MicroTube Ethylene Oxide 25-250 ppb | Draeger

The MicroTube Ethylene Oxide (EtO) 25-250 ppb from Draeger is a specialized gas detection product designed to detect low concentrations of ethylene oxide (EtO) in various environments, primarily for industrial, laboratory, and safety applications. The product is part of Draeger's comprehensive line of chemical detection solutions.

Product Overview:

• Detection Range: 25-250 parts per billion (ppb) of Ethylene Oxide (EtO).

• Technology Type: MicroTube is a type of chemical indicator tube, which is used with Draeger's tube pump systems for precise and accurate gas detection.

• Application Areas:

  • Laboratories and Research: Ethylene oxide is used in certain sterilization processes, especially in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. The MicroTube is essential for monitoring safe levels of EtO in these environments.

  • Industrial Settings: For industries using ethylene oxide in manufacturing, such as sterilization or chemical production, these tubes can detect leakage and ensure safe work conditions.

  • Environmental and Safety Monitoring: Ethylene oxide is toxic at high concentrations, and its detection is crucial for worker safety and environmental protection.

Product Features:

1. Precision Detection:

   • The MicroTube uses a colorimetric method, where the chemical reaction between ethylene oxide and the reagent inside the tube results in a color change. The degree of color change is proportional to the concentration of ethylene oxide present in the air.

   • The range of detection (25-250 ppb) allows for detection of trace amounts of EtO, which is important because exposure to even low levels of ethylene oxide over time can pose health risks.

2. Quick and Easy to Use:

   • The MicroTube is designed to be used with a simple Draeger pump (e.g., Draeger Accuro) to draw a known volume of air through the tube. This makes it easy to take quick spot measurements without complex calibration or setup.

   • The results are visible as a color shift inside the tube, and the concentration can be read directly from a scale printed on the side of the tube.

3. High Sensitivity:

   • The tube can detect ethylene oxide at low levels, offering high sensitivity and reliability, essential in environments where air quality and safety are paramount.

4. Compact and Portable:

   • The MicroTube is small and lightweight, making it ideal for on-site, portable measurements in various environments.

   • It’s especially useful in situations where continuous gas monitoring is not possible, such as in confined spaces or when a portable option is needed for routine spot checks.

Technical Specifications:

• Chemical Type: Ethylene oxide (EtO)

• Concentration Range: 25 - 250 ppb (parts per billion)

• Storage and Handling: The tubes need to be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to ensure their reliability and shelf life.

• Shelf Life: Generally, the shelf life of Draeger MicroTubes is around 2-3 years, but it depends on storage conditions. Always check the expiry date before use.

• Operating Temperature: Typically works in a range of 0°C to 30°C (32°F to 86°F).

Health & Safety Information:

• Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is a colorless, flammable gas commonly used as a sterilizing agent in medical facilities and as an intermediate in chemical manufacturing. It is highly toxic and poses risks of cancer and reproductive harm with prolonged exposure.

• The product is essential for ensuring that workers or the environment are not exposed to dangerous levels of EtO, especially in enclosed or high-risk areas like sterilization units.

Advantages:

• Non-invasive Monitoring: The color change method eliminates the need for complex digital or electronic measurement devices.

• Cost-Effective: MicroTubes are often a more affordable solution compared to continuous monitoring systems.

• User-Friendly: Simple to use with minimal training required, making it accessible to operators with varying levels of expertise.

• Portable: Can be easily used on-site or in different locations without requiring large or expensive equipment.

Limitations:

• Single-Use: Once a test is conducted, the MicroTube is generally used up and cannot be reused.

• Manual Interpretation: The results are interpreted visually, which may not be as precise as digital readouts in some cases.

• Limited to Short-Term Measurement: MicroTubes provide a snapshot of concentration rather than continuous monitoring.

Applications in Practice:

• Sterilization Facilities: MicroTube Ethylene Oxide detection is particularly useful in sterilization settings to monitor EtO concentrations in the air, ensuring that levels remain within safe exposure limits for workers.

• Research Laboratories: Many labs use ethylene oxide as a sterilizing agent for medical instruments and in chemical synthesis, where air quality monitoring is essential for safety.

• Environmental Monitoring: In areas near industrial plants or facilities that use ethylene oxide, this product helps assess the risk of contamination or accidental leaks into the environment.