Insulating glass units (IGUs) are critical for maintaining energy efficiency in modern buildings. Filled with inert gases like argon or krypton, they offer superior thermal insulation compared to standard air-filled units. However, maintaining optimal gas concentration is vital for their performance. A 2008 study, “Nondestructive Method of Measuring Relative Concentration of Gases in Double-Pane Windows,” explores how to test for argon gas in windows using DC electrical discharge, shedding light on advancements in gas measurement technologies.
Sparklike’s devices align with the topic, by providing precise, non-invasive methods to test for argon gas in windows, making them a practical choice for quality control and maintenance.
Ensuring quality in IGUs
- Why it matters
- IGUs filled with argon or krypton provide better thermal insulation.
- Gas leakage over time reduces efficiency, increases energy costs and impacts sustainability.
- The 2008 study
- Introduced a DC electrical discharge method for measuring argon in double-pane windows.
- Achieved ~5 percent accuracy at moderate to high gas levels.
- Advantages: non-invasive, sensitive, adaptable for manufacturing.
- Limitations: requires lab conditions and spectrometers, not suitable for field testing.
- Sparklike’s solution
- Sparklike Laser Devices use Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS).
- Independent testing (ift Rosenheim) shows results within ±2 percent of gas chromatography.
- Benefits
- Portable and easy to use on-site.
- Non-destructive testing – no damage to IGUs.
- Works in production, installation, and maintenance phases.
- Suitable for double and triple glazing.
- Impact across the IGU lifecycle
- Manufacturing: verifies proper gas filling and compliance.
- Installation: ensures units meet specifications after transport/handling.
- Maintenance: detects gas loss early to maintain efficiency.
- Conclusion
- While lab-based methods like DC discharge offer insight, Sparklike provides a proven solution.
- Enables reliable quality control, reduces energy consumption and supports sustainable construction practices.