The Insulating Glass Manufactures Alliance (IGMA) is undertaking the first phase of a five-part research project designed to develop a new test method for measuring the rate at which argon permeates through a sheet of insulating glass (IG) sealant as a means to predict gas loss from an IG unit.

TNO of the Netherlands will be performing the actual testing; work will parallel testing that is being done on the European EN 1279 specification.

Other industry organizations are also taking part in the efforts, as IGMA invited other groups to co-sponsor the research. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association, the National Fenestration Rating Council and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association have each elected to participate in the first phase of the project.