Gas Detection Tubes

Gas Detector Tubes & MicroTubes

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.

Dräger-Tubes

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.

Dräger-Tubes® for short-term measurements

Dräger-Tubes® for short-term measurements

Dräger Diffusion Tubes

Dräger Diffusion Tubes

Dräger accuro

Dräger accuro

How to Measure with Tubes

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Learn how measure with Dräger-Tubes. Tubes contain a reagent designed to produce a discoloration as target gases or vapors (gas) in the air is 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.

Downloads

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Dräger-Tubes Handbook

Tried and tested a million times: Worldwide, the Dräger Short-term Tubes have proven to be a very cost-effective and reliable method for the measurement of gases. Get the latest edition of the Dräger-Tubes handbook with over 450 pages of highly relevant and useful information. A helpful resource when you need to test for gases in the atmosphere.

Download the Handbook

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Poster Reference for Dräger-Tubes® with 2-scales

2-scale tubes can save time and money by doing the work of 2 tubes – one for lower concentrations, and one for higher concentrations.

Download our 2-Scale Poster

MicroTubes

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.

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MicroTubes

With each set of MicroTubes, you can perform 10 individual tests. The substance-specific reactive layers and multiple pre-layers in the capillaries of the Dräger MicroTubes allow for selective gas testing. The various layers serve as a filter, for example. During testing, they filter out other substances that occur in the workplace so that only the target substance is indicated in the test result. This reduces cross-sensitivities and lowers the number of false-positive test results and false alarms.

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Dräger X-act® 7000

After an automatic self-test, the X-act 7000 analysis system is immediately ready for use. It is suitable for testing with all available Dräger MicroTubes. Simply insert the right Dräger MicroTube for your testing needs. The automatic drive carefully draws the MicroTube in and positions it. Control your test using the 3-button control and 2.4 inch color display.

Breathing Air Testing

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. 

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Visit our Compressed Gas Air Monitoring video playlist on YouTube for instructions on how to use this technology. These short videos review operational guidelines and provide valuable tips on use and maintenance.


Featured Products

Dräger Aerotest® SimultanTest CO2

Dräger Aerotest® SimultanTest CO2

Dräger Aerotest® Alpha

Dräger Aerotest® Alpha

Dräger Aerotest® Simultan HP

Dräger Aerotest® Simultan HP

Product Videos

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Dräger-Tubes Videos

With over 70 years of experience, our portable gas detectors offer precise, reliable and multifunctional measurement of harmful gases and our videos help you understand how to use them. Learn about  Dräger's Tubes, MicroTubes, Pumps, and Breathing Air Testing devices with our short informative videos. 

Apps

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Dräger-Tubes App (iOS and Android)

With the new free Dräger-Tubes app, you can record, archive and evaluate your tube measurement results in just a few steps.

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Gas Detection App (iOS)

Enjoy quick access to current information on hazardous gases and Dräger portable gas detectors – and learn which devices are ideal for your workplace setup.

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Gas Detection Training App (iOS and Android)

Put your smartphone in training mode with an app that simulates gas measuring devices in a trainer/trainee situation. The app supports realistic education and instruction with portable Dräger gas detectors from the Pac and X-am series.

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Dräger VOICE: your hazardous substance database

Dräger VOICE is an essential tool for gaining expert knowledge on the safe handling of hazmats. It brings you up-to-date information on more than 1,700 hazardous substances and their physiochemical characteristics – and helps you protect your team in their work environments. Simply type a substance name into the tool and get vital information including workplace exposure limits, recommended gas detection solutions and recommended respiratory and chemical protection equipment.

Voice Substances

Get in touch with Dräger

Contact Us Safety

Draeger, Inc. – Safety

7256 S. Sam Houston W Pkwy., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77085

1-800-437-2437
11 Products

Get in touch with Dräger

Contact Us Safety

Draeger, Inc. – Safety

7256 S. Sam Houston W Pkwy., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77085

1-800-437-2437