Independent testing of Sparklike Laser™ – Non‐destructive insulating glass gas fill analyser

Abstract

ABSTRACTA common insulating enhancement in modern insulating glass (IG) unit is filling it with argon or krypton gas. Insulating glass units (IGU) have higher and higher performance needs, and the requirements in insulating gas (IG) market are growing all the time. The challenges are confirming the correct filling degree and ensuring that the initial gas concentration will remain inside the insulating glass unit (IGU). Different markets have different standards for gas concentration, but usually the gas content needs to meet or exceed 90 % with a margin. Although invasive methods have their advantages, insulating glass industry specialist are looking for new ways to analyze the insulating gas fill. Traditionally gas concentration has been measured with a gas chromatograph, an invasive test device to analyse gas concentration within double and triple glazed insulating glass units. However, Sparklike Oy is the developer and manufacturer of Sparklike Laser™ devices, that allow non‐destructive insulating gas fill analysis for double and triple glazed insulating glass units, even through most coatings and laminated glasses. Sparklike Laser™ devices are based on technology known as TDLAS (Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy). By using this technology, the device measures oxygen and from there, the amount of argon, krypton or other insulating gas can be calculated. Sparklike Oy requested a well‐known test laboratory to perform a test in order to determine the argon gas concentration in insulating glass units by using a particularly challenging test specimen. This test specimen included samples with different constructions i.e. clear glass, strengthened glass and laminated glass with different coatings. The purpose of the test was to verify the results from measurements done with Sparklike Laser Standard™ analyzer, by using gas chromatograph as a reference device. In order to receive reliable results, Sparklike provided 12 pieces of test glasses (350 × 350 mm) purchased from a Finnish CE marked glass manufacturer producing insulating glass units according to EN 1279‐5 standard (evaluation of conformity).