ASTM E2649 Provides Gas Concentration Test for Window Efficiency
August 3, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
ASTM International approved ASTM E2649 - Test Method for Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass Units Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy.
This standard offers a method for evaluating gas concentration inside insulating glass (IG) units without destroying or altering the edge seal.
ASTM E2649 was developed by Subcommittee E06.22 on Durability Performance of Building Constructions, part of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings.
Inert gases that are found in IG units help make windows more energy efficient, according to ASTM.
"The inert gases that are often contained between the panes of glass that make up an insulating glass [IG] unit provide better thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss through the window," said Jeffery Haberer, E06.22.05 task group chair.
"While the inert gas is only one component of a window that reduces heat loss, if the inert gas leaks out, the total potential to reduce heat loss is compromised," he said.
For a test on gas loss, Haberer said it is necessary to know the concentration prior to weather cycling and after.
"Previously, IG units were either altered with a septum for gas sampling or the edge seal of the IG was destructively broken in order to sample the gas content," said Haberer. "Neither of these procedures lended well to the need. Until now, there was no nondestructive test method to sample gas concentrations in IG units."
According to Haberer, certification groups and researchers will use ASTM E2649 to show the compliance of an IG unit to hold gas at a minimum accepted level.
Source: ASTM International.