As insulating glass units (IGUs) become central to energy-efficient construction, maintaining the correct inert gas fill levels—particularly argon and krypton—has emerged as a key factor in long-term performance and product compliance. Leveraging non-destructive methods, new advancements in spark emission spectroscopy (SES) are now simplifying gas fill verification for IGU manufacturers.
ASTM E2649-20, a critical standard developed to support non-invasive gas concentration measurement in sealed IGUs, establishes the use of spark emission spectroscopy to determine argon content without the need to dismantle or compromise the unit. This is in contrast to traditional destructive methods like gas chromatography (ASTM E2269-21), which require extraction and damage to the IGU.
The Sparklike Handheld™, a market-leading portable device, utilizes this SES method to deliver fast, non-invasive argon and krypton concentration readings in just seconds. The solution is recognized under ASTM E2649-20 and enables quality assurance teams to conduct inline or laboratory testing efficiently while keeping the units intact.
IGUs rely on noble gases to boost thermal insulation. Insufficient gas fill or leakage over time can drastically reduce efficiency, increase energy costs, and lead to warranty claims. Standards like EN 1279-3 and ASTM E2649-20 are now key for ensuring manufacturing consistency and long-term IGU performance.
How Spark Emission Spectroscopy Works in Practice
A high-voltage spark excites plasma inside the IGU cavity, and the resulting photon emissions are analyzed spectroscopically to determine gas concentration. The test, completed in roughly two seconds, is completely non-destructive and optimized for manufacturing environments.
By adopting this method and tools like the Sparklike Handheld™, manufacturers benefit from:
- Accurate and Standardized Testing: Fully aligned with ASTM E2649-20 and EN 1279-3.
- Enhanced Quality Control: Verifies gas fills before shipment, minimizing risk.
- Operational Efficiency: Rapid results improve production throughput.
- Cost Savings: Avoids the material waste of destructive testing.
As global energy standards tighten and demand for higher-performance IGUs grows, the role of non-destructive gas fill testing is expected to expand rapidly. Tools such as Sparklike Handheld™ are increasingly seen as essential for modern insulating glass production and quality control workflows.
Reference: https://www.glassonweb.com/news/non-invasive-gas-fill-testing-igus
