Air reloaded

Swisspacer’s ‘Air’, which ensures pressure equalisation in multi-pane insulating glass and counteracts climatic loads, will be available in time for Glasstec 2018.

The air in the space between the panes tends to continuously adapt to the surrounding air pressure. But it is prevented because the system is closed. If glass is installed at a different height than produced, no pressure compensation takes place and it can lead to significant deformations – the glass bulges outwards or inwards.

This effect also occurs during transportation with large height differences, such as over mountain passes, through tunnels or by air freight.

This leads to considerable tension on the glass edges. As a consequence, damage to the edge bond can occur – up to glass breakage. The risk of such damage can be minimised if a continuous pressure equalisation takes place between the outside climate and the space between the panes. Swisspacer Air makes this equalisation possible.

“At the product presentation for the last Glasstec, we were already certain that the Swisspacer Air was working,” head of development and product management Martin Henseler said. “Unfortunately, it turned out that there were some aspects of industrial manufacturing that we were not satisfied with and that simply did not meet our high quality standards.

“At the same time, our developers took the time to improve the function of the Swisspacer Air by changing the construction in some details. With the adjustments that have now been put through their paces, we can be sure that the Swisspacer Air meets all requirements.”

The Swisspacer Air is a metal sleeve with integrated special membrane. The structure prevents water vapor from accumulating in the space between the panes, which leads to the formation of condensation or damages the metallic low-e coatings.

Due to the permanent pressure relief, the insulating glass preserves its function and quality in the long term.