Dräger Gas Detector Tube Knowhow

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Understanding the Dräger-Tube Measuring System

For those short-term measuring situations, a Dräger Tube and pumps are a must. Why? Because the inner workings of the pump have to match the reaction time of reagent inside the tube to get an accurate reading. It’s not enough for the pump to pull through the correct volume of gases, it has to do so at the correct rate of speed. To avoid errors, it’s very important to use only a Dräger-Tube with a Dräger-Pump. Do not use another manufacturer’s pump with a Dräger-Tube or vice versa. Mixing and matching is for fashion designers and interior decorators, not for gas detection.

Dräger Gas Detector Tube Knowhow 1

Dräger Tube Measuring System

Dräger Gas Detector Tube Knowhow 2

Which tube is best for my application?

There are multiple kinds of short-term tubes for measuring situations. The following is a brief guide:

  • Tubes with a single indication layer: The entire filling inside the tube is an indication layer.
  • Tubes with one or more pre-layers: You would want these types of tubes to absorb moisture, trap interfering substances or convert substances in to measurable ones.
  • Combination tubes: Two tubes the tips of which you must break off and connect with a rubber connector. One tube serves the same purpose as a pre-layer would, as an absorption layer. 
  • Tubes with an ampoule: Sometimes reagents are chemically incompatible and must be kept separate before any measuring of gases can take place; hence the need for a built-in ampoule that can contain liquid, vapor or granule reagents.
  • Tubes for simultaneous testing: If you have to test several substances at once, try a set of five specially calibrated tubes that attach to a five-tube adapter, which is then connected to a gas detector pump. Do not substitute any single tube for one of the five within the set. Dräger Simultaneous Test Set I and II measure inorganic combustible gases; Dräger Simultaneous Test Set III measures organic vapors.

Get Pumped Up!

Among the line of Dräger Tube Pumps, there’s a new kid on the block that’s revolutionizing gas measurement: the Dräger X-act-5000 Automatic Tube Pump.

The beauty of the X-act-5000 is its simplicity. You can carry it with one hand (while wearing heavy work gloves, at that), or on your shoulder, using the shoulder strap. And it’s fast. Just swipe the bar code on the back of the tubes provided, and the bar code reader automatically inputs the name of the substance, the number of strokes and measuring range into the pump’s display. If you need to use extension hose, the X-act-5000 will accommodate one up to 98 feet long, without having to correct the concentration reading from the tube. The X-act also automatically adjusts the necessary rate of flow. It doesn’t require an external flow meter, and when it’s done measuring, the pump stops automatically. 

Dräger Gas Detector Tube Knowhow 3

Dräger X-act 5000

As with any pump, you’d want to check the X-act-5000 for leaks and its suction capability before measuring, and flush it out with clean air after using it.

Quick, user-friendly, accurate. With this “smart pump” you can work smarter—and more safely.

Learn more about Dräger solutions at Cross and shop our online store to order a safety equipment today!

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