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View Full Version : How to detect Argon in Double Glazing


theartfullodger
11-03-2011, 14:34 PM
I'm about to order a load of DG units for my builder to fit: Bizarrely this appears significantly cheaper than the DG companies but there you go...

A couple of companies quote/include Argon filled units & extol the benefits thereof.. (which I understand..). Question: How does the innocent punter establish if there is or is not Argon in his DG units?? (without taking them apart..)

Regards & thanks in advance
quads4ultd
11-03-2011, 18:06 PM
As far as I know you cannot without breaking the seal, this will release the gas though.
JK0
11-03-2011, 22:44 PM
I would have thought there must be some letters on the units to indicate mustn't there?
Interlaken
13-03-2011, 10:18 AM
DG companies work on a pyramid selling basis. If you buy from a manufacturer direct the price is significantly reduced as all those commission payments for nasty salesmen and managers is done away with.

Argon - is there a British Standard or kite mark for this maybe? I know that toughened glass has a mark usually in the bottom r/h corner.
theartfullodger
17-03-2011, 13:00 PM
Found a way!

http://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030225312

All I need now is a Gas Chromatography unit to test 'em with...

However, I reckon if I do use the guy (and I'd have to pick the units up from him..) when I'm doing the pick-up I'll simply ask him where is Argon supply is.... and expect him to go shifty-eyed..

Could of course be a crafty salesman.. "Do your units contain Argon my man??" "Yes Guv!".. Well, dry air has Argon in it, about 0.93% by volume...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argon
midlandslandlord
20-03-2011, 16:16 PM
You can presumably use the absorbtion / emission spectrum.

I don't know of a handheld instrument, but I understand the Hubble Space Telescope can do it if you persuade them to spin it round or take your units to Mars :-).

Alternatively, get irate with the supplier's supplier's supplier, and demand they prove it with *your* windows.

I suppose you could drill a hole and let it all out, then fill it from a cylinder and seal the hole with blu-tac.

Beyond that, I'm stumped.

ML