ASTM E2649-09
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass Units Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy
Standard Test Method for Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass Units Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.
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.
This test method has been developed based on data collected in a controlled laboratory environment.
The device shall be used to determine the argon gas concentration in insulating glass units in a controlled laboratory environment. Refer to 12.3.
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.
The accuracy of the test method is dependent upon the concentration of argon gas. As the argon gas level decreases the accuracy also decreases. When the concentration of argon is below 70 % this test method is not applicable.
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 with argon concentrations of 70 % or more, where 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 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, refer to 7.1.
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Designation:E2649–09
Standard Test Method for
Determining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating Glass
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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers procedures for using a spark 2.1 ASTM Standards:
emission spectroscope to determine the concentration of argon C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
gas in the space between the lites of a sealed insulating glass C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
unit. E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.2 This is a non-destructive test method.
3. Terminology
1.3 This test method shall be used only in a controlled
laboratory environment. 3.1 For definitions of terms found in this test method, refer
to Terminologies C162, C717, and E631.
1.4 This test method is applicable for insulating glass units
with argon concentrations of 70 % or more, where the balance 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 sealed insulating glass unit—an assembled unit, com-
of the gas is atmospheric air.
1.5 This test method is applicable for clear, double-glazed prising sealed lites of glass separated by dehydrated space(s),
normally intended for clear vision areas of buildings.
insulating glass units.
1.6 This test method is applicable for double-glazed insu-
4. Summary of Test Method
lating glass units with one lite having a metallic coating or
4.1 The spark emission spectroscope is placed against the
tinted glass, or both, and with clear glass as the other lite.
glass surface of a sealed insulating glass unit in a prescribed
1.7 This test method is applicable for triple-glazed insulat-
manner. A high voltage, at low current, is applied to the glass
ing glass units only when the center lite of glass has a metallic
surface. This voltage creates a spark which induces a plasma
coating(eitherlowemissivity(lowE)orreflective)andbothof
from the gas molecules inside the test specimen. This causes
the other lites are clear glass.
light emissions (photons) of characteristic wavelengths. The
1.8 This test method also includes a procedure for verifying
instrument then collects the photons and analyzes them by
the accuracy of the readings of the test apparatus.
spark emission spectroscopy. The resulting spectrum is com-
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
pared to calibration data internal to the instrument to determine
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
the concentration of argon inside the unit.
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard.
5. Significance and Use
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
determining the concentration of argon in sealed insulating
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
glass units under controlled conditions in compliance with the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
apparatus manufacturer’s instructions.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
5.2 This is a non-destructive test method in that the edge
warning statements, refer to 7.1.
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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.22 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org,or
on Durability Performance of Building Constructions. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published May 2009. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
E2649-09. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E2649–09
5.4 The device shall be used to determine the argon gas
concentration in insulating glass units in a controlled labora-
tory environment. Refer to 12.3.
5.5 Thistestmethodmaybeusedtodeterminetheargongas
concentrationbefore,during,oraftertheinsulatingglassunitis
subjected to durability tests.
5.6 The accuracy of the test method is dependent upon the
concentrationofargongas.Astheargongasleveldecreasesthe
accuracy also decreases. When the concentration of argon is
below 70 % this test method is not applicable.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Spark Emission Spectroscope:
6.1.1 The apparatus employs a high voltage, at low current,
source and employs spark emission spectroscopy.
6.1.2 The head of the spark emission spectroscope contains
an electrode which is used to apply the voltage to the glass
surface of the test specimen. It also contains a light collector
which transmits light emissions to a spectrometer for process-
ing.
6.1.3 Different models of the spark emission spectroscope
shall be acceptable provided that new models demonstrate
FIG. 1 Example of Test Stand
accuracy limits that are equal or greater to those of the original
model.
6.2 Specimen Stand:
6.2.1 The test specimen shall be supported in a vertical
position or up to 30° off vertical position.
6.2.2 If necessary, a stand is used to support the test
specimens. For example test stands, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
6.3 Background:
6.3.1 Anon-reflective black background shall be positioned
behind the test specimen. Examples of background materials
include photographic black fabric and black closed-cell foam.
7. Hazards
7.1 Warning—The high voltage of the spark emission
spectroscope used in this test method can be harmful. Appro-
priate protective measures shall be observed. Refer to the
instrument manufacturer’s instruction manual.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Any sealed insulating glass unit that allows the spark
emission spectroscope to excite the gas present in the airspace
can be tested using this test method.
8.2 Typically, test specimens are 355 mm 3 505 mm (14 in.
3 20 in.) sealed insulating glass units constructed using one
5 1
liteof4 mm( ⁄32 in.)clearuncoatedglass,a12 mm( ⁄2 in.)air
FIG. 2 Another Example of Test Stand
space, and one lite of 4 mm ( ⁄32 in.) coated low E glass.
Variations in the specimen construction may require a correc-
9. Calibration
tion. See the instrument manufacturer’s instruction manual for
9.1 Adjustment of the instrument is recommended to be
further information.
performed only by the manufacturer of the instrument or an
authorized service representative. The user shall verify the
This method was based on use of the Gasglass 1002 device (the wand model).
accuracy of the instrument readings using Section 10.
As of this writing, there are other models of the device which include V1 and V2
(handheld models). The sole source of supply of these apparatuses known to the
10. Verification
committee at this time is Sparklike, Ltd., Särkiniementie 5 C6, 00210 Helsinki,
Finland, http://www.sparklike.com. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
10.1 Verification of the accuracy of the instrument readings
provide this information toASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
1 shall be per
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