How does it work?

A detector tube is a graduated glass tube filled with a chemical reagent that will produce a colour change when exposed to the gas in question. Tubes are generally supplied in packages of 10 and are sealed at either end. When used, the tips are broken off and the tube is inserted into the gas detector pump, which allows you to draw a 100-millilitre sample in through the tube.

As the sample works its way up the tube, it reacts with the reagent – the length of the colour change produced is proportional to the concentration of the sample. The point where the reaction stops is read off against graduated markings on the tube for the final results.

When are they used?

For the most part, gas detection tubes are used when a quick and dirty test will suffice. This includes testing around plumbing components where a leak is suspected (and it is known what compound would be leaking), in cursory evaluation of hazardous material spill situations, and in cursory evaluation of nuisance odour complaints (particularly if a certain compound is suspected).

Areas We Serve

AES supplies our complete range of tubes and pumps to all Australian capital cities, including: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra.