FAQ Category
FAQ Group
- Controller Problems (4) Apply Controller Problems filter
- Filling Problems (4) Apply Filling Problems filter
- Check Packing (3) Apply Check Packing filter
- Maintenance and Service (3) Apply Maintenance and Service filter
- Instrument set-up (2) Apply Instrument set-up filter
- Pressure Error (2) Apply Pressure Error filter
Why does my Controller say "- - - -"?
Why does my Controller say "- - - -"?
"----" indicates there has been an electrical malfunction. Reset the Controller. See Controller Menu Setup - Service Procedure 15. If the "----" still shows, you will need to replace the Ascon Controller (part #A09).
Possible Causes:
There was a power surge. In order to eliminate this situation, plug the instrument into a surge protector.
This error can also be caused by microwave interference. Do not place the instrument near a microwave oven.
Fault Screen "Venting on Drain" "Drain not closed"
Fault Screen "Venting on Drain" "Drain not closed"
When the instrument is turned on, the drain valve opens to vent the vessel. If the drain open/close switch is not sensed by the computer this fault occurs.
Possible Causes:
Wires on the drain valve have become dislodged. Connections may have become loose. Unplug the instrument, check the drain valve and reattach any loose wires. Check blue wire (I1), yellow wire (I2), black wire (4),and red wire (4). See DELTA Service Procedure 26.
The drain valve or the drain open/close switch is not operating. When the instrument is turned on, the LED on relay #6 should light briefly (see DELTA Service Procedure 26). At that time you should hear the drain valve opening. After 10 seconds, the drain valve will close and the LED on relay 6 should light briefly again. If the drain valve is not operating, it will need to be replaced. If the drain valve is operating but does not stop, this means the computer is not detecting the open/close switch. Follow instructions from FAQ: Fault Screen "Drain Problem" "Ck Sensor" "<START>"
The level sensor is reading a full vessel when it should be empty. Slowly open the vessel and check the level.
If the vessel is actually full... Possible Causes:
- The drain hose may be kinked. Remove any kinks.
- The vent valve may not be working. See DELTA Service Procedure 16.
If the vessel is actually empty... Possible Causes:
The level sensor needs to be cleaned and possibly retrained. See DELTA Service Procedure 007 for Analog Level Sensor.
Fault Screen "Drain Problem" "Ck Sensor [START]"
Fault Screen "Drain Problem" "Ck Sensor [START]"
A drain error usually occurs if the level sensor is sensing solution in the vessel after the drain has opened. If the vessel is empty, and the level sensor indicates "Full," then the level sensor must be fixed.
If the vessel is full of solution after the drain is open, the problem could be in the drain line. Ensure that drain line is clear and not kinked.
If the vessel is empty, refer to the DELTA's main menu, use the arrow keys and select the "Select Analog" screen. Record the four analog values. The Lvl value should be 6-10V. Next, fill the vessel with water. Again, record the four analog values. The Lvl value should be 0-3V.
If the readings are out of range refer to Service Procedure 07. If this service procedure does not correct the problem the Level Sensor may need to be replaced.
Fault Screen "Verify water tmp" "Reset . . . ENTER]"
Fault Screen "Verify water tmp" "Reset . . . ENTER]"
Possible Causes:
Rinse water supply temperature did not meet method standards. This may affect results with certain samples. Make sure the water supply has a temperature no less than 50°C for Crude Fiber, or no less than 70°C for ADF and NDF determinations. This message will be displayed at the end of an analysis so your results may be affected. A small water heater dedicated to the Delta instrument will help. Contact ANKOM for assistance as needed.
Fault Screen "Filling Problem" "[START]"
Fault Screen "Filling Problem" "[START]"
Possible Causes:
The level sensor has failed to detect the liquid that is in the vessel. If the vessel is full and this fault screen appears, press <STOP> to drain the fluid. You may want to capture the solution and re-use it. See DELTA Service Procedure 007 for Analog Level Sensor Cleaning and Testing.
Water or Solution supply is inadequate. Replace the cubetainers if they are empty. Check to see if the water supply is turned on.
Water Supply Valve may not be functioning. With the bag suspender removed from the vessel, press <ENTER>. Once liquid is observed flowing into the vessel, replace bag suspender if performing a rinse and close the lid. If no liquid is flowing into the vessel, the fill valve or the water valve may not be functioning. See DELTA Service Procedure 16.
Fault Screen "High Press error" "Reset .. . <ENTER>"
Fault Screen "High Press error" "Reset .. . <ENTER>"
Possible Causes:
The bag suspender is worn or not properly functioning. See DELTA Service Procedure 006.
The level sensor is not detecting solution. See DELTA Service Procedure 007 for Analog Level Sensor.
The motor stopped turning. Check the packing nut to make sure it is not over tightened. See DELTA Service Procedure 001.
The motor needs to be replaced. See DELTA Service Procedure 023.
Fault Screen "Low Presssure/" "Cold Rinse <ENT>"
Fault Screen "Low Presssure/" "Cold Rinse <ENT>"
A "Low Pressure" error occurs when the vessel does not have at least 3 psi.
Possible Causes:
The lid was not tight. You do not have to over tighten the lid but it needs to be snug. Usually finger tight plus 1/4 turn is adequate.
Check the lid O-Ring and replace if damaged.
The vessel did not heat, or you have a leak, therefore no pressure was generated.
To Test:
- Disconnect the solution supply tubes on the left side and start a run.
- When the screen says "Filling" pour in 2100ml of hot soapy water (dish soap works best) over the bag suspender to cover the level sensor. Agitation will begin. Close the lid.
- Record the temperature and pressure.
- Wait 5-8 minutes and record the temperature and pressure again. Both should increase over time.
- Place the open ends of the drain tube and vent line in separate small buckets of water. Do you notice any "bubbling" as the instrument heats? Bubbles would indicate a drain or vent valve leak.
- In DELTA Service Procedure 003, the diamond markers indicate the assemblies that have attached fittings that need to be checked. Place a soap and water mixture around the fittings. Do you notice any "bubbling" around the fittings?
- If the vessel has pressure but the display is still reading zero, the pressure sensor and cable may need to be replaced. Contact ANKOM at 315-986-8090 or submit a technical service request at www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services
Fault Screen "Manual Fill?" "Y [Enter] N [Stop]"
Fault Screen "Manual Fill?" "Y [Enter] N [Stop]"
Possible Causes:
If liquid has been manually poured into the vessel before the computer communicates with the appropriate valve to fill the vessel, this fault screen will appear. Open the vessel, if the vessel is full press "Y<ENTER>" to continue the run. If the vessel is not full, the level sensor may not be functioning properly. See DELTA Service Procedure 007 for Analog Level Sensor analysis.
Fault Screen "Hit Enter" "Open Failure"
Fault Screen "Hit Enter" "Open Failure"
The drain valve has been told to open but after 30 seconds the drain open switch has failed to open the drain.
Possible Causes:
Wires on the drain valve have become disconnected. Unplug the instrument, check the drain valve and reattach any loose wires. Check blue wire (I1), yellow wire (I2), black wire (4),and red wire (4). See DELTA Service Procedure 26.
The drain valve or the drain open/close switch is not operating. When the instrument is turned on, the red light on relay #6 should be lit (See DELTA Service Procedure 26). At that time you should hear the drain valve opening. After 10 seconds, the drain valve will close. If the drain valve is not operating, it will need to be replaced. If the drain valve is operating but does not stop, then the open/close switch is not being detected by the computer. Unplug the instrument and check the drain valve for any loose wires.
Fault Screen "SolutionOvertemp"
Fault Screen "SolutionOvertemp"
Possible Causes:
The solution temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Perform a "Boil Test." See DELTA Service Procedure 13.
Fault Screen "Vessel Overtemp"
Fault Screen "Vessel Overtemp"
The vessel temperature has exceeded the maximum limit.
Possible Causes:
The solution level is low in the vessel, but the level sensor is indicating full. The level sensor has two main components that work together. These components are a Level Sensor Module and the Glass Sensor Tip. Refer to and follow the DELTA Service Procedure 007 for Analog Level Sensor Cleaning and Testing.
If the level sensor is not working, it may need replacing. See DELTA Service Procedure 009 to replace the Analog Level Sensor Glass Tip and Fiber Optic Cable (A32).
The vessel is overfilled with solution. The Level Sensor is not detecting solution. See DELTA Service Procedure 007 for Analog Level Sensor Cleaning and Testing.
The motor stopped turning. Check the Packing Nut to make sure it is not over tightened. See DELTA Service Procedure 001.
The motor needs to be replaced. See DELTA Service Procedure 023.
Fluid is observed in the Maintenance Alert Collector.
Fluid is observed in the Maintenance Alert Collector.
Possible Causes:
Leakage has occurred at the agitator shaft, therefore, the packing nut requires attention. See DELTA Service Procedure 001.
If tightening the packing nut does not stop the leak, you will need to replace the packing around the agitator and possibly the agitator itself. See DELTA Service Procedure 002.
How do I set up my instrument for the different fiber analyses (NDF, ADF & Crude Fiber)?
How do I set up my instrument for the different fiber analyses (NDF, ADF & Crude Fiber)?
In order to properly set up your instrument for the various fiber analyses, refer to the ANKOM DELTA Operator's Manual pages 13-28.
The agitator is not moving or the motor sounds strained.
The agitator is not moving or the motor sounds strained.
Possible Causes:
The packing nut may be too tight. For proper tightening, see DELTA Service Procedure 001.
The packing assembly may have corrosive buildup. If periodic maintenance was ignored, and acid solution was allowed to leak into the packing assembly, the shaft may become immobile. Inspect the packing set and the agitator for corrosive build up. Contact ANKOM to determine if the packing set and agitator need replacement. DELTA Service Procedure 001 describes replacing the packing set.
The motor stopped turning. Check the packing nut to make sure it is not overtightened. See DELTA Service Procedure 001.
The motor needs to be replaced. See DELTA Service Procedure 023.
The instrument temperature fluctuates or over heats.
The instrument temperature fluctuates or over heats.
Possible Causes:
The controller needs to be reset. See DELTA Service Procedure 015 to determine if menu settings are incorrect and to make the appropriate changes.
If the controller reset doesn't resolve the problem the Temperture Probe may need to be replaced.
The instrument will not turn on.
The instrument will not turn on.
Possible Causes:
The power cord is not plugged into the unit or power source.
The main power switch is not turned on.
One of the system circuit breakers (fuses) needs to be replaced. See DELTA Service Procedure 025.
Why does my LCD display always read 17C, when the Temp Controller is correctly displaying the temperature?
Why does my LCD display always read 17C, when the Temp Controller is correctly displaying the temperature?
Possible Causes:
Faulty DELTA Temp Controller (Part # A11), see DELTA Service Procedure 104.
Faulty Splat Controller (Part #A09).
Poor Connection between the DELTA Temp Controller and the Splat Controller.