit  102 . The control device  104  then controls the generation unit  88  and the fan  100  in such a way that the generation unit  88  generates reactive species in the gas stream  90 , which is guided by the fan through the treatment chamber  76  and the recirculation system  94 . After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device deactivates the generation unit  88  and the fan  100 . The user can then remove the disinfected pieces of protective equipment from the treatment chamber  76  after opening the airlock  80 . 
       FIG.  4    shows the generation unit  88  of the apparatus  72  of  FIG.  3   . The generation unit  88  comprises a nozzle  106  for generating reactive species in the gas stream  90  passed through the nozzle  106 , the nozzle  106  having discharge means configured to generate a dielectric barrier discharge in the gas stream  90  supplied to the nozzle  106  via a supply line  108 . In particular, the nozzle  106  may be configured like the nozzle  32  shown in  FIG.  2   . In the apparatus  72  of  FIG.  3   , the supply line  108  is connected to the recirculation duct system  98 , so that the gas stream  90  extracted from the treatment chamber  76  is supplied to the nozzle  106  again. The use of discharge means to produce a dielectric barrier discharge results in a gas stream  90  with a high ozone concentration and thus a good disinfection effect. 
       FIG.  5    shows an alternative generation unit  88 ′ that can be used in place of the generation unit  88  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   . The generation unit  88 ′ comprises a nozzle  106 ′ for generating reactive species in the gas stream  90 , the nozzle  106 ′ having discharge means arranged to generate a high-frequency, high-voltage discharge in the gas stream  90  supplied to the nozzle  106 ′ via the supply line  108 ′. In particular, the nozzle  106 ′ may be configured like the plasma nozzle  2  shown in  FIG.  1   , so that the gas stream  90  emerges from the nozzle  106 ′ in the form of a plasma jet. When the generation unit  88 ′ for the apparatus  72  of  FIG.  3    is used, the supply line  108 ′ is connected to the recirculation duct system  98 , so that the gas stream  90  extracted from the treatment chamber  76  is supplied back to the nozzle  106 ′. The use of discharge means to produce a high frequency, high voltage discharge results in a gas stream  90  containing reactive species, but with low ozone concentration, which may reduce ozone exposure to users or the environment. 
       FIG.  6    shows a further alternative generation unit  88 ″ which can be used instead of the generation unit  88  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   . The generation unit  88 ″ comprises a first part generation unit  110  and a second part generation unit  112 , which in the present example are supplied with a respective partial gas stream via a common supply line  108 ″. If the part generation units  110 ,  112  require different gas flow rates for operation, the partial generation unit  110  with the higher gas flow rate can branch off from the supply line  108 ″ upstream of the part generation unit  112  with the lower gas flow rate, as shown in  FIG.  6   , and a throttle valve  109  can be provided upstream of the part generation unit  112 . 
     When the generation unit  88 ″ is used for the apparatus  72  of  FIG.  3   , the supply line  108 ′ is connected to the recirculation duct system  98  so that a respective portion of the gas stream  90  exhausted from the treatment chamber  76  is supplied to the first and second part generation units  110 ,  112  as a respective partial gas stream. 
     The first part generation unit  110  comprises first discharge means for generating a dielectric barrier discharge in the first partial gas stream and can be designed in particular like the nozzle  32  of  FIG.  2   . The second part generation unit  112  comprises second discharge means for generating a high-frequency, high-voltage discharge in the second partial gas stream and can be designed in particular like the plasma nozzle  2  of  FIG.  1   . 
     During operation, the first partial gas stream  114  enriched with reactive species exits the first part generation unit  110  and the second partial gas stream  116  enriched with reactive species exits the second part generation unit  110 . The first and second partial gas streams  114 ,  116  are combined and mixed in a mixing chamber  118  so that the resulting common gas stream  90  containing reactive species exits the mixing chamber  118 . 
     It was found that the high ozone content of the first partial gas stream  114  generated by the first part generation unit  110  can be significantly reduced by mixing it with the second partial gas stream  116  generated by the second part generation unit  112 , resulting in a common gas stream  90  that continues to be enriched with reactive species with reduced ozone load for users and environment. 
       FIG.  7    shows another alternative generation unit  88 ‴, which can be used instead of the generation unit  88  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   . The generation unit  88 ‴ comprises a nozzle  106 ‴, which can be designed, for example, like the nozzle  32  of  FIG.  2    or the plasma nozzle  2  of  FIG.  1   . When the generation unit  88 ‴ is used for the apparatus  72  of  FIG.  3   , the supply line  108 ‴ is connected to the circulating duct system  98 , so that the gas stream  90  extracted from the treatment chamber  76  is supplied to the nozzle  106 ‴ as working gas. Instead of the nozzle  106 ‴, a combination of two nozzles as in  FIG.  6    with a mixing chamber  118  can also be used in the generation unit  88 ‴. 
     Further, humidifying means  120  are provided for humidifying the gas stream  90  exiting the nozzle  106 ″. The humidifying means  120  comprise a water trough  122 , which is filled with water  124  during operation. Heating means  126 , for example in the form of a heating plate, and a temperature sensor  128  for measuring the water temperature are provided on the water trough  122 . By means of provided control means  130 , the water  124  in the water trough  122  can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature in this way. 
     The water trough  122  is arranged such that the gas stream  90  exiting the nozzle  106 ″ is directed toward the water trough  122 , thereby blowing over the water surface  132  of the water  124  in the water trough  122 . This increases the relative humidity of the gas stream  90 , thereby providing a better disinfection effect in the treatment chamber  76 . 
     A humidity sensor  134  may further be provided to sense the relative humidity of the gas stream  90  blown over the water surface  132 . In this way, the temperature of the water can be controlled, for example, to achieve a predetermined relative humidity, in particular in the range of 90 % RH -100 % RH, preferably 95 % RH - 99 % RH. With a relative humidity just below 100 % RH, undesirable condensation can be reduced or prevented. 
     A water supply line  136  may be provided to replenish the amount of water lost from the water trough  122  due to evaporation. 
       FIG.  8    shows a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  142  in  FIG.  8    has a similar structure to the apparatus  72  in  FIG.  3   . Corresponding components are therefore provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made in this respect to the corresponding description for  FIG.  3   . 
     The apparatus  142  differs from the apparatus  72  in that an outlet conduit  144  branches off from the recirculation duct system  98 , through which the gas stream  90  carried in the recirculation duct system  98  is directed to an outlet opening  148  by switching a control flap  146 . When the control flap is in the appropriate position, the openings on the floor side with the portion of the recirculation duct system and outlet conduit  144  connected thereto provide an outlet  150  provided at the treatment chamber  76  through which the gas stream  90  can be discharged from the treatment chamber  76 . A neutralization device  152  is provided at the outlet  150 , which is adapted to reduce the ozone content of the gas stream  90  discharged from the treatment chamber  76 . 
       FIG.  9    shows the neutralization device  152  of the apparatus  142  of  FIG.  8   . The neutralization device  152  comprises a plasma nozzle  154  for generating an atmospheric plasma jet by high-frequency high-voltage discharges in a working gas. In particular, the plasma nozzle  154  may be configured like the plasma nozzle  2  shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     The plasma nozzle  154  is supplied with a working gas stream via a supply line  156 , the supply line  156  being connected to the upstream portion of the outlet line  144  so that the plasma nozzle  154  is supplied with the gas stream  90  discharged from the treatment chamber  76  as a working gas stream, which then exits the plasma nozzle  154  in operation as a plasma jet  158 . In this way, the ozone content in the gas stream  90  is significantly reduced. The gas stream  90  exiting the plasma nozzle  154  as the plasma jet  158  is then supplied to the downstream portion of the outlet line  144  via another line  160 , thereby reaching the outlet port  148 . 
       FIG.  10    shows an alternative neutralization device  152 ′ which can be used instead of the neutralization device  152  for the apparatus of  FIG.  8   . The neutralization device  152 ′ also has a plasma nozzle  154 ′, which can be designed in particular like the plasma nozzle  2  of  FIG.  1   . Unlike the neutralization device  152  in  FIG.  9   , the plasma nozzle  154 ′ is supplied with working gas via a separate working gas supply line  162 , so that a plasma jet  163  emerges from the plasma nozzle  154 ′ during operation. Further, a supply line  164  connected to the upstream portion of the outlet line  144  is provided to supply the gas stream  90  exhausted from the treatment chamber  76  to the region of the plasma jet  163  so that the gas stream  90  is impinged with the plasma jet  163 . This also results in a reduction of the ozone content in the gas stream  90 . The gas stream  90  is then supplied to the downstream portion of the outlet conduit  144  via the further conduit  160 ′, thereby reaching the outlet port  148 . 
     The neutralization device  152  or  152 ′ can be used, for example, at the end of a disinfection process to remove, neutralize and drain the gas stream  90  that is still partially enriched with reactive species, in particular ozone, from the treatment chamber  76 , so that the ozone load for the user, when removing the pieces of protective equipment from the treatment chamber  76 , and the environment is reduced. 
     Furthermore, a fresh air line  166 , that can be switched in, may be provided through which fresh air can flow when the gas stream  90  is discharged from the treatment chamber  76 . The fresh air line  166  may, for example, be connected to the generation unit  88 , which is in particular no longer operated at the end of a disinfection process. The fresh air line  166  may also be arranged separately from the generation unit  88 . 
       FIG.  11    shows another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  182  comprises a housing  184  in which is arranged a treatment chamber  186  for receiving one or more pieces of protective equipment  188 , a closable airlock  190 , for example in the form of a closable door or flap, through which pieces of protective equipment  188  can be introduced into and/or removed from the treatment chamber  186 , and a generation unit  192  for generating reactive species in a gas stream, the generation unit  192  comprising discharge means configured to generate an electrical discharge in the gas stream. 
     In the apparatus  182 , the generation unit  192  is arranged in the treatment chamber  186 . As a result, the gas stream  194  which emerges from the generation unit  192  during operation and is enriched with reactive species passes directly into the treatment chamber  186 . 
     The generation unit  192  can be designed like one of the generation units  88 ,  88 ′,  88 ″ or  88 ‴ of  FIGS.  4  -  7    or like one of the generation units  312  or  322  of  FIGS.  17  -  18   , whereby the supply line  108 ,  108 ′,  108 ″,  108 ‴ in the case of the apparatus  182  is not connected to a circulating air system as in the case of the apparatus  72 , but to a supply line  196  from the treatment chamber  186  or to a separate supply line  198  for a working gas. 
     To better distribute the gas stream  194  containing the reactive species within the treatment chamber  186 , a fan  200  is preferably disposed within the treatment chamber  186 . 
     Furthermore, positioning devices  202  are provided in the treatment chamber  186  for positioning pieces of protective equipment  188  at predetermined locations in the treatment chamber  186 . The positioning devices  202  are designed in the present case as a holder  204  with hooks  206  for suspending pieces of protective equipment  188  such as pieces of protective clothing or respiratory masks. 
     By arranging the generating unit  192  within the treatment chamber  186 , a high disinfection effect can be achieved. 
       FIG.  12    shows another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  212  has a similar structure to the apparatus  182 . Components corresponding to one another are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the above description of  FIG.  11   . 
     The apparatus  212  differs from the apparatus  182  in that the generation unit  192  is not located inside but outside the treatment chamber  186  and is connected thereto via a supply line  214 , so that the gas stream  194  containing the reactive species enters the treatment chamber  186 . Further, an outlet  216  is provided at the treatment chamber with exhaust means in the form of a fan  218  for exhausting the gas stream  194  from the treatment chamber  186  after it has passed through the treatment chamber  186  or at the end of a disinfection process. A neutralization device  220  may also be provided at the outlet  216 , which is configured to reduce the ozone content of the gas stream exhausted from the treatment chamber. The neutralization device  220  may be configured, for example, like the neutralization device  152  of  FIG.  9    or like the neutralization device  152 ′ of  FIG.  10   . 
     By locating the generation unit  192  outside the treatment chamber  186 , a longer life of the generation unit  192  can be achieved. 
       FIG.  13    shows another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  232  has a similar structure to the apparatus  182 . Components corresponding to one another are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the above description for  FIG.  11   . 
     The apparatus  232  differs from the apparatus  182  in that the generation unit  192  is integrated into the wall  234  of the treatment chamber  186 . In this way, a good disinfection effect can be achieved while maintaining a good service life of the generation unit  192 . 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  232  may also be formed with a recirculation system  236 . The gas stream directed through the recirculation system  236  may be supplied entirely to the generation unit  192 . In an alternative embodiment, the gas stream directed through the recirculation system  236  is only partially supplied to the generation unit  192 , while the remaining gas stream is directed directly into the treatment chamber  186  through a parallel recirculation outlet  238 . In this way, the flow rate of the recirculation system  236  can be selected to be higher than the maximum flow rate of the generation unit  192 , thereby achieving a better distribution of the gas stream enriched with the reactive species within the treatment chamber  186 . 
       FIG.  14    shows another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  242  has a similar structure to the apparatus  182 . Components corresponding to one another are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the above description for  FIG.  11   . 
     The apparatus  242  differs from the apparatus  182  in that a recirculation system  244  is provided, which is arranged to discharge the gas stream from the treatment chamber  186  and to return it to the treatment chamber  186  via a recirculation duct system  246 . For this purpose, the recirculation system particularly comprises a fan  248 . The generation unit  192  is designed separately from the recirculation system and can be integrated into a wall  234  of the treatment chamber  186 , as shown in  FIG.  14   , or alternatively can be arranged outside the treatment chamber  186  and connected thereto via a supply line. In a further embodiment, the generation unit  192  may also be arranged within the treatment chamber  186 . 
     In particular, the generation unit  192  is supplied with working gas via a separate working gas supply  250  such that a gas stream  194  enriched with reactive species exits the generation unit  192 . By separating the recirculation system  244  and the generation unit  192 , the service life of the generation unit  192  can be extended, since the generation unit  192  is subject to less wear due to the separate working gas supply  250  than if a gas stream already or still enriched with reactive species is supplied to it as working gas. 
       FIG.  15    shows another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  262  comprises a housing  264  having a treatment chamber  266  for receiving one or more pieces of protective equipment  268 , a closable airlock  270  through which pieces of protective equipment  268  can be introduced into and/or removed from the treatment chamber  266 , and a generation unit  272  for generating reactive species in a gas stream  274 , the generation unit being arranged such that, during operation, the gas stream  274  enters the treatment chamber  266 . The generation unit  272  includes discharge means arranged to generate an electrical discharge in the gas stream. In particular, the generation unit  272  may be configured like one of the generation units  88 ,  88 ′,  88 ″ or  88 ‴ of  FIGS.  4  -  7    or like one of the generation units  312  or  322  of  FIGS.  17  -  18   . 
     A plurality of tubular elements  278  are disposed in the treatment chamber  266  via a support  276  such that, during operation, gas stream  274  introduced into the treatment chamber  266  flows through the tubular elements  278 . 
     The tubular elements  278  are each configured to receive a plurality of breathing masks  268  one after another such that the breathing masks  268  are flowed through in succession as the gas stream  274  flows through the tubular element  278 . To this end, the tubular elements  278  include retaining elements  280  arranged one after another for positioning the breathing masks  268 . As an alternative to a plurality of holding elements  280  for individual breathing masks, for example, a holding element may be provided on which a stack of nested breathing masks is positioned. 
     In this manner, forced flow of the gas stream  274  enriched with reactive species through the breathing masks  268  is achieved, thereby effectively disinfecting the breathing masks  268 . 
     Tubular members  278  represent positioning devices for positioning protective equipment, namely breathing masks, at predetermined locations within treatment chamber  266 . 
     After flowing through the treatment chamber  266 , the gas stream  274  may be directed out of the treatment chamber  266  through openings  282  in the wall thereof. 
     The supply line  284  of the generation unit  272  may be connected to a recirculation system  286  as in the apparatus  72  of  FIG.  3   . Alternatively, the supply line  284  may be a separate supply line for working gas. In this case, the openings  282  may form part of an outlet, as in the apparatus  212  of  FIG.  12   , to allow the gas stream  274  to exit the treatment chamber  266 . 
       FIG.  16   a    shows a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for disinfecting objects or solids, preferably pieces of protective equipment, and for its use. The apparatus  292  has a similar structure to the apparatus  262  of  FIG.  15   , with mutually corresponding components being provided with the same reference numerals and in this respect reference is made to the above description for  FIG.  15   . 
     The apparatus  292  differs from the apparatus  262  of  FIG.  15    in that a perforated plate  294  is provided as a positioning device instead of the tubular elements  278 . Below the perforated plate  294 , an exhaust  296  with a fan  298  is provided to draw the gas stream  274  through the holes  300  of the perforated plate  294 . 
     To disinfect breathing masks  264 , the user can arrange them on the perforated plate  294  as shown in  FIGS.  16   a - b   .  FIG.  16   b    shows a top view of the perforated plate  294  with the breathing masks  264  arranged thereon. 
     During operation, the gas stream  274  enriched with reactive species by the generation unit  272  is drawn in by the exhaust  296  and is thereby passed through the material of the breathing masks  264  on its way to the holes  300  of the perforated plate  294  so that they are disinfected. 
     In  FIG.  16   a   , the apparatus  292  has only one perforated plate  294 . However, it is also conceivable to arrange several perforated plates one above the other, optionally with respective suction or with a common suction, so that a larger number of breathing masks  264  can be treated simultaneously in the apparatus  292 . 
       FIG.  17    shows a further alternative generation unit  312  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   , which can be used instead of the generation unit  88  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   . The generation unit  312  has a similar structure to the generation unit  88 ‴ of  FIG.  7   , whereby corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the above description of  FIG.  7    in this respect. 
     The generation unit  312  differs from the generation unit  88 ‴ in that an evaporation body  314  made of porous, in particular sponge-like material is arranged in the water trough  122 . The evaporation body  314  protrudes out of the water  124  so that the gas stream  90  flows around or through it. 
     The evaporation body  314  has a very large surface area relative to its volume. When the water trough  122  is filled with water  124 , the water  124  also enters the evaporative body  314  or is drawn into the evaporative body  314  by capillary forces, resulting in improved evaporative performance. In addition, if the gas stream  90  has sufficient flow, droplets  316  can be entrained by the evaporative body  314  so that the gas stream  90  is also humidified thereby. 
     Heating means  126 , control means  130 , and sensors  128 ,  134 , as well as water supply line  136 , are omitted in  FIG.  17   , but may alternatively be partially or fully provided. 
       FIG.  18    shows a further alternative generation unit  322  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   , which can be used instead of the generation unit  88  for the apparatus of  FIG.  3   . The generation unit  322  has a similar structure to the generation unit  88 ‴ of  FIG.  7   , whereby corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the above description of  FIG.  7    in this respect. 
     The generation unit  322  differs from the generation unit  88 ‴ in that an ultrasonic nebulizer  324  is disposed in the water trough  122 . During operation, the ultrasonic nebulizer  324  nebulizes the water  124  into small droplets  316 , which are then entrained by the gas stream  90 , thereby moistening it. 
     Heating means  126 , control means  130 , and sensors  128 ,  134 , as well as water supply line  136 , are omitted in  FIG.  18   , but may alternatively be partially or fully provided. 
     Instead of water  124 , the water trough  122  in the generation unit  88 ‴,  312  or  322  can also be filled with plasma-activated water to further improve the disinfection effect. The use of an evaporator  314  or nebulizer  324  is advantageous in this case because the reactive species contained in the plasma-activated water are more effectively delivered to the gas stream  90  by the formation of droplets  316  effected in these embodiments. 
     The apparatus and the use have been described previously by way of example on the basis of exemplary embodiments of the apparatus for disinfection, in particular for sterilization, of items of protective equipment. However, the apparatus can also be used for disinfecting, in particular sterilizing, other goods, in particular powders, seeds or foodstuffs, in particular vegetables, fruit, lettuce, nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, pulses or spices such as pepper. For this purpose, the apparatus can be appropriately dimensioned for the respective goods and, for example, corresponding positioning devices can be provided for the goods concerned.