ASTM_E_2323_-_04.pdf

Designation:E 2323 04Standard Test Method forCalculating the Concentration of Fill Gas in a SealedInsulating Glass Unit Using Measurements From an OxygenAnalyzer1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2323;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers procedures for the use ofoxygen analyzers to measure the percentage of oxygen in aninsulating glass unit where normal atmospheric air has beenreplaced with other gases such as argon,krypton,xenon,orsulfur hexafluoride(SF6).The procedure shows how to convertthe measured percentage of oxygen in an insulating glass unitto the percentage of air in the unit,and subtracts the airpercentage from 100%to calculate the percentage of fill gas inthe unit.1.2 This test method does not determine the type of fill gas.It only measures the percentage of oxygen in the gas in thespace between the lites of an insulating glass unit.1.3 This test method is not applicable to insulating glassunits containing open capillary/breather tubes.1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The values given in parentheses are for informationonly.1.5 This standard 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.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2C 162 Terminology of Glass ProductsC 717 Terminology of Building Seals and SealantsE 631 Terminology of Building Constructions3.Terminology3.1 Definition of Terms:3.1.1 For definitions of terms found in this standard,refer toTerminologies C 717,C 162,and E 631.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 Fill GasAny gas,or mixture of gases intended toreplace atmospheric air in the space between the lites of asealed insulating glass unit.A fill gas is typically inert.Themost commonly used fill gases include argon,krypton andsulfur hexafluoride(SF6).3.2.2 Sealed Insulating Glass Unita pre-assembled unit,comprising lites of glass,which are sealed at the edges andseparated by dehydrated space(s),intended for clear visionareas of buildings.The unit is normally used for windows,window walls,picture windows,sliding doors,patio doors,orother types of fenestration.4.Significance and Use4.1 Air between the lites of an insulating glass unit can bereplaced with other gases such as argon,krypton,xenon or SF6to modify the thermal or acoustical performance,or both,of theunit.4.2 The primary use of this test method is as a qualitycontrol test for gas filling of insulating glass units.4.3 This test method can be used to verify and ensure a fillgas percentage during manufacturing.4.4 This test method is used to calculate the percentage offill gas.4.5 This test method does not identify the composition ofthe fill gas.NOTE1If the atmospheric air is intended to be replaced in total or inpart by filling with a gas of known composition,then the user mayreasonably infer that the composition of the fill gas in the insulating glassunit is a mixture of the fill gas and atmospheric air.4.6 Calculation of the thermal performance of an insulatingglass unit using fill gas values generated by this test methodalso requires that the composition of the fill gas in the spacebetween the lites of the sealed insulating glass unit bedetermined.4.7 This test method can be used before,during or afteraccelerated weathering testing.NOTE2Due to differences in diffusion rates of gases into or out of theinsulating glass unit,the calculation may only be an approximation if themethod is used during or after weathering.Similarly,if a period of timehas passed since the original filling of the insulating glass unit then theaccuracy of the calculated results may be affected.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM committee E06 onPerformance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.22on Durability Performance of Building Constructions.Current edition approved Dec.1,2004.Published January 2005.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume 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.4.8 It takes time after the filling of the insulating glass unitfor the fill gas to mix with any residual atmospheric air so thata gas sample drawn from any portion of the airspace will beuniform in concentration.This is particularly important ininsulating glass units containing interior components,