Device and method for the decontamination of hollow objects such as container caps using UV radiations

A device for the decontamination of hollow objects which are at least partially translucent to UV radiations and which have a cavity, the device comprising:

• positioning means with hollow tubes for positioning the objects into a decontamination zone with their cavity in a predefined orientation;
• pressure means for changing the pressure inside said hollow tubes, and detecting means for detecting a pressure change caused by a breakage of said hollow tubes;
• first exposure means comprising at least a UV radiation source and/or a reflector for directing a UV radiation, said first exposure means being oriented toward the cavity of the positioned objects and being arranged for producing a direct exposure to UV radiations of surfaces inside said cavity;
• second exposure means comprising at least a UV radiation source and/or a reflector for directing UV radiation;
• said second exposure means being placed on the opposite side relative to the cavity of said positioned objects and being arranged for exposing surfaces inside the objects cavity to UV radiations by diffusion and/or transmission of UV radiations through the walls surrounding said objects cavity;
• and
• said first and second exposure means cooperating for producing a global exposure to UV radiations of the surfaces inside said objects cavity.