NorthKawa Chlorine Gas Detection Tubes 109SA / 109SB / 109U

Overview

The NorthKawa Chlorine Gas Detection Tubes (Model Series 109SA, 109SB, and 109U) are single-use, colorimetric gas sampling devices engineered for rapid, on-site quantification of chlorine (Cl₂) concentration in ambient air. Based on the well-established length-of-stain principle, each tube contains a solid-phase reagent bed immobilized within calibrated glass tubing. When a defined volume of air is drawn through the tube using the AP-20 hand pump, chlorine gas reacts stoichiometrically with the reagent—typically a leuco dye or oxidizable substrate—producing a visible color front that advances proportionally to the analyte concentration. The concentration is read directly from the graduated scale etched on the tube wall at the leading edge of the stain. This method eliminates reliance on electricity, calibration gases, or laboratory infrastructure, making it ideal for emergency response, industrial hygiene surveys, leak verification, and routine workplace safety checks where immediate qualitative–quantitative assessment is required.

Key Features

• Three interchangeable models (109SA, 109SB, 109U) covering six distinct measurement ranges—from low ppm-level detection (e.g., 0.1–5 ppm Cl₂) up to high-concentration industrial exposure limits (e.g., 10–100 ppm Cl₂)—ensuring appropriate sensitivity across diverse operational scenarios.
• No power supply, heat source, or auxiliary instrumentation required; fully compatible with Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations per NEC/IECEx standards due to intrinsic safety design.
• Measurement completed within 1–3 minutes post-sampling; results are visually interpreted without software or data processing.
• Compact form factor (standard 6 mm outer diameter × 100–140 mm length) enables storage in field kits, vehicle-mounted emergency cabinets, or personal protective equipment (PPE) pouches.
• Pre-calibrated at factory under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited conditions; each batch includes traceable calibration certificates referencing NIST-traceable Cl₂ reference standards.
• Compatible exclusively with the AP-20 dual-stroke manual air sampling pump (sold separately), delivering precise 100 mL or 50 mL draw volumes with ±5% volumetric accuracy per ASTM D3858–22 Annex A1.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These detection tubes are validated for use in ambient air, compressed air systems, exhaust ducts, and confined-space atmospheres where chlorine gas may be present as a byproduct of water treatment, chemical synthesis, pulp bleaching, or disinfection processes. They are not intended for use in high-humidity (>90% RH) or particulate-laden environments without upstream filtration (e.g., PTFE membrane filter). Performance complies with JIS K 0804:2018 (Gas Detection Tubes – General Requirements) and meets the functional equivalency criteria outlined in OSHA Method ID-130 and NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) Chapter 6001 for qualitative–semi-quantitative screening. While not a replacement for definitive laboratory analysis (e.g., GC-MS or ion chromatography), they satisfy initial response requirements under EPA Region 4 Emergency Response Protocols and support Tier 1 hazard characterization per AIHA Level 1 Assessment Guidelines.

Software & Data Management

No embedded electronics or digital interface are present; therefore, no firmware, drivers, or cloud connectivity are applicable. Data recording is analog and operator-dependent: users manually log tube lot number, sampling time/location, observed stain length, and calculated concentration on paper-based field forms or digital LIMS-compatible templates. For audit readiness, Meikou Rika provides optional PDF-based calibration reports and shelf-life documentation (validity period: 24 months from manufacture date when stored at 15–25°C, protected from light and moisture). All tubes bear batch-specific expiration dates and comply with ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing controls.

Applications

• Routine monitoring of chlorine feed lines and chlorination chambers in municipal wastewater treatment plants.
• Leak detection during maintenance of chlorine cylinders, vaporizers, and piping networks in chemical manufacturing facilities.
• First-responder triage during transportation incidents involving chlorine tankers (DOT ERG Guide #124).
• Verification of residual Cl₂ levels prior to worker entry into scrubber vessels or reaction kettles under permit-required confined space (PRCS) protocols.
• Educational demonstrations of gas-phase redox reactions and stoichiometric color development in occupational safety training programs.

FAQ

Can these tubes be reused after sampling?
No. Each tube is designed for single-use only. Reuse compromises reagent integrity, introduces cross-contamination risk, and invalidates quantitative accuracy.
What is the shelf life and recommended storage condition?
24 months from date of manufacture when stored unopened at 15–25°C in original packaging, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Is the AP-20 pump included with the tubes?
No. The AP-20 manual air sampling pump must be purchased separately and is required for consistent, repeatable sample volume delivery.
Do these tubes meet GLP or GMP documentation requirements?
While not GLP-certified instruments per se, full traceability—including lot-specific calibration data, CoA, and expiry documentation—is provided to support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025-aligned QA procedures in regulated environments.
How does temperature affect measurement accuracy?
Readings assume sampling at 20–25°C. Deviations beyond ±10°C require correction using the temperature compensation chart supplied in the product manual (per JIS K 0804 Annex B).