EN ISO 17621:2015

Workplace atmospheres - Short term detector tube measurement systems - Requirements and test methods (ISO 17621:2015)

ISO 17621:2015 specifies requirements and test methods under prescribed laboratory conditions for length-of-stain detector tubes and their associated pump (detector tube measurement system) used for short-term measurements of the concentration of specified chemical agents in workplace air.
ISO 17621:2015 is not applicable to measurements made to demonstrate compliance with long-term limit values to personal exposure with a reference period of more than 15 min.

Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre - Kurzzeitprüfröhrchen-Messeinrichtungen - Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren (ISO 17621:2015)

Air des lieux de travail - Systèmes de mesurage par tube détecteur à court terme - Exigences et méthodes d'essai (ISO 17621:2015)

ISO 17621:2015 spécifie les exigences et les méthodes d'essai, dans des conditions de laboratoire prescrites, applicables aux tubes détecteurs à longueur de coloration et à leur pompe associée (système de mesurage par tube détecteur) utilisés pour les mesurages à court terme de la concentration d'agents chimiques spécifiés dans l'air des lieux de travail.
ISO 17621:2015 ne s'applique pas aux mesurages effectués pour démontrer la conformité à des valeurs limites d'exposition à long terme du personnel, avec une période de référence supérieure à 15 min.

Zrak na delovnem mestu - Sistemi za kratkotrajno merjenje z detekcijskimi cevkami - Zahteve in preskusne metode (ISO 17621:2015)

Ta evropski standard določa zahteve in preskusne metode v skladu s predpisanimi laboratorijskimi pogoji za detekcijske cevke (na osnovi dolžine madeža) in z njimi povezane črpalke (merilni sistem z detekcijskimi cevkami), ki se uporabljajo za kratkotrajne meritve koncentracije določenih kemikalij v zraku na delovnem mestu.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Sep-2015
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Mar-2016
• ICS: 13.040.30 - Workplace atmospheres
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 137 - Assessment of workplace exposure
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 137 - Assessment of workplace exposure
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 30-Sep-2015
• Completion Date: 30-Sep-2015
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 17621:2015 - Workplace atmospheres - Short term detector tube measurement systems - Requirements and test methods (ISO 17621:2015)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 1231:1996 - Workplace atmospheres - Short term detector tube measurement systems - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 25-Sep-2013

Overview

EN ISO 17621:2015 (ISO 17621:2015) specifies requirements and laboratory test methods for length-of-stain detector tubes and their associated detector tube pumps used for short‑term measurements of specified chemical agents in workplace air. Published by CEN and identical to the international ISO version, this standard covers performance, test procedures, uncertainty assessment, and marking for detector tube measurement systems. It is intended for short‑term sampling and is not applicable for demonstrating compliance with long‑term personal exposure limits with reference periods greater than 15 minutes.

Key Topics

• Scope & applicability: Short‑term detector tube measurement systems for workplace atmospheres; supersedes EN 1231:1996.
• Detector tube requirements:
  • Specified measuring range and scale
  • Evaluation and reading of stain length
  • Shelf life, packing and transport stability
  • Mechanical strength and environmental influences
  • Interferences and overloading behavior
  • Required instructions for use
• Detector tube pump requirements:
  • Stroke volume and leakage performance
  • Mechanical strength and durability
  • Explosion hazard considerations for electrically driven pumps
  • Pump instructions for use
• Test conditions & methods:
  • Prescribed laboratory conditions, reagents, apparatus and independent reference methods
  • Generation of test gas mixtures and defined test sequences
  • Detailed test procedures for tubes and pumps (visual checks, mechanical tests, leakage, durability)
• Measurement uncertainty:
  • Identification of uncertainty sources and estimation methods (stain variability, pump stroke, temperature/humidity effects, etc.)
  • Calculation of combined and expanded uncertainties
• Reporting & marking:
  • Required content for test reports and product marking for tubes, pumps and packaging
• Supporting annexes: Test sequences, test instruments list and an example calculation for expanded uncertainty

Applications

EN ISO 17621:2015 is used to:

• Verify performance of detector tubes and pumps for occupational air monitoring
• Support manufacturers in product development and declaration of performance
• Guide industrial hygienists, occupational health professionals, testing laboratories and regulatory bodies in selecting and validating short‑term measurement systems
• Provide a harmonized test protocol for consistent assessment of portable, rapid field methods used in workplace atmospheres

Related standards

• EN ISO 17621:2015 aligns with ISO/TC 146 work on air quality and CEN/TC 137 guidance on assessment of workplace exposure. It replaces EN 1231:1996 and should be used alongside national occupational exposure limit guidance and measurement standards for longer‑term sampling.

Keywords: EN ISO 17621:2015, ISO 17621, workplace atmospheres, detector tubes, detector tube pumps, short‑term measurement, occupational exposure, air quality, measurement uncertainty, test methods.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2015
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 1231:1999
Zrak na delovnem mestu - Sistemi za kratkotrajno merjenje z detekcijskimi
cevkami - Zahteve in preskusne metode (ISO 17621:2015)
Workplace atmospheres - Short term detector tube measurement systems -
Requirements and test methods (ISO 17621:2015)
Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre - Kurzzeitprüfröhrchen-Messeinrichtungen - Anforderungen und
Prüfverfahren (ISO 17621:2015)
Atmosphères des lieux de travail - Systèmes de mesurage par tube détecteur à court
terme - Exigences et méthodes d'essai (ISO 17621:2015)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 17621:2015
ICS:
13.040.30 Kakovost zraka na delovnem Workplace atmospheres
mestu
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 17621
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
September 2015
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.040.30 Supersedes EN 1231:1996
English Version
Workplace atmospheres - Short term detector tube
measurement systems - Requirements and test methods
(ISO 17621:2015)
Air des lieux de travail - Systèmes de mesurage par Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre - Kurzzeitprüfröhrchen-
tube détecteur à court terme - Exigences et méthodes Messeinrichtungen - Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
d'essai (ISO 17621:2015) (ISO 17621:2015)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 7 May 2015.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 17621:2015 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 17621:2015) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 146 "Air
quality" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 137 “Assessment of workplace exposure to
chemical and biological agents” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2016, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2016.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes EN 1231:1996.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 17621:2015 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 17621:2015 without any modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17621
First edition
2015-09-15
Workplace atmospheres — Short term
detector tube measurement systems
— Requirements and test methods
Air des lieux de travail — Systèmes de mesurage par tube détecteur à
court terme — Exigences et méthodes d’essai
Reference number
ISO 17621:2015(E)
©
ISO 2015
ISO 17621:2015(E)
© ISO 2015, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 17621:2015(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Detector tubes . 3
4.2.1 Specified measuring range . 3
4.2.2 Scale . 3
4.2.3 Evaluation of the stain. 4
4.2.4 Shelf life . 4
4.2.5 Mechanical strength . 4
4.2.6 Transportation temperature stability . 4
4.2.7 Packing of the detector tubes . . 4
4.2.8 Interferences . 4
4.2.9 Overloading . 4
4.2.10 Environmental influences . 4
4.2.11 Instruction for use for detector tubes . 5
4.3 Detector tube pump . 5
4.3.1 General. 5
4.3.2 Stroke volume . 5
4.3.3 Leakage . 5
4.3.4 Mechanical strength . 5
4.3.5 Mechanical durability . 5
4.3.6 Explosion hazard . 6
4.3.7 Instructions for use for detector tube pumps . 6
5 Test conditions . 6
5.1 General . 6
5.2 Reagents. 6
5.3 Apparatus . 6
5.4 Independent method . 6
5.5 Generation of test gas mixtures . 6
5.6 Test conditions for detector tubes . 7
5.7 Test conditions for detector tube pumps . 7
6 Test methods . 7
6.1 Detector tubes . 7
6.1.1 Visual checks . 7
6.1.2 Test procedures. 8
6.1.3 Mechanical strength . 9
6.2 Detector tube pumps .10
6.2.1 Stroke volume .10
6.2.2 Leakage .11
6.2.3 Mechanical strength .11
6.2.4 Mechanical durability .11
6.2.5 Explosion hazard (electrically driven detector tube pumps only) .11
6.2.6 Instructions for use.11
7 Uncertainty of measurement .11
7.1 Potential sources of uncertainty .11
7.2 Estimation of the uncertainty components .12
7.2.1 Combined stain component .12
7.2.2 Pump-stroke volume .14
ISO 17621:2015(E)
7.2.3 Effect of temperature .14
7.2.4 Effect of relative humidity .15
7.2.5 Test gas concentration used for evaluation .15
7.2.6 Stain-length reading.16
7.2.7 Analytical phenomena .16
7.2.8 Atmospheric pressure .16
7.2.9 Diffusive leakage into detector tube .16
7.2.10 Non-constant sampling flow .17
7.3 Combined standard uncertainty .17
7.4 Expanded uncertainty .18
8 Test report .18
8.1 Detector tubes .18
8.2 Detector tube pumps .18
9 Marking .19
9.1 Boxes .19
9.2 Detector tubes .19
9.3 Detector tube pumps .19
Annex A (normative) Test sequence .20
Annex B (normative) List of test instruments .21
Annex C (informative) Example for calculation of expanded uncertainty .22
Bibliography .25
iv © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 17621:2015(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 146, Air quality, Subcommittee SC 2,
Workplaces atmospheres.
ISO 17621:2015(E)
Introduction
Many short-term detector tube measurement systems consist of a (length-of-stain) detector tube
connected to an associated detector tube pump. When workplace air containing a particular
chemical agent is drawn through the detector tube, a colour change takes place corresponding to the
concentration.
Such short-term detector tube measurement systems have many applications. This International
Standard refers to detector tubes used for workplace air monitoring. These detector tubes can be used
for measurement tasks such as follows:
— determination of the presence or absence of an analyte;
— finding the approximate range of concentration;
— determination of the efficiency of control measurements;
— determination of emission sources and emission changes in time;
— determination of compliance with ceiling or short-term limit values, as long as the device covers the
reference time period and the precision requirements for the measurement.
To cover the possible range of concentration that can be encountered in the workplace, a combination of
two or more measurements using detector tubes with restricted but complementary and overlapping
measuring ranges can also be used.
This International Standard will enable the manufacturers, test houses, certification bodies, and the
users to adopt a consistent approach to the assessment of performance of short-term detector tube
measurement systems.
vi © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17621:2015(E)
Workplace atmospheres — Short term detector tube
measurement systems — Requirements and test methods
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies requirements and test methods under prescribed laboratory
conditions for length-of-stain detector tubes and their associated pump (detector tube measurement
system) used for short-term measurements of the concentration of specified chemical agents in
workplace air.
This International Standard is not applicable to measurements made to demonstrate compliance with
long-term limit values to personal exposure with a reference period of more than 15 min.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 6141, Gas analysis – Requirements for certificates for calibration gases and gas mixtures
ISO 6142, Gas analysis — Preparation of calibration gas mixtures — Gravimetric method
ISO 6143, Gas analysis — Comparison methods for determining and checking the composition of
calibration gas mixtures
ISO 6144, Gas analysis — Preparation of calibration gas mixtures — Static volumetric method
ISO 6145-1, Gas analysis — Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods —
Part 1: Methods of calibration
ISO 6145-4, Gas analysis — Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods —
Part 4: Continuous syringe injection method
ISO 6145-6, Gas analysis — Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods —
Part 6: Critical orifices
ISO 6145-10, Gas analysis — Preparation of calibration gas mixtures using dynamic volumetric methods —
Part 10: Permeation method
ISO 9169, Air quality — Definition and determination of performance characteristics of an automatic
measuring system
IEC 60079-0, Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO 17621:2015(E)
3.1
(length-of-stain) detector tube
transparent tube containing chemical reagents in which a colour change is produced when an air
sample is drawn through it
Note 1 to entry: The length of the stain produced, relative to a graduated scale, provides a measure of the
concentration of a specific chemical agent in air.
Note 2 to entry: Some detector tubes are designed to work in two stages. In that case, a pre-tube and an analyser
tube are used in series to produce one measurement.
[SOURCE: EN 1540:2011, 3.2.4, modified — “glass tube” replaced by “transparent tube” and Note 2 to
entry added.]
3.2
short-term detector tube
detector tube category that provides a means of obtaining a rapid measurement of the concentration of
a specified chemical agent in air
Note 1 to entry: The averaging period of the measurement can vary from a few seconds up to about 15 min
depending on the measurement system and the target concentration of the analyte.
3.3
detector tube pump
device for pulling air through a detector tube
Note 1 to entry: Detector tube pumps can be manually or mechanically driven stroke pumps or piston pumps.
Note 2 to entry: Other types of detector tube pumps which are not dealt with in this International Standard are
electrically driven continuous pumps, which can emulate stroke pumps.
3.4
detector tube measurement system
complete measurement system consisting of a detector tube and a detector tube pump
3.5
chemical agent
chemical element or compound on its own or admixed as it occurs in the natural state or as produced,
used, or released, including release as waste, by any work activity, whether or not produced intentionally
and whether or not placed on the market
[SOURCE: EN 1540:2011, 2.1.2]
3.6
(detector tube) measuring range
scale of concentration which is marked on the detector tube
Note 1 to entry: By increasing or decreasing the number of sampling strokes, the measuring range can be shifted
lower or higher.
3.7
specified (detector tube) measuring range
concentration range for which the measurement uncertainty of the detector tube is below a given value
3.8
interferent
constituent of the (air) sample having an adverse effect on the accuracy of the measurement
[SOURCE: EN 1540:2011, 4.5]
2 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 17621:2015(E)
3.9
test gas
gas of sufficient stability and homogeneity whose composition is properly established for use to verify
the response of a measuring instrument or to validate a measurement method
3.10
expanded uncertainty
quantity defining an interval about a result of a measurement, expected to encompass a large fraction
of the distribution of values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand
[SOURCE: EN 1540:2011, 5.2.6]
3.11
reference period
specified period of time for which the occupational exposure limit value of a chemical or biological
agent applies
Note 1 to entry: The reference period is usually 8 h for long term measurements and 15 min for short-term
measurements.
[SOURCE: EN 1540:2011, 2.4.7]
4 Requirements
4.1 General
A functional detector tube measurement system consists of a detector tube and a detector tube
pump. All components of the detector tube measurement system should be calibrated by the same
manufacturer.
Materials used for the construction of the detector tube pump should be such that it remains functional
for a period of at least three years when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is the user’s primary responsibility to choose appropriate procedures or devices that meet the
requirements of this International Standard. One way of doing this is to obtain information or
confirmation from the manufacturer.
It is the manufacturer’s primary responsibility to ensure that detector tubes meet the performance
requirements under the test conditions specified in 5.6.
[4]
For workplace air measurements, additional requirements are to be met. For example, see EN 482.
For the specified measuring range, the expanded uncertainty for a detector tube measurement system
[4]
shall be ≤50 % (see EN 482 ).
4.2 Detector tubes
4.2.1 Specified measuring range
The manufacturer shall provide the specified measuring range in which the detector tube complies
with the requirement for the expanded uncertainty given in 4.1.
4.2.2 Scale
The scale shall have a minimum of three calibration marks perpendicular to the axis of the detector tube
and shall be marked with concentration values or equivalent. Detector tube scales shall be graduated
either in volume per unit volume or mass per unit volume or shall be accompanied by a calibration
graph in the same units. The calibration marks shall have a minimum width of 0,3 mm. The starting line
ISO 17621:2015(E)
at the beginning of the indicating layer shall be clearly marked. The minimum length of a calibration
mark shall be 3 mm and the size of the printed text shall be at least 1,5 mm.
The number of pump strokes or the sample volume required for a particular scale shall be marked on
the detector tube.
4.2.3 Evaluation of the stain
The stain shall remain constant and clearly visible for at least 2 min after the end of measurement.
The maximum variation of stain length around the circumference of the tube at the interface between
the stained and unstained indicating layer shall not exceed 20 % of the stain length when measured at
its maximum length.
NOTE If the end point of the stain fades progressively, the manufacturer’s instructions can be consulted for
determining reading.
4.2.4 Shelf life
The shelf life of the detector tube, when stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
shall be clearly indicated on the tube packet.
4.2.5 Mechanical strength
Subsequent to the tests carried out in accordance with 6.1.3, the detector tubes shall maintain their
integrity.
4.2.6 Transportation temperature stability
After storage of the detector tubes at (0 ± 2) °C for 24 h and subsequently at (60 ± 2) °C for 24 h, the
detector tubes shall meet the requirements of 4.1 and 4.2.4 after stabilizing to ambient temperature.
The manufacturer may specify a maximum temperature range for any kind of transportation. In this
case, a test shall be carried out at the temperature specified.
4.2.7 Packing of the detector tubes
If the box contains more than one tube, it shall be re-closable.
If the manufacturer indicates that the tubes shall be protected from light, this shall be ensured by the box.
Subsequent to the tests carried out in accordance with 6.1.3, the box containing the detector tubes shall
maintain its integrity.
4.2.8 Interferences
Information on the influence of typical interferents shall be provided by the manufacturer in the
instructions for use (see 4.2.11).
4.2.9 Overloading
When the detector tube is tested at a concentration 10 times the upper limit of the scale, the detector
tube shall clearly indicate overloading, lasting for at least 2 min.
4.2.10 Environmental influences
The manufacturer shall state the range of temperature and relative humidity for which the specified
measuring range is valid. The temperature shall be in a range from at least 10 °C to 30 °C, and the
relative humidity shall be in a range from at least 20 % to 80 %.
4 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 17621:2015(E)
4.2.11 Instruction for use for detector tubes
The instruction for use supplied with each box of detector tubes shall contain at least the following
information:
a) operating instructions;
b) directions for proper handling of a detector tube including opening and fitting it into the
detector tube pump;
c) a statement that the detector tube pump shall be tested for leakage before each use;
d) general information on the reaction and colour change involved in the system and the levels at
which other typical gases and vapours, including water, are likely to interfere to the extent of
increasing the measurement uncertainty above the level specified in this International Standard
e) a statement that additional information on interferents can be provided on request, if possible;
f) if applicable, information about reagents and reactions that are hazardous;
g) where the contents of detector tubes present a disposal hazard, a warning to that effect shall be given
together with advice that national regulations for disposal of hazardous waste should be followed;
h) a statement on the time required for the completion of one pump stroke;
i) information on the evaluation of the reading including calculation of results, e.g. equation, chart, or
table used for correction of temperature, atmospheric pressure, and/or humidity, if any;
j) reference to the operating instructions of the detector tube pump;
k) specification of the detector tube pump brand or model;
l) information on storage and transport.
4.3 Detector tube pump
4.3.1 General
The requirements given in 4.3.2 to 4.3.6 shall be verified by the manufacturer.
4.3.2 Stroke volume
When tested in accordance with 6.2.1, the detector tube pump shall sample a volume of air within
(100 ± 5) ml per stroke.
4.3.3 Leakage
The detector tube pump with a closed detector tube connection shall be tight, so that during the first
minute of a pump stroke the leakage rate does not exceed 3 ml/min.
4.3.4 Mechanical strength
Subsequent to the test carried out in accordance with 6.2.3, the detector tube pump shall meet the
requirements given in 4.3.2.
4.3.5 Mechanical durability
After execution of 1 000 strokes, the detector tube pump shall meet the requirement of 4.3.2 when
fitted with the flow resistor given in 5.7.
ISO 17621:2015(E)
4.3.6 Explosion hazard
If a detector tube pump is claimed by the manufacturer to be suitable for use in areas subject to
explosion hazard, electrically driven detector tube pumps shall fulfil the requirements of IEC 60079-0.
4.3.7 Instructions for use for detector tube pumps
The instructions for use supplied with the detector tube pump shall contain at least the following
information:
a) operating instructions;
b) instructions for testing for leakage before each use;
c) maintenance instructions;
d) reference to the operating instructions of the detector tube;
e) stroke volume;
f) indication for the end of one stroke;
g) specification of the detector tube pump brand or model.
5 Test conditions
5.1 General
Parts of the detector tube measurement system which have already been tested according to this
International Standard are not required to be tested again.
5.2 Reagents
Test gas mixtures shall be prepared according to ISO 6141, ISO 6142, ISO 6143, ISO 6144, ISO 6145-1,
ISO 6145-4, ISO 6145-6, ISO 6145-10, and ISO 9169. See also Reference [1].
5.3 Apparatus
5.3.1 Usual laboratory apparatus and chemical reagents of analytical grade.
5.3.2 Dynamic or static systems for preparation of test gas mixtures, for example an exposure chamber
constructed of inert materials such as glass or PTFE, through which the generated test gas mixture is passed.
5.3.3 Equipment for measuring, controlling and varying systematically the rate of air flow through the
generating system and the composition, temperature, and relative humidity of the test gas mixture (see
Reference [1]).
5.4 Independent method
An independent validated method shall be used to verify the composition of the test gas mixture used.
The composition of the test gas mixture and the related uncertainty shall be given in the test report.
5.5 Generation of test gas mixtures
Prepare test gas mixtures for at least three concentrations, for example at approximately 20 %, 50 %,
and 80 % of the specified measuring range, and at the values of temperature, relative humidity, etc.
specified in the appropriate test methods in Clause 6. Determine the mean concentration of the test gas
6 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 17621:2015(E)
mixture within the exposure chamber experimentally using the results of the independent method (see
5.4). A correction should be applied for any known bias in the independent method.
Compare the determined mean concentration with the value calculated from the test gas generation
parameters. If the experimentally determined value is within ±10 % of the calculated value of the
concentration of the delivered test gas mixture, take the calculated value as the true value of the
delivered concentration. If this requirement is not met, then adjustments shall be made or an alternative
generation method shall be used or the independent method shall be verified.
If it is not possible to calculate a mass concentration of the test gas, the value determined by the
independent method shall be used as the true value.
5.6 Test conditions for detector tubes
For the purpose of type testing, the test shall be carried out on 10 detector tubes and one detector tube
pump. A recommended sequence of tests is given in Annex A.
Unless otherwise stated, the test procedures are run at the following environmental conditions:
— temperature           (20 ± 2) °C;
— relative humidity       (50 ± 5) %;
— atmospheric pressure  (1013 ± 30) hPa.
At an atmospheric pressure outside of the stated range, the measured concentration values shall be
corrected to an atmospheric pressure of 1 013 hPa.
5.7 Test conditions for detector tube pumps
Unless otherwise stated, the test shall be carried out for the purpose of type testing on one detector
tube pump.
The tests according to 6.2.1 to 6.2.4 are carried out with a flow resistor, typical for detector tubes, with
a pressure drop of either
a) (140 ± 10) hPa, flow rate 500 ml/min, or
b) (430 ± 30) hPa, flow rate 100 ml/min
when connected to the detector tube pump.
6 Test methods
6.1 Detector tubes
6.1.1 Visual checks
6.1.1.1 Instructions for use
Check the information given in 4.2.8 and 4.2.11 for completeness and correctness.
6.1.1.2 Measuring range
Determine whether the measuring ranges stated in the instruction for use and on the detector tube are
consistent. The instruction for use should clearly state when the measuring range can be extended by
having its volume and hence concentration range altered.
ISO 17621:2015(E)
6.1.1.3 Scale
Measure and check the requirements given in 4.2.2 visually.
6.1.1.4 Packing of the detector tubes
Check the requirements given in 4.2.7 visually.
6.1.1.5 Interferences
Check the requirement given in 4.2.8 visually.
6.1.2 Test procedures
6.1.2.1 General
The test instruments used are listed in Annex B. For the required number of detector tubes, see Table A.1.
6.1.2.2 Test gas concentrations of the specified measuring range
Prepare test gas mixtures for at least three concentrations, for example at approximately 20 %, 50 %,
and 80 % of the specified measuring range, under the following environmental conditions:
— temperature            (20 ± 2) °C;
— atmospheric pressure   (1013 ± 30) hPa;
— relative humidity       (50 ± 5) %.
NOTE Some gases can react with water. For such gases the tests can be carried out under dry air conditions,
i.e. less than 10 % relative humidity.
For each test gas concentration, expose a detector tube and take a sample according to the
manufacturer’s instructions for use. Record the measured concentration at the scale of the detector
tube. Carry out this procedure 10 times in total.
6.1.2.3 Evaluation of the stain
In each series of measurements in 6.1.2.2, observe the coloured zones of the tubes for about 2 min. If
any of the detector tubes used for the measurement according to 6.1.2.2 shows a slant of the colour
zone, the biggest and the smallest length of the colour zone is measured in millimetres and the slant
determined as a percentage using Formulae (1) and (2):
ll−
maxmin
S = ×100 (1)
l
ave
ll+
maxmin
l = (2)
ave
where
S is the slant of the colour zone, given in per cent (%);
l is the biggest length of the colour zone, given in millimetres (mm);
max
l is the smallest length of the colour zone, given in millimetres (mm);
min
l is the average length of the colour zone, given in millimetres (mm)
ave
8 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 17621:2015(E)
6.1.2.4 Environmental influences
The reading and the measurement deviation are tested according to 6.1.2.2 and 6.1.2.3 with 10 detector
tubes at each of the following environmental conditions:
a)  temperature (10 ± 2) °C;
atmospheric pressure (1013 ± 30) hPa;
relative humidity (20 ± 5) %.
b)  temperature (30 ± 2) °C;
atmospheric pressure (1013 ± 30) hPa;
relative humidity (20 ± 5) %.
c)  temperature (30 ± 2) °C;
atmospheric pressure (1013 ± 30) hPa;
relative humidity (80 ± 5) %.
Test at a concentration of (80 ± 10) % of the specified measuring range. For detector tubes with several
specified measuring ranges, the test is performed for each range.
If the manufacturer states temperature and/or humidity, atmospheric pressure corrections in the
instructions for use, the reading value should be corrected accordingly.
As the impact of the environmental influences only depends on the detector tube type, only a single
evaluation needs to be carried out for each detector tube type determined by the test house.
6.1.2.5 Transportation temperature stability
Store the detector tubes at (0 ± 2)°C and then at (60 ± 2)°C for about 24 h at each temperature. After
adjusting to room temperature, test 10 detector tubes according to 6.1.2.2 and 6.1.2.3 for reading and
measurement deviation. Carry out the tests at a concentration of (50 ± 10) % of the specified measuring
range. For detector tubes with several measuring ranges, the testing is performed for the lowest one.
If the manufacturer has specified a maximum temperature for transportation, the test shall be carried
out at the specified maximum temperature.
6.1.2.6 Overloading
Test three detector tubes at concentration 10 times the upper limit of the specified measuring range.
For detector tubes with more than one scale, perform the test by using the scale with the highest scale
end value at the corresponding stroke number.
6.1.3 Mechanical strength
6.1.3.1 Equipment
For th
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