MicroTube Formaldehyde 0.15-3 ppm | Draeger

The Draeger MicroTube Formaldehyde 0.15-3 ppm is a specialized chemical detection tube designed for measuring the concentration of formaldehyde gas in air over a range of 0.15 to 3 parts per million (ppm). These detection tubes are used in conjunction with a Draeger pump to take air samples, and the tubes contain a reactive substance that changes color in the presence of the target gas—in this case, formaldehyde. The change in color is proportional to the concentration of formaldehyde present in the air.

Key Features and Details:

1. Measurement Range:

   • 0.15 to 3 ppm: The MicroTube is capable of detecting formaldehyde concentrations within a low range, which makes it ideal for environments where precise, low-level detection is necessary (such as in laboratories, industrial settings, or environments where formaldehyde is used in manufacturing).

2. Detection Technology:

   • The MicroTube uses a colorimetric chemical reaction to detect formaldehyde. When air containing formaldehyde is drawn through the tube, a chemical reagent inside the tube reacts with the gas, causing a visible color change. The length of the color change can be compared to a calibration chart to determine the concentration of formaldehyde in the sample.

3. Application:

   • Industrial Hygiene: Used for monitoring formaldehyde exposure in workplaces, ensuring worker safety in environments like laboratories, chemical plants, woodworking shops, and funeral homes, where formaldehyde may be used in chemical processes, sterilization, or embalming.

   • Environmental Monitoring: Can also be used in environmental monitoring for air quality, especially in areas where formaldehyde might be released due to industrial emissions or chemical processes.

   • Health & Safety Compliance: Ensures compliance with occupational safety standards such as those established by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or similar regulatory bodies.

4. Ease of Use:

   • The tubes are typically easy to handle and can be used by non-experts with minimal training. The detection process is straightforward and fast.

   • Portable: They are compact, which makes them convenient for field measurements. The tubes fit into Draeger's Accuro® pump, a device used to draw a precise volume of air through the tube.

5. Accuracy and Sensitivity:

   • The sensitivity of the MicroTube allows for detection of very low levels of formaldehyde (as low as 0.15 ppm), which is important since formaldehyde is a potent irritant and carcinogen at certain concentrations.

6. Use Case in Different Industries:

   • Manufacturing: Formaldehyde is often found in the production of resins, textiles, and some building materials. It's also used in the creation of adhesives, coatings, and paints.

   • Health and Medicine: Used in medical laboratories and funeral homes for embalming, where exposure to formaldehyde is a concern.

   • Research and Laboratory Settings: For monitoring trace amounts of formaldehyde in scientific experiments or industrial processes.

7. Shelf Life and Storage:

   • The MicroTube should be stored in a cool, dry place, and it has a shelf life of about 2 years when stored correctly. Always check the expiration date before use to ensure accurate results.

8. Chemical Safety:

   • Since formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, proper handling of the sampling tubes is essential to avoid exposure. Safety protocols should be followed when using these tubes, especially in high-concentration environments.

Benefits:

• Quick Results: Immediate, visible results for rapid assessment of formaldehyde concentration.

• Compact and Portable: Ideal for fieldwork and easy transportation.

• Versatile Applications: Suitable for various sectors including industrial hygiene, environmental monitoring, and research.

Limitations:

• Short-term Measurement: The tubes provide a snapshot of formaldehyde levels at the moment of measurement; they are not designed for continuous or long-term monitoring.

• User Training: While simple to use, understanding how to interpret results and ensuring proper handling of the pump and tube may require some basic training.

Conclusion:

The Draeger MicroTube Formaldehyde 0.15-3 ppm is a reliable, simple-to-use, and cost-effective solution for measuring formaldehyde in the air. Its precision and low-level detection capabilities make it essential for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in environments where formaldehyde exposure is a concern. Whether used in workplaces, environmental monitoring, or research, this product provides an accessible means of protecting both workers and the general public from the harmful effects of formaldehyde exposure.