Tube - Benzene 5/b (10) | Draeger

The Dräger Tube Benzene 5/b (Order No. 6728071) is part of the short-term gas detection tube series from Dräger (also written “Drager/Tubes”). These are glass tubes impregnated with a reagent that reacts colour-visually to the presence of a specific gas or vapour (in this case, benzene).
These tubes are used for quick, spot measurements of benzene concentrations in air—particularly suited for industrial hygiene, workplace safety, emission checks, or confined-space monitoring.

Key Specifications & Performance Data

• Target Substance: Benzene (C₆H₆)
• Standard Measuring Range: 5 to 50 ppm (parts per million)
• Measurement Time: Approx. 8 minutes (with recommended number of strokes)
• Tube Material: Glass (hermetically sealed)
• Package Contents: 10 tubes per box (10 measurements)
• Required Pumping Device: Used with a compatible Dräger tube-pump (e.g., Dräger accuro) or similar device specified by manufacturer.
• Storage / Shelf Life: Generally ~2 years when stored at room temperature (typical for glass detection tubes)
• Ambient Conditions: Typical for 20 °C and 1013 hPa, as per standard specification tables

Features & Benefits

• Rapid Spot-Measurement: The Dräger short-term tubes allow readings in minutes, enabling quick on-site verification of benzene levels.

• Direct Colour Indication: The reagent inside the tube changes colour when exposed to benzene; the concentration is read directly off the printed scale on the glass tube.

• No Need for Lab Equipment: This tube system is portable and suitable for field use, rather than requiring a fixed laboratory analyser.

• High Reliability: Manufactured by Dräger, a recognised brand in gas detection; the tube type is specifically calibrated for benzene in the 5-50 ppm range.

• Convenient Packaging: Comes in a box of 10 tubes (10 tests) making tracking and inventory easier for industrial hygiene programmes.

Applications

• Workplace monitoring: checking benzene vapour concentrations in factories, refineries, petrochemical plants, solvent handling areas.

• Leak detection: detection of benzene escapes or leaks in piping, storage tanks, or confined spaces.

• Emission/ventilation checks: ensuring ventilation or exhaust systems mitigate benzene exposure to safe levels.

• Spot checks before entry into hazardous zones: verifying safe breathing air or atmosphere in confined spaces.

Usage & Handling Guidelines

1. Preparation: Ensure you have the correct tube (Order No 6728071) and a compatible pump (e.g., Dräger accuro).

2. Break-off tip: The glass tube has a scored end that must be broken off to start sampling.

3. Draw sample: Use the specified number of ‘strokes’ (pump actuations) as per manufacturer instructions to draw ambient air through the tube. The standard measurement time ~8 minutes applies when using the correct stroke count.

4. Read result: After sampling, read the colour‐changed reagent column against the printed scale (5-50 ppm) to determine the benzene concentration.

5. Interpret & Act: Compare the reading to workplace exposure limits (e.g., regulatory TLVs/PELs) and apply corrective actions if required.

6. Storage & Handling: Store the tubes in their original packaging, protected from humidity and extreme temperatures; use within shelf-life for accuracy.

Limitations & Considerations

• The measuring range is limited to 5-50 ppm; if you anticipate lower (<5 ppm) or higher (>50 ppm) concentrations of benzene, a different tube or method is required.

• Colour reading is semi-quantitative and may be influenced by ambient conditions (temperature, humidity) and operator technique; best used as a screening/spot-check tool rather than precision lab instrument.

• The tube must be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions (correct stroke count, ambient conditions) to ensure accuracy.

• Old or improperly stored tubes may yield inaccurate readings — check expiration and storage.

• Although the system simplifies detection, trained personnel and adequate safety protocols are still necessary when working with toxic vapours like benzene.

Summary

In short, the Dräger Tube Benzene 5/b (Order No 6728071) offers a reliable, quick, and portable solution for detecting benzene vapour concentrations in the 5-50 ppm range. It is ideal for field tests, industrial hygiene audits and safety monitoring, especially when a laboratory analyser is not feasible on site. Proper use, storage and interpretation of results are essential to maximise its effectiveness and maintain safety compliance.