Industrial / Gas Detection
Gastec 161L Ethyl Ether Detector Tube Instructions
Quick guide for the Gastec 161L Ethyl Ether Detector Tube. Learn how to perform air sampling, apply temperature and pressure corrections, and interpret results safely.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Gastec 161L Ethyl Ether Detector Tube is designed for detecting Ethyl Ether in air or industrial environments. To ensure accurate results, always use the tube with a Gastec Gas Sampling Pump. Ensure the temperature is between 0-40°C and relative humidity is between 0-90%. If the dehumidifying layer turns orange, the tube is damaged and should not be used.
Specifications
The tube operates based on the reaction: (C2H5)2O + Cr6+ + H2SO4 → Cr3+. The color change is from Yellow to Pale blue.
- Measuring Range: 10–400 ppm (2 pump strokes) or 400–1120 ppm (1 pump stroke).
- Sampling Time: 2 minutes per pump stroke.
- Detecting Limit: 2 ppm (n=2).
- Correction Factor: 1 (for 2 strokes) or 2.8 (for 1 stroke).
Measurement Procedure
- Perform a leak check on the pump as per the pump's operating manual.
- Break the tips off a fresh detector tube using the pump's tip breaker.
- Insert the tube into the pump inlet with the arrow on the tube pointing toward the pump.
- Ensure the pump handle is pushed all the way in and align the guide marks on the pump body with the handle.
- Pull the handle all the way out until it locks (100 mL). Wait 2 minutes and confirm the completion of sampling. Repeat if necessary.
- Read the concentration level at the interface where the stained reagent meets the unstained reagent.
Corrections
Temperature: Apply the correction factor based on the temperature table provided in the manual (e.g., 1.71 at 0°C, 1.0 at 20°C, 0.65 at 40°C).
Pressure: To correct for pressure, multiply the tube reading by (1013 hPa / Atmospheric Pressure in hPa).
Interferences
The following gases may interfere with the reading and cause a positive result:
- Methanol (≥10 ppm)
- Acetone (≥10 ppm)
- Ethyl acetate (≥1.6 ppm)
Safety and Disposal
The reagent contains a small amount of hexavalent chromium. Dispose of used or unused tubes according to local government regulations. When breaking tube tips, keep them away from eyes and do not touch broken glass or reagent with bare hands.
Manufacturer information
Gastec Corporation
Practical help
Common problems
Dehumidifying layer turns orange
The tube is damaged or has been exposed to moisture; do not use.
Pump leakage
Always perform a leak check before inserting the detector tube.
False positive readings
Check for interfering gases like Methanol, Acetone, or Ethyl acetate, which may cause a color change.
Before use
- Check the expiration date on the tube box.
- Ensure you are using a genuine Gastec Gas Sampling Pump.
- Verify the ambient temperature is between 0-40°C.
- Verify relative humidity is between 0-90%.
- Perform a pump leak check before inserting the tube.
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Specs in practice
- Measuring Range
- 10-400 ppm requires 2 pump strokes; 400-1120 ppm requires 1 pump stroke.
- Sampling Time
- Wait 2 minutes after pulling the pump handle to ensure the sample is fully drawn.
- Color Change
- Yellow to Pale blue indicates the presence of Ethyl Ether.
Images and diagrams
- The tube features an arrow indicating the direction of airflow toward the pump.
- The detecting layer shows the concentration scale.
Model compatibility
- Use only Gastec detector tubes with Gastec pumps.
- Do not interchange parts with non-Gastec systems to avoid voiding warranties and ensuring accuracy.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor