Performance Evaluation of a Colorimetric Hydrazine Dosimeter
Abstract
A dosimeter for real-time, colorimetric detection of hydrazine in air has been developed. The passive badge consists of a dosimeter card containing a vanillin solution coated on a thin paper substrate. The active patch consists of a thick cellulose substrate coated with a vanillin solution. When placed in a plastic sample holder attached to a personnel pump, up to 5 L/min can be drawn through the active badge substrate. Through a condensation reaction, vanillin reacts with hydrazine to form a colored product that absorbs in the visible region. The hydrazone formed in the reaction is yellow; its intensity is proportional to the dose. When exposed passively to hydrazine, the experimental detection limit is < 20 ppb-hrs. Extrapolated results indicate a detection limit of < 5 ppb-hrs for long sampling periods. Actively sampling of hydrazine vapors gives an experimental detection limit of < 100 ppb-L at a sample rate of 5 L/ min. Relative humidity effects on badge response were minor. High humidity enhanced the color development on the vanillin badge; while low humidity had no effect on badge response. Interference testing of the dosimeters revealed a tobacco smoke interference. Preliminary shelf life tests indicated no decrease in sensitivity to hydrazine when stored at room temperature for 6 months. Hydrazine, Vapor detection Dosimetry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA281249
Entities
People
- Karen P. Brenner
- Susan L. Rose-Pehrsson
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory