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1.1 This test method covers procedures for using gas chromatographs to determine the concentration of argon gas in the space between the panes of sealed insulating glass.

1.2 This test method is not applicable to insulating glass units containing open capillary/breather tubes.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the concentration of fill gases, typically argon, oxygen, and nitrogen gases in individual sealed insulating glass units, which were intended to be filled with a specific concentration of fill gases at the time of manufacture.

4.2 The fill gases, oxygen and nitrogen, are physically separated by gas chromatography and compared to corresponding components separated under similar conditions from a reference standard mixture or mixtures of known composition. If the carrier gas is the same as the fill gas, then just the oxygen and nitrogen (air contaminate) are separated.

4.3 The composition of the sample is calculated from the chromatogram by comparing the area under the curve of each component with the area under the curve of the corresponding component on the reference standard chromatogram.

4.4 It is essential that the person or persons performing this test are very knowledgeable about the principles and techniques of gas chromatography, operation and calibration of gas chromatographs. More information can be found in Practice E355.

4.5 It takes time for the fill gas to equilibrate in any insulating glass unit. This is particularly important in insulating glass units using a tubular spacer and in units containing interior components such as tubular muntin bars. Performing this test before a unit has equilibrated could result in fill gas concentrations that are measurably different than the actual fill gas concentration.

4.6 This method may be used to determine the initial fill gas concentration achieved by the filling method, or the fill gas concentration in units that have been in service or that have been subjected to durability tests such as those described in Test Method E2188.

4.7 This is a destructive test method in that the edge seal of the insulating glass unit is breached in order to obtain a gas sample for analysis by gas chromatography.