a method for sterilizing objects including an autoclave having a chamber into which a supply conduit is connected provided with a medium , such as steam and a further supply conduit provided with at least one control medium , such as compressed air . the apparatus also has a discharge conduit and a vent conduit . the method achieves the desired results of sterilization of the objects within said chamber by operating the system as near as possible to the temperature tolerance of the plastic packaging of the products being treated . the thermodynamic system utilized is so constructed and arranged to control the temperature in the chamber with great accuracy and to permit trimming of the operation of the system within certain parameters for a given program , or to readjust the system for another program .