MicroTube Xylene 10-1000 ppm | Draeger

The MicroTube Xylene 10-1000 ppm is a specific product from Draeger, designed to detect the presence of xylene vapors in the air at concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 parts per million (ppm). This product is part of Draeger's line of detection tubes used for air quality monitoring and safety assessments in various environments, such as industrial, laboratory, or hazardous working environments where xylene exposure could be a concern.

Detailed Product Description:

1. Purpose & Functionality:

   • The MicroTube Xylene 10-1000 ppm is used for qualitative and quantitative measurement of xylene concentrations in the air.

   • Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid often used in laboratories, painting, and chemical industries. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent that can be harmful when inhaled, which is why monitoring its levels is critical in workplaces where it is used.

2. Detection Range:

   • The detection range of the MicroTube is from 10 ppm to 1000 ppm, allowing users to measure low to high concentrations of xylene in the air, ensuring both safety and compliance with workplace safety standards.

   • This range is ideal for detecting levels that may be unsafe or harmful to workers and can also be used to assess general air quality.

3. How It Works:

   • The MicroTube works based on a colorimetric reaction, where air is drawn through the tube via a Draeger pump.

   • The xylene vapor in the air reacts with the chemicals inside the tube, causing a change in the color of the tube. The intensity of the color change is directly proportional to the concentration of xylene in the air.

   • After drawing the air through the tube, the user compares the color change to a color scale provided with the product, allowing for an accurate reading of xylene concentration.

4. Application Areas:

   • Industrial environments: such as painting, chemical processing, and manufacturing, where xylene is frequently used as a solvent.

   • Laboratories: for monitoring air quality when working with xylene or similar chemicals.

   • Hazardous material handling: where workers may be exposed to solvents like xylene and other VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

   • Workplace safety and compliance: ensuring that xylene levels do not exceed established health and safety standards.

5. Advantages:

   • Quick and easy-to-use: Provides fast, reliable results in just a few minutes.

   • No calibration required: The tubes are ready-to-use and do not require complex calibration processes.

   • Cost-effective: It is a cost-effective method for occasional or field-based testing compared to more expensive electronic gas detectors.

   • Portable and compact: Ideal for personal monitoring or environmental assessments, the microtube is portable and doesn't require a power source.

   • Precision at various concentrations: The broad range (10-1000 ppm) ensures versatility for different work environments.

6. Safety Considerations:

   • Exposure to xylene at high concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in extreme cases, damage to the nervous system, liver, or kidneys. Chronic exposure may lead to long-term health effects.

   • It is important to use the MicroTube as part of a comprehensive safety program to monitor exposure levels and prevent harmful effects.

7. How to Use:

   • Place the Draeger pump onto the tube, ensuring proper attachment.

   • Draw a known volume of air through the tube by operating the pump.

   • Observe the color change and compare it to the included scale to determine the concentration of xylene in the air.

8. Shelf Life & Storage:

   • Draeger tubes typically have a long shelf life (usually 2-3 years) when stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and chemicals that may interfere with the reagents inside.

   • Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain the integrity and reliability of the MicroTube.

Specifications:

• Measuring range: 10 - 1000 ppm (Xylene)

• Tube material: Glass with an internal reagent that reacts to xylene.

• Reaction time: Typically between 3 to 5 minutes (depending on the concentration of xylene).

• Certifications: Draeger tubes typically comply with international safety standards such as OSHA, NIOSH, and EN (European Standards).

Conclusion:

The Draeger MicroTube Xylene 10-1000 ppm is a convenient and reliable tool for quickly assessing xylene concentrations in various environments, ensuring worker safety and compliance with regulatory standards. It’s a portable, user-friendly solution for measuring harmful chemical exposure, offering both precision and ease of use for routine air quality monitoring.