Gas Detection Tubes

Gas Detector Tubes are small glass tubes containing a reagent designed to produce a discoloration as target gases or vapors (gas) in the air are drawn through the tube. Manufacturers calibrate the tubes with a hand operated pump designed to operate as a measurement system. These tubes provide a quick and relatively simple method for assessing the concentration of a particular gas. The discoloration is interpreted visually. MicroTubes have capillary tubes embedded in a plastic housing and the discoloration is analyzed using an electronic device, optically interpreting the discoloration.

Gas Detector Tubes and MicroTubes are often preferred in certain situations due to their simplicity, portability, and ease of use. Dräger-Tubes^® with direct reading colorimetric indications have many applications. Over 500 different substances can be measured with Dräger-Tubes. Detailed information on gas detection technology, including on tubes, can be found on OSHA’s website. 

Here are some scenarios where gas detector tubes or MicroTubes may be the preferred tool for measuring gases/vapors:

• Field Screening: Gas detector tubes are excellent for quick, on-the-spot assessments in the field. They can provide a rapid indication of the presence and concentration of specific gases without the need for complex equipment.
• Limited Resources or Training: In situations where resources are limited, and personnel may not have extensive training in gas detection, detector tubes can be a straightforward and accessible option. They require minimal training and are generally easy to use.
• Cost-Effective: Gas detector tubes are often more cost-effective than sophisticated gas detection instruments. This makes them a practical choice for organizations with budget constraints or for occasional use when continuous monitoring is not necessary.
• Single Gas Detection: When the measurement focus is on a single specific gas, and there is no need for a multi-gas detection instrument, gas detector tubes can be a cost-efficient solution. Each tube is designed for a particular gas, allowing for targeted detection.
• Remote Locations: In remote or challenging environments where access to power sources or sophisticated equipment is limited, gas detector tubes can be a valuable tool for obtaining quick and preliminary gas concentration data. They can be easily carried by field personnel, making them suitable for use in various industries such as agriculture, mining, and environmental monitoring.
• Emergency Response: In emergency response situations, where a quick assessment of potentially hazardous gases is needed, gas detector tubes can provide rapid results, helping responders make informed decisions about safety measures.

Short-term tubes and MicroTubes are designed for on-the-spot measurements at a particular location over a relatively short time period. Short-term tube measurements may last from 50 seconds to 15 minutes or so depending on the particular Dräger-Tube and sampling pump. Most measurements take less than 4 minutes. The MicroTubes address low range detection into the ppb levels.

The innovative Dräger X-act^® 7000 analysis system consists of Dräger MicroTubes and an opto-electronic analysis device that lets you precisely measure gases in the low ppb range.  It can give you precise results right on site, replacing slow, expensive lab analyses.

The Dräger Aerotest® solutions are the instruments of choice for monitoring the purity of breathing air. Using the Dräger Aerotest, it is possible to determine the quality of the breathing air that is supplied by a compressor or a compressed gas cylinder.