How to detect Gas Leakage in Insulating Glass Units with Sparklike devices

Although, Sparklike devices measure insulating gas concentration, it can detect gas leakage in insulating glass units or whether the gas fill machine is broken. In this article we tell how Sparklike gas analysis devices notices if insulating glass unit is leaking.  

Why Gas Leaks are Critical in Insulating Gas Units

In modern construction, insulating glass units (IGUs) play a crucial role in providing energy efficiency and thermal comfort. These units consist of two or more glass panes separated by an insulating gas fill, typically argon or krypton. However, over time, gas leakage can compromise the performance of IGUs. Some gas leakage is natural to happen but if the IGU loses insulating gas fast it might mean there is a seal failure. This article outlines how to detect gas leakage in Insulating Glass Unit with Sparklike device, ensuring optimal efficiency and longevity of an IGU.

Read customer case were Sparklike device was used to investigate argon leakage to prove the longevity of TPS seals.

Sparklike Laser Portable on-site measuring gas concentration.

Gas Leakage Detection Method

Sparklike devices measure noble gas Argon/Krypton, etc.) level in insulating glass unit. Due to Sparklike Handheld and Sparklike Laser Portable’s moveability measurements can be taken during the IGU’s life cycle. Conducting measurement throughout the IGU’s production and installation, a trend of gas level can be noticed. Successive measurements taken from the same IG can indicate gas loss percentage. Therefore, if rapid loss of gas is detected, it could mean the hermitic seal of the insulating glass unit is broken either temporarily or permanently.

Measurement taken directly in the production line indicates the gas fill machines proper working. If the gas concentration is continuously too low, it might tell that the there are problems with the machine. Therefore, Sparklike devices act as a quality check the IG-line functions and ensure the high quality of products.

Case: Weihai Blue Star uses Sparklike Handheld device in a Gas Retention Test of Insulating Glass Units

Below you can watch how Sparklike Handheld™ is being used on-site at Weihai Blue Star’s facility to non-destructively measure the argon concentration inside finished IGUs. In a gas retention test, the device is placed against the glass surface of a sealed unit, and it uses plasma emission spectroscopy technology to determine the gas fill rate without damaging the unit.

Conclusion

Detecting insulating gas leakage in insulating glass unit is vital for maintaining their energy-efficient properties. By measuring insulating gas concentration multiple times, you can identify leakage, undertake necessary repairs, and implement preventive measures to ensure the longevity and performance of your insulating glass units.

Note! The long-term monitoring and the correlation of the measurement to a pass/fail criterion is entirely left to the user to conclude and cannot be made on the Sparklike’s behalf.

Read also

Passive Windoor Verifies Gas Fill Rate in High-Performance Insulating Glass Production
CASE: Passive Windoor Verifies Gas Filling Rate in High-Performance Insulating Glass Production
Why Inert Gas Quality Determines Long-Term Performance of Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) – Insights from a 2022 Independent Study on Gas Content Stability in IGUs