1、Designation: E 2649 09Standard Test Method forDetermining Argon Concentration in Sealed Insulating GlassUnits Using Spark Emission Spectroscopy1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2649; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in t
2、he case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This test method covers procedures for using a sparkemission spectroscope to determin
3、e the concentration of argongas in the space between the lites of a sealed insulating glassunit.1.2 This is a non-destructive test method.1.3 This test method shall be used only in a controlledlaboratory environment.1.4 This test method is applicable for insulating glass unitswith argon concentratio
4、ns of 70 % or more, where the balanceof the gas is atmospheric air.1.5 This test method is applicable for clear, double-glazedinsulating glass units.1.6 This test method is applicable for double-glazed insu-lating glass units with one lite having a metallic coating ortinted glass, or both, and with
5、clear glass as the other lite.1.7 This test method is applicable for triple-glazed insulat-ing glass units only when the center lite of glass has a metalliccoating (either low emissivity (low E) or reflective) and both ofthe other lites are clear glass.1.8 This test method also includes a procedure
6、for verifyingthe accuracy of the readings of the test apparatus.1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard. The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-tion only and are not considered standard.1.10 This stand
7、ard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specificwarning statemen
8、ts, refer to 7.1.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2C 162 Terminology of Glass and Glass ProductsC 717 Terminology of Building Seals and SealantsE 631 Terminology of Building Constructions3. Terminology3.1 For definitions of terms found in this test method, referto Terminologies C 162, C 717
9、, and E 631.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 sealed insulating glass unitan assembled unit, com-prising sealed lites of glass separated by dehydrated space(s),normally intended for clear vision areas of buildings.4. Summary of Test Method4.1 The spark emission spectroscope is
10、 placed against theglass surface of a sealed insulating glass unit in a prescribedmanner. A high voltage, at low current, is applied to the glasssurface. This voltage creates a spark which induces a plasmafrom the gas molecules inside the test specimen. This causeslight emissions (photons) of charac
11、teristic wavelengths. Theinstrument then collects the photons and analyzes them byspark emission spectroscopy. The resulting spectrum is com-pared to calibration data internal to the instrument to determinethe concentration of argon inside the unit.5. Significance and Use5.1 This test method is inte
12、nded to provide a means fordetermining the concentration of argon in sealed insulatingglass units under controlled conditions in compliance with theapparatus manufacturers instructions.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 onPerformance of Buildings and is the direct resp
13、onsibility of Subcommittee E06.22on Durability Performance of Building Constructions.Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published May 2009.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards vo
14、lume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.5.2 This is a non-destructive test method in that the edgeseal of the test specimen is not breached in
15、order to determinethe argon gas concentration. However, damage to some glasscoatings on the inner surfaces of the glass can occur.5.3 This test method has been developed based on datacollected in a controlled laboratory environment.5.4 The device shall be used to determine the argon gasconcentration
16、 in insulating glass units in a controlled labora-tory environment. Refer to 12.3.5.5 This test method may be used to determine the argon gasconcentration before, during, or after the insulating glass unit issubjected to durability tests.5.6 The accuracy of the test method is dependent upon theconce
17、ntration of argon gas.As the argon gas level decreases theaccuracy also decreases. When the concentration of argon isbelow 70 % this test method is not applicable.6. Apparatus6.1 Spark Emission Spectroscope:6.1.1 The apparatus employs a high voltage, at low current,source and employs spark emission
18、spectroscopy.6.1.2 The head of the spark emission spectroscope containsan electrode which is used to apply the voltage to the glasssurface of the test specimen. It also contains a light collectorwhich transmits light emissions to a spectrometer for process-ing.6.1.3 Different models3of the spark emi
19、ssion spectroscopeshall be acceptable provided that new models demonstrateaccuracy limits that are equal or greater to those of the originalmodel.6.2 Specimen Stand:6.2.1 The test specimen shall be supported in a verticalposition or up to 30 off vertical position.6.2.2 If necessary, a stand is used
20、to support the testspecimens. For example test stands, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.6.3 Background:6.3.1 A non-reflective black background shall be positionedbehind the test specimen. Examples of background materialsinclude photographic black fabric and black closed-cell foam.7. Hazards7.1 WarningThe high
21、voltage of the spark emissionspectroscope used in this test method can be harmful. Appro-priate protective measures shall be observed. Refer to theinstrument manufacturers instruction manual.8. Test Specimens8.1 Any sealed insulating glass unit that allows the sparkemission spectroscope to excite th
22、e gas present in the airspacecan 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 onelite of 4 mm (532 in.) clear uncoated glass, a 12 mm (12 in.) airspace, and one lite of 4 mm (532 in.) coated low E
23、glass.Variations in the specimen construction may require a correc-tion. See the instrument manufacturers instruction manual forfurther information.9. Calibration9.1 Adjustment of the instrument is recommended to beperformed only by the manufacturer of the instrument or an3This method was based on u
24、se of the Gasglass 1002 device (the wand model).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 thecommittee at this time is Sparklike, Ltd., Srkiniementie5C6,00210 Helsinki,Finland, http:/. If
25、 you are aware of alternative suppliers, pleaseprovide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments willreceive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1which you may attend.FIG. 1 Example of Test StandFIG. 2 Another Example of Test StandE26490
26、92authorized service representative. The user shall verify theaccuracy of the instrument readings using Section 10.10. Verification10.1 Verification of the accuracy of the instrument readingsshall be performed by the user.10.2 Verification Specimens:10.2.1 Follow the instrument manufacturers instruc
27、tionmanual for construction of verification specimens. Fill theverification specimens with reference gas mixtures accordingto 10.3.NOTE 1Different models3of the spark emission spectroscope havedifferent requirements for construction of verification specimens. Consultthe manufacturers instruction man
28、ual specific to the model of use.10.3 Reference Gas Mixtures:10.3.1 At least two reference gas mixtures that containknown percentages of argon and atmospheric air are requiredfor verification. For increased confidence in the measurementsover the capability range of the instrument, additional refer-e
29、nce gas mixtures are recommended.10.3.2 The first reference gas mixture shall have an argonconcentration between 90 % and 99 %.10.3.3 The second reference gas mixture shall have an argonconcentration between 75 % and 80 %.10.3.4 If the user has defined a specific argon gas concen-tration, then a thi
30、rd reference gas mixture is recommended atthe defined argon concentration.NOTE 2Suitable gas mixtures can be obtained with a certificate ofanalysis of the mixture from commercial gas suppliers. The accuracy ofthe results of this test method depends on the accuracy of the certifiedreference gas mixtu
31、res.10.4 Verification Procedure:10.4.1 Five readings shall be taken on each verificationspecimen following the procedures outlined in the instructionmanual of the spark emission spectroscope and followingSections 11-13 of this test method. The average of the fivereadings is recorded as the verificat
32、ion specimen value.10.4.2 The verification specimen value shall not differ fromthe reference gas mixture value by more than 2 %.10.4.3 Frequent verification of the instrument shall beperformed. Users of the instrument shall establish the fre-quency of verification.11. Conditioning11.1 The sealed ins
33、ulating glass units shall be sealed for aminimum of four weeks from date of manufacture to allow forequilibration of the gas before testing.NOTE 3It takes time for the argon gas to equilibrate in any sealedinsulating glass unit. This is particularly important in units using a tubularor porous spacer
34、 and in units containing interior components such astubular or porous muntin bars. There can also be significant laminarstratification of the gasses inside the air space immediately following gasfilling. Performing this test before a unit has equilibrated could produceresults that are measurably dif
35、ferent than the actual argon gas concentra-tion. Some labs have found that mixing of the fill gas into the hollow tubespacer of an insulating glass unit can occur within 24 h. This will varybased on unit construction and gas filling methods.12. Procedure12.1 Turn on the instrument and allow it to wa
36、rm up for atleast 30 min.12.2 Orient the test specimen vertically against a darkbackground. Alternatively, place the test specimen on a stand.(See Fig. 1.)12.3 Maintain controlled conditions in the room that in-clude:12.3.1 No direct sunlight,12.3.2 No high intensity lamps in close proximity to thes
37、pecimens, and12.3.3 Air temperatures of 23 6 3C (73 6 5F).12.4 For double-pane specimens that contain a metalliccoating (either low E or reflective), this coated lite shall beplaced against the dark background. A non-coated lite must befacing the instrument. For triple-pane specimens both outerlites
38、 are required to be clear glass and the middle lite must havea coating on one surface.NOTE 4Sealed insulating glass units with metallic coatings on bothFIG. 3 Orientation of Sensor on Wand ModelFIG. 4 Orientation of Sensor on Hand ModelE2649093lites (both outer lites for triple-glazed units) cannot
39、be tested with this testmethod.12.5 Orient the sensor head so that the optical sensor isabove the electrode in the face plate of the head. For the wandmodel, this puts the button/switch for the spark up at12 oclock. (See Fig. 3.) For the compact handheld model, therequired orientation is shown in Fi
40、g. 4.12.6 Locate the sensor head on the glass surface oppositethe black background. The edge of the sensor head shall be atthe inside edge of the insulating glass spacer of the testspecimen. (See Fig. 5.)12.7 Press the sensor head evenly against the glass so thatthe sensor head is perpendicular to t
41、he glass surface.12.8 Press the button on the instrument to take a reading.12.8.1 If the spark does not arc between glass Surfaces Twoand Three on specimens without a metallic coating, place agrounding device against the glass surface opposite the sensorhead and repeat 12.6 and 12.7. Examples of gro
42、unding devicesinclude a finger, hand, or metal contact point. (See Fig. 6.) Ablack background shall be behind the grounding device toeliminate extraneous light from entering the spectrometer.12.9 Observation of the following events is essential. If anyof these events occurs during the sparking opera
43、tion, reject thereading and take another reading:12.9.1 Changes in ambient lighting,12.9.2 Movement of the sensor head,12.9.3 Inconsistent or excessive sound from the spark ascompared to typical sounds from previous measurements,12.9.4 Spark does not jump the gap in the test specimen forthe duration
44、 of the “buzzing” sound from the instrument, and12.9.5 For further information on these operational obser-vations, see the instrument manufacturers instruction manual.12.10 Repeat 12.7-12.9 four more times for a total of fivereadings. After the third reading, relocate the sensor head bymoving it alo
45、ng the insulating glass spacer approximately 75 to100 mm (3 to 4 in.) from the original position.12.11 Record all five readings.13. Calculation of Results13.1 Calculate and record the average and standard devia-tion for the five data points. Report the calculated valuerounded to the nearest whole pe
46、rcent.NOTE 5The terms average and standard deviation are commonmathematical terms and are found as functions in most spread sheetprograms.14. Precision and Bias14.1 Precision and bias for this test method are beingdetermined.15. Keywords15.1 argon gas; fill gas; gas concentration; sealed insulatingg
47、lass unit; spark emission spectroscopy (SES)FIG. 5 Positioning Sensor Head Near Edge of GlassE2649094ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that det
48、ermination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised, either reapproved o
49、r withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken,
