Measuring gas concentration of IGUs – How to make it more cost-effective and easier? New features of Sparklike Laser Portable 2.1

In the beginning of 2023 Sparklike launched renewed Laser Portable 2.1. To clarify what has changed, this article gives a detailed information what and why the changes were made and why those improvements ease the use of Laser Portable and enhances the measuring of IGUs. The answers to these questions are given by R&D Engineer at Sparklike, Kai Niiranen, to provide understanding to the topic.  

Why and how IGUs should be measured? 

One of IGUs purpose is to provide better temperature control hence it impacts the energy efficiency of buildings. When the insulating gas concentration is sufficient it prevents heat loss. Therefore, measuring IGUs is much related to product quality assurance. Operators within the insulating glass industry are looking to achieve good quality, but also compete with that, while maintaining quality related costs under control. That is why different ways to increase the certainty of sufficient gas fill within IGU's is one major reason to measure insulating gas concentration. Furthermore, since a gas escape can occur from improper sealing of the IGU, the unit's gas fill level needs to be tested prior to shipping the IG to customers. 

Additionally, the need for quality control stretches throughout the product life cycle since product liability for the IGU manufacturers and suppliers can last several years after the initial delivery of the product. Eventually, the IG manufacturers, window and door manufacturers, testing laboratories, building quality inspectors and construction consultants started to require insulating glass gas fill analyzers that could comfortable be moved around, not only within the factory, but could also be easily taken to building sites. For this, Sparklike Laser Portable 2.1 is an excellent device. 

What has changed in Laser Portable 2.1? 

Sparklike Laser™ product line was developed to correspond to the changes in the insulating glass industry, where an ever-increasing number of insulating glass units are manufactured with coating on both sides. Mr. Niiranen first developed the Sparklike Laser Standard™ device which is an offline solution for test laboratories and desktop use. This device was later integrated into a robust case with wheels and a battery for mobility in factories and building sites, and labelled Sparklike Laser Portable™. In 2023, the newest version of the device was launched with new features. 

“The main look has remained the same to keep the “LP” signature appearance but when you look at the details there are changes” says Mr. Niiranen. Compared to the previous model, Laser Portable 2.1 has doubled its operational time by adding a twin battery. Also, the previously optional accessory barcode reader comes now as a default when purchasing the new device. This was made to provide traceability as a basic function which is important in the current business environment. 

New features of Laser Portable 2.1: 

Twin battery which means the device’s operational time is doubled.
12" capacitive touch screen
New transport box to even guarantee safer transportation *mandatory for Sparklike device transportation insurance*  
QR-code reader to trace IGUs 
Main power switch with indicator led
Charger status indicator
Gas bottle holder (optional)
Redesigned device protective cover (optional)

Improving the IGUs measuring experience and quality of Laser Portable 

The new features have not been chosen to be improved by accident but there are reasons why Sparklike wanted to focus on those parts. Mr. Niiranen explains “With Laser Portable 2.0 we got feedback regarding the touch screen and its holder, which we naturally wanted to solve as it is quite easy fix. Another simple decision was adding the main switch.” 

In the previous model 2.0 there were no main switch but to facilitate the user experience the main switch was added. This feature solves the problem with power switch which many users had difficulty to understand. Now the device cannot execute any be started unless the main switch is turned on. Also, the charger status indicator helps the operator to check the status of the charger while use. 

The transportation box was changed to a more protective one to guarantee safer deliveries. Kai explains that sometimes when the devices have been sent to maintenance, the packaging solutions have been hazardous which is why it was important to offer a compact transport box. All Laser Portable 2.1 are delivered in this box, but it can be purchased separately to older devices since it is related to Sparklike CARE™, automized maintenance & calibration program, which has new addition: full insurance. To be justified to the insurance, the Sparklike device must be delivered in Sparklike official hardcase (for Handheld) or transport box (Laser Portable). 

Additional new features are gas bottle holder to which the idea from own experience tells Mr. Niiranen. “The Laser Portable must be flushed before use to guarantee correct readings, so one time when using a smaller gas bottle there were no place to put the bottle and the holder idea arose. We thought that there might be others too who has phased the same.”  
Becoming the Global Standard to Measure Insulating Gas 
The only thing constant in a R&D Engineer’s life is testing new improvements and ideas, Mr. Niiranen sums up. Sparklike does not stop its development of devices but always wants to innovate to keep its pioneering position in the glass industry. As the only non-invasive gas measurement company in the world, Sparklike continues its mission to revolutionizing energy efficiency in the insulating glass industry by offering the best devices to optimize the use of insulating gas of IGUs. We want to assure that Every Glass Gets Measured by creating global standard for measuring IGUs gas fill. 

14.03.2023, Sparklike