MicroTube Ethylene Oxide 0.25-10 ppm | Draeger

The MicroTube Ethylene Oxide (EO) 0.25–10 ppm is a product from Dräger, a well-known company specializing in safety and medical technologies. Specifically, this product is a type of gas detection tube used for measuring the concentration of Ethylene Oxide (EO) in the air. Ethylene Oxide is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor, and it is commonly used as a sterilizing agent in hospitals and in the production of various chemicals.

1. Purpose:

The MicroTube Ethylene Oxide (EO) detection tubes are designed to provide quick and reliable measurements of ethylene oxide concentrations in industrial or medical environments. These tubes are used in air monitoring, primarily for ensuring safety in areas where ethylene oxide is used or produced, such as in hospitals (for sterilization), laboratories, and manufacturing facilities.

2. Operating Range:

The product measures Ethylene Oxide (EO) in the concentration range of 0.25–10 parts per million (ppm), which is within the typical levels found in environments where EO is used for sterilization. This range is suitable for detecting EO concentrations that are relevant for both occupational safety and regulatory compliance.

3. How It Works:

• Chemical Reaction: The detection tube contains a special reagent that reacts with Ethylene Oxide. When air is drawn through the tube using a Dräger pump, the Ethylene Oxide present in the air will react with the chemicals inside the tube, causing a color change. The intensity of the color change is proportional to the concentration of EO in the air.

• Readings: The color change can then be compared to a color scale printed on the side of the tube, which corresponds to different EO concentrations. The results are displayed in ppm.

4. Features:

• High Sensitivity: The MicroTube Ethylene Oxide tube offers high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting even low concentrations of EO.

• Convenient and Easy to Use: The tubes are designed for quick and easy use. The Dräger pump system makes it simple to collect a sample of air and get a reading in just a few minutes.

• Portable: The system is portable, making it ideal for both stationary and mobile environments where rapid measurements are needed.

• Compact Size: The "MicroTube" designation means that the tube is smaller and more compact than traditional detection tubes, making it easier to handle and transport.

• Cost-Effective: As a short-term measurement tool, it is more affordable compared to more complex, long-term monitoring solutions like fixed sensors.

5. Applications:

• Hospitals: Used in sterilization processes where EO is applied to sterilize medical instruments and equipment.

• Manufacturing Plants: Ethylene Oxide is used in the manufacturing of certain chemicals, including antifreeze and detergents.

• Laboratories: EO is sometimes used in laboratories for sterilization of equipment or for other chemical processes.

• Safety Monitoring: Helps ensure workplace safety by detecting potential exposure to harmful levels of ethylene oxide, which is a known carcinogen.

6. Advantages:

• Quick Results: Results are available within minutes of sampling.

• No Calibration Needed: Unlike electronic sensors that require regular calibration, the MicroTube system is simple and ready to use right out of the box.

• Low Detection Limits: It can detect low levels of EO (as low as 0.25 ppm), making it suitable for environments where exposure is minimal but still a potential hazard.

7. Limitations:

• One-Time Use: Each MicroTube is disposable, so a new tube will be needed for each measurement.

• Short-Term Measurement: The MicroTube is best for short-term or spot-check monitoring, rather than continuous monitoring over an extended period.

8. Safety:

Ethylene Oxide is a hazardous substance, and prolonged exposure even to low concentrations can pose serious health risks, including carcinogenic effects and respiratory issues. Regular monitoring using the MicroTube helps in ensuring that exposure levels remain below the regulatory safety limits (typically below 1 ppm for occupational environments).

9. Product Specifications:

• Detection Range: 0.25–10 ppm of Ethylene Oxide.

• Measurement Type: Colorimetric (based on color change inside the tube).

• Tube Type: MicroTube (compact and portable).

• Requires Dräger Pump: For air sampling and measurement.