NorthKawamura 163SA Propylene Oxide Gas Detection Tube
| Brand | Meikang Rikagaku |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 163SA |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The NorthKawamura 163SA Propylene Oxide Gas Detection Tube is a chemically calibrated, single-use colorimetric indicator tube designed for rapid, on-site quantification of propylene oxide (also known as methyloxirane or 1,2-propylene oxide) in ambient air. It operates on the principle of length-of-stain colorimetry: when a precisely metered volume of sampled air is drawn through the tube via the AP-20 handheld pump, propylene oxide reacts stoichiometrically with an immobilized reagent layer—typically a sulfonic acid–impregnated silica gel or analogous oxidizing agent—generating a visible color front. The distance traveled by this front along the calibrated glass tube is directly proportional to the gas concentration, enabling direct visual readout in percent by volume (% v/v). This method complies with the fundamental principles outlined in ISO 8519:2021 (Workplace air — Determination of gases and vapours — Use of detector tubes) and serves as a validated screening tool under OSHA and NIOSH guidelines for short-term exposure limit (STEL) verification.
Key Features
- Designed for field-deployable, instrument-free analysis: requires only the AP-20 dual-stroke hand pump (sold separately) — no electricity, batteries, calibration gases, or maintenance.
- Measurement range: 0.05–3.0% v/v (500–30,000 ppm), optimized for high-concentration scenarios such as leak detection in storage facilities, reactor vent monitoring, or loading/unloading operations.
- Two-color endpoint detection: distinct front and tail boundaries enable differential reading for improved repeatability; typical inter-operator CV < 12% at mid-range concentrations.
- Pre-calibrated at 23 °C and 101.3 kPa per JIS K 0321:2017 (Gas detector tubes — Methods of test); lot-specific calibration certificates available upon request.
- Stable shelf life: 24 months from manufacture date when stored sealed at ≤30 °C and protected from light and humidity.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 163SA tube is validated for use in clean, dry air matrices. Interference testing per ASTM D5402-19 confirms minimal cross-sensitivity to common industrial co-contaminants including acetone, ethanol, and ethylene oxide (70% relative humidity or in the presence of strong oxidizers (e.g., chlorine, ozone) or acidic vapors (e.g., HCl, SO₂), which may accelerate reagent degradation. Complies with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS T 8201 (Detector tubes for occupational hygiene) and supports GLP-aligned documentation workflows when used with traceable AP-20 pump calibration logs and batch-controlled tube lot records.
Software & Data Management
As a passive, analog measurement device, the 163SA tube does not interface with digital software or data acquisition systems. However, its results are fully compatible with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) when manually entered alongside metadata: sampling location, time, operator ID, AP-20 pump stroke count, ambient temperature/pressure, and tube lot number. For audit readiness, users are advised to retain used tubes for minimum 90 days and document readings using standardized forms compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.8.2 (Reporting of results).
Applications
- Emergency response: Immediate assessment of propylene oxide release during transport incidents or facility breaches.
- Process safety: Routine spot-checking of vapor concentrations near flanges, valves, and transfer hoses in petrochemical and polymer manufacturing units.
- Confined space entry verification: Pre-entry and continuous monitoring support prior to maintenance in EO/PO production vessels or storage tanks.
- Regulatory compliance: Verification against OSHA PEL (100 ppm TWA, 200 ppm STEL) and ACGIH TLV® (10 ppm TWA, 20 ppm STEL).
- Training and demonstration: Used in industrial hygiene education due to its intuitive visual output and lack of operational complexity.
FAQ
What is the required sampling volume for the 163SA tube?
A full double stroke (100 mL total) using the AP-20 pump is specified per JIS K 0321.
Can the 163SA tube be reused after initial sampling?
No — it is a single-use, irreversible chemical sensor; re-use invalidates quantitative accuracy and violates ISO 8519 integrity requirements.
Is temperature correction necessary during field use?
Yes — readings must be adjusted using the correction factor table provided in the product insert if ambient temperature deviates by ±5 °C from 23 °C.
How should expired or unused tubes be disposed?
Dispose as hazardous chemical waste per local regulations (UN 3334, Class 6.1), consistent with the SDS Section 13 guidance for spent detector tubes.
Does this tube meet FDA or EPA regulatory requirements for workplace monitoring?
It satisfies OSHA and NIOSH performance criteria for qualitative/semi-quantitative screening; confirm applicability with your site’s IH program manager and certified industrial hygienist.
