Tube - Toluylen Diisocyanat 0.02/a (9) | Draeger

This is a short-term gas detection tube from Dräger designed specifically for measuring very low concentrations of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) vapour in air (both the 2,4- and 2,6- isomers).

It is packaged as a box of 9 tubes/tests per box (for the “(9)” variant) for multiple spot-checks.

This tube is intended for spot monitoring of TDI, typically in occupational hygiene settings where TDI exposure is a concern (e.g., polyurethane foam manufacturing, coatings/resins industries).

Key Features & Advantages

• Very low detection range: Standard measuring range is 0.02 ppm to 0.2 ppm (i.e., 20 ppb to 200 ppb) for TDI.

• Rapid deployment in the field: Being a short-term tube, the measurement can be done onsite with a suitable pump, without needing large stationary instrumentation.

• Ease-of-use: Insert into a compatible Dräger pump (for example the Accuro or similar), draw a defined volume of air (typically a fixed number of “strokes”), observe the colour change reaction and read off the concentration via the printed scale.

• Specialised chemistry: The reagent inside the tube is designed to react to TDI (and similar isocyanates), giving a direct indication of exposure peaks rather than long-term average only.

Technical Specifications

• Order number (PN): 6724501.

• Chemical detected: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) — including 2,4-TDI and 2,6-TDI.

• Measuring range: 0.02 to 0.2 ppm (20 to 200 ppb) under standard conditions.

• Number of strokes / sample volume: ~25 strokes (as per one data sheet) for sampling.

• Time for measurement: Approx. 20 minutes for the full reaction and reading according to one seller.

• Colour change / indication: The indicating layer changes from white → orange when TDI is present.

• Ambient operating conditions:

  • Temperature: ~15-30 °C (depending on supplier sheet)

  • Absolute humidity: <20 mg H₂O / L for accurate performance.

• Packaging: Pack of 9 tubes/tests per box.

• Shelf life: Typically around 2 years when stored properly (sealed, appropriate conditions).

• Cross-sensitivity / interferences: According to supplier sheet: Other isocyanates are not indicated (i.e., may not react), interference by compounds like aniline, benzylamine, toluene, benzene are listed as “no interference”.

Application & Use-Case

• Suitable for occupational exposure monitoring of TDI vapours in workplaces where TDI is used or generated (e.g., polyurethane foam production, coatings, adhesives).

• Good for short-term peak detection rather than continuous ambient monitoring — helpful to detect transient high exposures during processes like spraying or maintenance.

• Can be used for leak detection / confined-space checks: For example, entering tanks or ventilation ducts where TDI vapour may accumulate.

• Because of its low detection threshold (20 ppb), it’s well-suited for tasks where regulatory or recommended exposure limits are very low or where a “zero-tolerance” environment is sought.

Limitations & Important Notes

• Detection limited to this range: It measures in 0.02-0.2 ppm. If concentrations exceed this, or are significantly lower, the reading may not be accurate or saturate.

• Not for continuous monitoring: Being a spot-check tube, it doesn’t replace continuous monitoring systems or sampling for full shift TWA (time-weighted average) measurements.

• Pump & user technique matter: Use of the correct pump, correct number of strokes, and adherence to instructions (breakage of reagent ampoules, waiting time) are essential for correct readings.

• Color reading must be immediate: After sampling and waiting time, you must read the change promptly; delays or poor lighting may affect accuracy.

• Fragile glass tube: Handle with care; glass tube may break. Also, reagents inside may be sensitive—store sealed as per manufacturer’s instructions.

• Storage & shelf life: Proper storage (sealed, temperature/humidity controlled) is required; beyond shelf life the reagent may degrade and accuracy degrade.

• Cross-interference caution: Although the sheet says “other isocyanates are not indicated”, always check the full datasheet for your specific environment: presence of other chemicals may still influence results.

Summary

The Dräger Tube – Toluene Diisocyanate 0.02/a (PN 6724501) is a highly sensitive, field-ready tool for detecting low-level TDI vapours (0.02-0.2 ppm). It is well-suited for occupational hygiene spot checks in industries dealing with TDI. As long as the correct pump is used, and instructions followed, it provides a quick and direct reading of potential exposure peaks. For full-shift monitoring or very low/very high concentrations you may need complementary methods.