MicroTube Formaldehyde 5-150 ppb | Draeger

The MicroTube Formaldehyde 5-150 ppb by Dräger is a precision instrument used for the detection and measurement of formaldehyde concentrations in the air. It is commonly employed in various industries where formaldehyde exposure can be a health hazard, such as in chemical manufacturing, laboratories, environmental monitoring, and workplace safety.

Key Features:

1. Detection Range:

   • The Dräger MicroTube for formaldehyde has a detection range of 5 to 150 parts per billion (ppb). This allows it to accurately measure very low concentrations of formaldehyde in the air, making it suitable for precise environmental monitoring.

2. MicroTube Technology:

   • Dräger’s MicroTubes are designed for use with their portable gas detection instruments, like the Dräger X-am series or the Dräger Pac series. These tubes are compact and easy to use, providing fast and reliable results with minimal user intervention.

3. Sampling Method:

   • The formaldehyde detection tube uses a colorimetric method, where the reaction of the gas with chemicals in the tube results in a visible color change. The intensity of the color change directly correlates with the concentration of formaldehyde in the air, providing an accurate measurement in real-time.

4. Sensitivity:

   • The tubes are designed to be sensitive to even low concentrations of formaldehyde, which makes them valuable for applications that require stringent safety standards, such as workplaces where formaldehyde is used in manufacturing or research.

5. Easy to Use:

   • These tubes are easy to handle and operate. Simply place the tube in the measuring instrument, press the button to pump air through the tube, and read the result from the color change. This makes it an efficient choice for both experts and those new to gas detection.

6. Compact and Lightweight:

   • The MicroTubes are lightweight, portable, and easy to transport, making them ideal for both field use and in-lab testing. The compact size means they don't take up much space, and they can be used in confined or difficult-to-access areas.

7. Long Shelf Life:

   • These tubes have a long shelf life, which ensures reliability and reduces the need for frequent replacements. This is particularly important in industries where formaldehyde exposure monitoring is done periodically.

8. Versatile Application:

   • Suitable for use in a variety of environments such as industrial plants, chemical processing facilities, research labs, and even in the construction industry where formaldehyde is commonly found in materials like wood and resins.

Technical Specifications:

• Measurement Range: 5 – 150 ppb (parts per billion)

• Color Change: Detectable color shift on the tube corresponding to formaldehyde concentration.

• Tube Dimensions: Typically about 115mm in length, and 10mm in diameter (dimensions may vary slightly by model).

• Detection Principle: Colorimetric detection (chemical reaction based on formaldehyde absorption).

• Response Time: Usually a few minutes (around 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the pump used).

• Storage Conditions: The tubes should be stored in a cool, dry place to preserve their shelf life. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Applications:

• Workplace Safety: To monitor formaldehyde levels in environments where workers may be exposed, such as in manufacturing processes, particularly in industries like textiles, plastics, and resins.

• Environmental Monitoring: Detecting formaldehyde in outdoor air or ventilation systems.

• Laboratory Use: Measuring formaldehyde emissions from chemical processes, research, or experiments involving the chemical.

• Building Inspections: Used to measure indoor air quality in buildings where formaldehyde is used in construction materials (such as in particleboard, plywood, and insulation).

Advantages:

• Accurate and Reliable: Provides highly accurate and consistent results, ensuring that formaldehyde concentrations are correctly measured.

• Cost-Effective: More affordable than continuous monitoring systems, while still offering precision for low-level detection.

• Portable and Easy to Use: Does not require complex setups or equipment, making it accessible for non-experts and quick field use.

Limitations:

• Limited to Specific Concentrations: This tube only detects formaldehyde within the 5-150 ppb range. It may not be suitable for very high concentrations of formaldehyde.

• Single Use: These detection tubes are single-use, meaning they need to be replaced after each test.

Conclusion:

The Dräger MicroTube Formaldehyde 5-150 ppb is a highly practical solution for detecting low levels of formaldehyde in various settings. It is designed for ease of use, portability, and reliability, making it a valuable tool for ensuring workplace safety and environmental health in industries where formaldehyde is a concern.