Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth

Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth

The Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth is used for the detection of leaks in sealed incubators, such as those used for infectious disease studies and in the treatment of premature birth. Industrial uses for detection of ammonia gas include sealed containers and filtration systems.  The cloth is sensitive to vapors from a 1% solution of Ammonia.

The Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth is reversible. As long as the cloth reverts back to the original goldenrod yellow color, it will continue to change when exposed to ammonia vapors. However, we aren’t certain of how many times it can be reused (it is somewhat dependent on the use). Eventually, it will not revert back to its original color and can no longer be reused. It works best if exposed to vapors. If the cloth gets wet, it will not be reusable.

Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth

  1. Place the Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth near a suspected leak.
  2. The cloth will turn blue immediately upon detection.

BTB/S; BTB/L; 505; 505-1-2020; 505-1-4040

Product Specs

SKU 1:

505-1-2020 (1 cloth, 20" x 20" [51cm x 51cm])

SKU 2:

505-1-4040 (1 cloth, 40" x 40" [102cm x 102cm])

Bag Dimensions:

12" (W) x 12" (H) [305mm (W) x 305mm (H)] (Amber)

Shelf-Life:

2 Years

Weight:

0.07 lbs [31.6 g] (20" x 20"), 0.4 lbs [0.18 kg] (40" x 40")

Label:

Customizable Label

What is the mechanism for the reversible color change of the Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth?

The Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth is treated with a dilute ethanol solution of bromothymol blue and phenolphthalein (10:1 ratio) and air dried. When dry, the cloth is a yellow-orange color. When exposed to ammonia vapors, the indicator dyes turn the cloth blue/green due to the alkaline nature of the ammonia.

In air, the cloth reverses back to the yellow-orange color as it absorbs CO2 from the air. The carbonic acid lowers the pH and thus the indicator dyes revert back to their acidic color. This reversal can be accelerated if the cloth is placed in an acidic environment (say a vinegar/acetic acid atmosphere.)

Are there any known chemicals that will inactivate, interfere with, or cause false results using the Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth?

Since the ammonia leak detection cloth is simply measuring pH, any interferences present that create an acidic or alkaline environment competing with the effect of any ammonia gas would interact with the cloth.

Is the color change agent of the Ammonia Leak Detection Cloth bonded to the cloth or can it wash or wear off?

The dyes are not bound to the cloth with any special binders. They will wash out. They may also discolor materials they contact.

Are the Ammonia Leak Detection Cloths reusable?

Yes, the cloths are reversible. As long as the cloth reverts back to the original goldenrod yellow color, it will continue to change when exposed to ammonia vapors. We aren’t certain of how many times it can be reused (it is somewhat dependent on the use). Eventually, it won’t revert back to its original color and can no longer be reused. It works best if exposed to vapors. If you get it wet, it will not be reusable.

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