A process for controlling operation of a system for treating a surface of a solid running substrate by dielectric-barrier electrical discharge in a controlled gaseous atmosphere, wherein the system includes a treatment device through which a substrate to be treated runs at a speed, means connected to said treatment device for supplying the treatment device with gas, means for supplying the treatment device with electrical power in order to produce the electrical discharge and means for sucking out the gas, comprising the steps of measuring the speed at which the substrate runs through the device and carrying out the following actions:
- a) upon starting the treatment device and when the running speed of the substrate is greater than a predetermined speed:
- initiating operation of the suction means,
- initiating operation of the gas supply means,
- initiating operation of the electrical power supply means, and
- b) upon stopping the device and/or when the running speed of the substrate drops to a level below a predetermined speed while the substrate is being treated:
- interrupting operation of the electrical power supply means,
- interrupting operation of the gas supply means and,
- interrupting operation of the suction means.