Tube - Formic Acid 1/a (10) | Draeger

This is a short-term gas-detection tube designed for the qualitative/quantitative measurement of formic acid (HCOOH) vapour in air. The tube is part of Dräger’s “Short-Term Tubes” system: a glass vial filled with a chemical reagent. When air containing the target gas is drawn through the tube using a compatible pump (e.g., Dräger Accuro®), the reagent reacts and changes colour. The length of the colour-change zone corresponds to the concentration of the gas.

• Model / Order number: 6722701

• Name: Formic Acid 1/a

• Supplied in a box of 10 tubes (10 tests per box) in many cases.

• Typical measurement range: 1 – 15 ppm of formic acid vapour in air.

• Application: spot-measurements (peaks, breathing zone monitoring, leak detection, confined space assessment) in industrial hygiene / safety settings.

Key Features & Advantages

• Fast and field-ready: The Dräger Short-Term Tube system offers quick turn-around: measurement times are short (typically just a few minutes).

• Simple operation: Insert the tube into a compatible pump, draw a defined volume of air, observe the colour change, read off the concentration from the printed scale. No complex instrumentation needed.

• Reliable and selective: Designed for formic acid, offering a tuned reagent system. Cross-sensitivity is documented (see below).

• Portable and low-logistics: As a glass tube system it is compact, ideal for on-site checks (confined spaces, plant surveys).

• Well-supported by Dräger: Documentation, instructions, and compatibility with Dräger pumps are clearly referenced.

Technical Specifications (for 6722701)

• Chemical detected: Formic acid (HCOOH)

• Measuring range: ~1 ppm to ~15 ppm (various sources)

• Number of strokes (pump pulls): ~20 strokes (depending on pump used)

• Ambient operating conditions: Temperature ~10 °C to 50 °C, absolute humidity < 30 mg H₂O/L (as per one source)

• Shelf life: Often 2 years when stored at room temperature in sealed condition.

• Colour change principle: Reagent changes from blue-violet to yellow in presence of formic acid.

• Packaging: Box of 10 tubes (for typical supply)

Application & Use-Case

• For industrial hygiene monitoring: measuring short-term exposure peaks of formic acid in worker breathing zones.

• For leak detection or confined space checks involving formic acid vapours.

• Useful for verifying exposure limits in workplaces where formic acid is used or produced (e.g., chemical manufacturing, leather/tanning, textiles, preservatives).

• Because of its short-duration measurement capability, good for spotting “transient” concentration events rather than continuous monitoring.

Limitations & Important Notes

• Range limitation: The tube is rated for the ~1-15 ppm range; for much higher concentrations a different tube or method may be necessary.

• Cross-sensitivity: Other acids (organic acids) may also trigger a colour change, though sensitivity may differ; the manufacturer notes that measurement of formic acid in presence of other acids may be compromised.

• Pump compatibility: The correct pump (e.g., Dräger Accuro) must be used to ensure accurate sample volume and flow characteristics; using incompatible pumps may cause errors.

• Reading immediately: The colour indication should be read immediately after the measurement and under adequate lighting. Ambient UV, delayed reading or inadequate lighting may cause inaccurate readings.

• Fragility: Glass tube – care needed to avoid breakage, handle with care.

• Storage: Store sealed in original packaging, avoid extreme temperature/humidity to preserve reagent stability and shelf life.