Tube - Mercaptan 0.5/a (10) | Draeger

The Dräger Tube – Mercaptan 0.5/a (10) (Order No. 6728981) is a short-term detector tube designed by Dräger for the rapid measurement of mercaptan vapours in air. It is packaged in a box of 10 tubes and is suitable for detecting mercaptan concentrations in industrial and safety monitoring applications.

Key Specifications

• Measurement range: 0.5 to 5 ppm of mercaptan.

• Number of tubes per box: 10 tubes.

• Response time: Approximately 5 minutes.

• Operating temperature range: Around 10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F) for accurate results.

• Compatible pump system: Works with Dräger’s short-term tube system (for example the Accuro pump).

• Pack size / weight: Example listing indicates a pack of 10 tubes, approx. 0.09 kg.

Principle of Operation

• Each tube contains reagents that react with mercaptan vapours when a defined volume of air is drawn through the tube.

• Upon reaction, a coloured band forms inside the tube; the length of the colour change corresponds to the concentration of mercaptan.

• The user pumps air through the tube (typically using a manual tube pump) for a fixed number of strokes; the result is then read off the scale printed on the tube.

Applications & Use Cases

• Monitoring mercaptan in industrial workplaces where mercaptan is used or may be released (e.g., refinery, natural gas odorisation, chemical plants).

• Spot-check surveys or rapid evaluation of air for mercaptan presence and approximate concentration peaks.

• Situations requiring portable, on-the-spot measurement rather than fixed continuous monitoring.

• Setting: manufacturing, petrochemical, gas utilities, etc.

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages:

• Quick and portable measurement method for gas exposures.

• Simple to use with minimal equipment (just tube + pump).

• Direct visual indication of concentration via colour change/scale.

• Good for spot checks and immediate decision-making.

Considerations / Things to check:

• The measurement range is limited to 0.5–5 ppm; for higher concentrations a different tube may be required.

• Ensure proper calibration of the pump and correct number of strokes as specified by the manufacturer for accuracy.

• Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) may affect results — as typical with detector tubes. Ensure ambient conditions fall within specified range.

• Tubes are single-use; each tube can only be used once and then disposed appropriately.

• Proper storage and handling required to maintain reagent integrity (avoid heat, moisture, mechanical shock).

• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe use, disposal and interpretation of results.