Method and blow-molding machine for the blow-molding production of containers that are sterile at least in certain regions

A method for the production of a blow-molded container that is sterile at least in certain regions using a blow-molding machine, the method comprising:

• heating a preform made of thermoplastic material;
• stretching the heated preform in a blowing station of the blow-molding machine using a stretching rod;
• supplying a sterilizing fluid into the preform in the blowing station to perform a sterilization;
• and
• subjecting the stretched preform to a pressurized blowing fluid via a blowing nozzle in the blowing station to expand the preform and form the blow-molded container;
• wherein the sterilizing fluid is supplied into the preform in the blowing station from an outlet and flows continuously along a flow path that passes through or beside the stretching rod and, after exiting the preform, is drained away via an inlet,
• wherein the sterilizing fluid is supplied into the preform while the blow-molding machine operates in a continuous manner,
• wherein the sterilizing fluid supplied to the preform does not expand the preform to form the blow-molded container during the sterilization,
• wherein the stretched preform is subjected to the pressurized blowing fluid to expand the preform and form the blow-molded container only after the sterilization with the sterilizing fluid has been completed, and
• wherein the sterilizing fluid and the pressurized blowing fluid are different fluids.