NATIONAL INNOFINLAND PRIZE 2005

Sparklike Oy, Helsinki: GasGlass – Argon measuring device for insulation glazing

For years, thermal insulation capacity of windows has been improved by filling them with argon gas. It has been nearly impossible to measure the gas level – before GasGlass argon measuring device.

The windows are normally filled with argon because of its good thermal insulation capacity. The difference in thermal resistance between a high and a low-quality window may be as big as several dozen per cent, which means substantial differences in heating costs.

GasGlass is the first measuring device in the world to allow the measuring of the argon gas level inside a window without breaking the glass. The measuring is performed by generating a high-voltage spark in the window and analysing the light emitted by the spark by a spectrometer. The spark is harmless to humans and does not damage the window.

Sparklike Oy was founded on 1 January 2000 by Niklas Törnqvist and Mats Therman. Their main purpose was to commercialise this technology, which the University of Helsinki had patented. The first working GasGlass device was introduced at the end of 2000 at the Glasstech Fair in Germany. The sale of the device began in 2001. Intensive product development has continued by the side of the sales work. This development work resulted in the creation of a small, portable measuring device, GasGlass Handheld.

Up till now, Sparklike has delivered around 300 GasGlass measuring devices to various parts of the world, mainly to IG factories and research institutes. The biggest single market is the USA, followed by Europe. The new portable instrument is expected to substantially increase the sales, as the portability of the device also enables the measuring of already installed windows.

Sparklike Oy, Särkiniementie 5 C 6, FI-00210 Helsinki
Chairman of the Board Niklas Törnkvist
Tel. +358 (0)9 6923 510
Fax: +358 (0)9 687 36550
niklas.tornkvist@sparklike.com
www.sparklike.com