[en] One of the problems associated with the sometimes protracted, ground storage of space PuO₂ RTG devices is the ingrowth of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the gas phase due to the cyclical reaction established between the fuel (²³⁸PuO₂) and the carbon impact body. This ingrowth proceeds according to the two equations: xCO + PuO₂ = xCO₂ + PuO₂-x (1) and xCO₂ + xC = 2xCO, etc. (2). This reaction stops after launch because the two solid-phase reactants are physically separated when the inside of the RTG is evacuated to space for performance reasons. When the RTG is stored on the ground, however, the product gases become established and can cause degradation of the solid-state thermoelectric elements. Controlling the reduction of the plutonia to such an extent that reaction (1) becomes thermodynamically unfavorable minimizes the continued generation of CO and CO₂. The conditions necessary to maintain plutonia at a substoichiometric level are being determined. These test conditions are described and are supported with data from previous heat source studies. Finally a facility to perform the necessary treatment is described