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VIG comes of age

Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) is not a new concept and has its roots at the beginning of the 20th century. The general objective of VIG designs, much like conventional non-evacuated insulating glass technology, is to improve the overall insulating properties between an external environment and an internal environment by slowing the rate of thermal energy transfer across two or more lites of glass.

Like conventional IG’s, a small amount of energy is still transferred across the VIG unit by means of conduction through the edge seal as well as across the pillar array and by radiated energy between opposing surfaces within the space between the lites. However, VIG differs from conventional or even gas-filled IG units. VIG significantly limits convection and conduction within the space between the glass lites by significantly reducing the amount of residual gas between the lites to a high vacuum such that the volume of residual gas remaining approaches zero. Convective heat loss is not a factor in VIG due to the lack of gas within the cavity. As VIG technology continues to evolve from a laboratory success into commercial reality, manufacturers and start-ups are developing VIG solutions of their own.  Commercial architects, glazers and window and door manufacturers alike are now becoming anxious to implement this emerging technology into their products.

About the speaker
Bill Lingnell has been involved in engineering, technical management and construction of major building projects throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. He has consulted as a technical authority and specialist for general contractors, manufacturers, fabricators, owners, developers, architects, and individuals relating to the many facets of glass and wall systems used on architectural construction projects. As a consultant, he has also served engineers, testing agencies, insurance companies, building managers, window producers, curtain wall consultants and the legal profession on many projects and assignments requiring specialization in glass and wall system technology. He serves as the technical consultant to the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance. Lingnell has over 48 years of experience in the technical field of glass and architectural products and is considered one of the world’s foremost experts in the field.