Tube - Cyanide 2/a (10) | Draeger

These tubes are packaged as a 10-tube box (i.e., “(10)” indicates ten tubes per box).

The Dräger Tube system is widely used for spot-measurements — drawing a known volume of air through a reagent-filled glass vial which changes colour in presence of the target gas.

Key Specifications & Features

• Measuring range: 2 to 15 mg/m³ for cyanide.

• The tube works by a chemical reagent changing colour (from yellow → red, in this case) when the specified concentration is present.

• Typical measurement time: approx. 2 minutes (for this specific tube type).

• Number of strokes (air pulls) with the associated pump: e.g., 6 (+2) strokes for this tube.

• Ambient conditions: e.g., temperature 0–30 °C, absolute humidity <20 mg H₂O/L for accurate results.

• Reaction principle (chemical steps):

  1. 2 KCN + H₂SO₄ → 2 HCN + K₂SO₄

  2. 2 HCN + HgCl₂ → 2 HCl + Hg(CN)₂

  3. HCl + methyl red → red reaction product.

• Cross-sensitivity / considerations: The tube indicates free hydrogen cyanide even before breaking the ampoule; acid gases may be indicated with different sensitivities; measurement may be affected in presence of phosphine, and some cyanide may have hydrolysed with CO₂ in air.

• Compatibility: To be used with a Dräger pump (e.g., the Accuro® manual pump) or compatible system for drawing air through the tube.

• Application: On-the-spot measurements, pre-entry checks in confined spaces, leak detection of cyanide hazard areas, etc.

• Shelf life: Typically about 2 years (for many Dräger tube types) — for this type, noted by one seller.

Advantages

• Rapid spot measurement: The tube provides quick indication of cyanide concentration without requiring full lab instrumentation.

• Portable and field-friendly: Being glass tubes and a simple pump system makes it practical for field or site use (e.g., in industrial safety, chemical plants, etc.).

• Widely used system: Dräger has a large range of tubes (200+ types) and the system is well established globally.

• Clear indication: Colour change visible to the operator, enabling quick decision making.

• Compact packaging: The “10 tubes per box” format means spare tubes ready on site.

Limitations & Considerations

• As with all short-term detection tubes, accuracy is less than lab instrumentation — standard deviation for this tube is around ±20-30 % per specification.

• The measurement range is limited (2–15 mg/m³) — for concentrations outside this range, other instrumentation may be needed.

• Glass tubes require careful handling; breakage risk, and correct procedure (e.g., correct number of strokes, ambient conditions) is vital for reliable results.

• External factors (temperature, humidity, presence of interfering gases) may affect results — e.g., presence of phosphine makes measurement of cyanide impossible with this tube.

• These tubes are for spot checks (short‐term) rather than continuous monitoring.

• Proper calibration/validation of the pump and technique must be followed to ensure measurement reliability.

Use Case & Typical Applications

• Industrial hygiene: Checking air in areas where cyanide (or hydrogen cyanide) may form such as chemical manufacturing plants, plating operations, mining, fumigation etc.

• Confined space entry: Before workers enter tanks, pits, or other enclosed spaces where cyanide or its derivatives might accumulate.

• Leak detection: Locate accidental releases of cyanide or related compounds quickly.

• Site safety audits: As a quick field tool to verify whether cyanide levels are within safe or acceptable range.

Technical Data Summary

• Product: Short-term detection tube for cyanide (model “2/a”)

• Pack quantity: 10 tubes per box

• Measuring range: 2–15 mg/m³

• Measurement time: ~2 minutes

• Colour change: Yellow → Red

• Temperature range: 0–30 °C (for specified accuracy)

• Humidity limitation: Absolute humidity less than 20 mg H₂O/L for optimal performance.

• Standard deviation: ±20-30 % typical accuracy deviation.

• Compatibility: Use with Dräger Accuro pump or comparable system.

Conclusion

The Dräger Tube – Cyanide 2/a (10) is a reliable, field‐ready solution for detecting cyanide gas in air, offering quick colour‐based indication within the 2-15 mg/m³ range. It’s well suited for industrial safety checks, confined space entry screening, and detecting cyanide hazards on-site. As with all such tools, correct usage, calibration, and understanding of limitations are essential.