ASTM E2649-20

Standard Test Method for Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass Units Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the concentration of argon in sealed insulating glass units under controlled conditions in compliance with the apparatus manufacturer's instructions.  
5.2 This is a non-destructive test method in that the edge seal of the test specimen is not breached in order to determine the argon gas concentration. However, damage to some glass coatings on the inner surfaces of the glass can occur.  
5.3 This test method has been developed based on data collected in a controlled laboratory environment.  
5.4 The device shall be used to determine the argon gas concentration in insulating glass units in a controlled laboratory environment. Refer to 12.3.  
5.5 This test method may be used to determine the argon gas concentration before, during, or after the insulating glass unit is subjected to durability tests.  
5.6 The accuracy of the test method is dependent upon the accuracy of the Spark Emission Spectroscope. When the concentration of the argon being measured is below certain levels, this test method is not applicable. See the spectroscope manufacturer’s literature for recommended levels of accuracy of a given model.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for using a spark emission spectroscope to determine the concentration of argon gas in the space between the lites of a sealed insulating glass unit.  
1.2 This is a non-destructive test method.  
1.3 This test method shall be used only in a controlled laboratory environment.  
1.4 This test method is applicable for insulating glass units where argon has been added to the sealed insulating glass cavity and the balance of the gas is atmospheric air.  
1.5 This test method is applicable for clear, double-glazed insulating glass units.  
1.6 This test method is applicable for double-glazed insulating glass units with one lite having a metallic coating or tinted glass, or both, and with clear glass as the other lite.  
1.7 This test method is applicable for triple-glazed insulating glass units only when the center lite of glass has a metallic coating (either low emissivity (low E) or reflective) and both of the other lites are clear glass.  
1.8 This test method also includes a procedure for verifying the accuracy of the readings of the test apparatus.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, refer to Section 7 on Hazards.  
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Feb-2020
• ICS: 71.040.50 - Physicochemical methods of analysis
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.22 - Durability Performance of Building Constructions

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2649 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass
1
Units Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2649; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This test method covers procedures for using a spark
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
emission spectroscope to determine the concentration of argon
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
gas in the space between the lites of a sealed insulating glass
unit.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This is a non-destructive test method.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 This test method shall be used only in a controlled
C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
laboratory environment.
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
1.4 This test method is applicable for insulating glass units
where argon has been added to the sealed insulating glass ASTM Test Methods
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
cavity and the balance of the gas is atmospheric air.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.5 This test method is applicable for clear, double-glazed
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
insulating glass units.
E2190 Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance
1.6 This test method is applicable for double-glazed insu-
and Evaluation
lating glass units with one lite having a metallic coating or
tinted glass, or both, and with clear glass as the other lite.
3. Terminology
1.7 This test method is applicable for triple-glazed insulat-
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms found in this test
ing glass units only when the center lite of glass has a metallic
method, refer to Terminologies C162, C717, and E631.
coating(eitherlowemissivity(lowE)orreflective)andbothof
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the other lites are clear glass.
3.2.1 sealed insulating glass unit—an assembled unit, com-
prising sealed lites of glass separated by dehydrated space(s),
1.8 This test method also includes a procedure for verifying
normally intended for clear vision areas of buildings.
the accuracy of the readings of the test apparatus.
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Summary of Test Method
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
4.1 The spark emission spectroscope is placed against the
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
glass surface of a sealed insulating glass unit in a prescribed
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
manner. A high voltage, at low current, is applied to the glass
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
surface. This voltage creates a spark which induces a plasma
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
from the gas molecules inside the test specimen. This causes
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
light emissions (photons) of characteristic wavelengths. The
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
instrument then collects the photons and analyzes them by
For specific warning statements, refer to Section 7 on Hazards.
spark emission spectroscopy. The resulting spectrum is com-
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
pared to calibration data internal to the instrument to determine
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the concentration of argon inside the unit.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.22
2
on Durability Performance of Building Constructions. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org,or
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E2649–12. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2649–20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2649 − 12 E2649 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass
1
Units Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2649; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures for using a spark emission spectroscope to determine the concentration of argon gas in
the space between the lites of a sealed insulating glass unit.
1.2 This is a non-destructive test method.
1.3 This test method shall be used only in a controlled laboratory environment.
1.4 This test method is applicable for insulating glass units where argon has been added to the sealed insulating glass cavity
and the balance of the gas is atmospheric air.
1.5 This test method is applicable for clear, double-glazed insulating glass units.
1.6 This test method is applicable for double-glazed insulating glass units with one lite having a metallic coating or tinted glass,
or both, and with clear glass as the other lite.
1.7 This test method is applicable for triple-glazed insulating glass units only when the center lite of glass has a metallic coating
(either low emissivity (low E) or reflective) and both of the other lites are clear glass.
1.8 This test method also includes a procedure for verifying the accuracy of the readings of the test apparatus.
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to inch-pound units that after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, refer to Section 7.17. on Hazards.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2190 Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms found in this test method, refer to Terminologies C162, C717, and E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.22 on Durability
Performance of Building Constructions.
Current edition approved April 1, 2012Feb. 15, 2020. Published May 2012February 2020. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 20092012 as
E2649 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/E2649-09.–12. DOI: 10.1520/E2649–20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org,or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2649 − 20
3.2.1 sealed insulating glass unit—an assembled unit, comprising sealed lites of glass separated by dehydrated space(s),
normally intended for clear vision areas of buildings.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The spark emission spectroscope is placed against the glass surface of a sealed insulating glass unit in a prescribed manner.
A high voltage, at low current, is applied to the glass surface. This voltage creates a spark which induces a plasma from the gas
molecules insid
...