The Real Benefits of Detector Tubes

Although the gas detector tube measuring technique is well established, we continue to see that there is a misunderstanding regarding the benefits and how they can be used instead of or alongside electronic gas detectors. This article will briefly explain why detector tubes continue to be a sought after measurement technique.

Gas detector tubes are glass tubes filled with a chemical reagent. A handheld pump connects to one end of the detector tube and the user draws a sample of 50ml or 100ml of ambient air through the detector tube which absorbs and reacts with the target gas or vapour being measured.

A colorimetric stain (a colour change) is created. The length of the stain is proportional to the amount of contaminant present. For most tubes, the concentration is read directly from the accurate measurement scale on each tube.

We’ve drawn up the top benefits of using the gas detector tube system, here are 3 of them:

When measuring Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with a PID, it will detect almost all VOC gases as a collective reading. Gas detector tubes are available for the detection of most VOCs and can be used to identify the individual VOC gases the PID is detecting.

Gas detector tubes are a very different measuring principle than electronic sensors therefore cross sensitivities are different. This means that they are the ideal method to verify the concentration shown by an electronic detector.

Gas detector tubes are most effective as a reference device for carrying out spot sampling e.g. for determining the level of hazardous gases present on-site at that moment in time.

a1-cbiss Ltd are the master distributor of the GASTEC™ brand in the United Kingdom with reseller agreements in Europe. a1-cbiss Ltd provide a robust service to ensure that the widest range of tubes are in stock and can be delivered to you fast.

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