
Macedon, NY - July 2010 - Automated TDF will soon be a reality. We have been developing/designing an automated instrument for TDF for about four years. The design automates AOAC 991.43, but will have some flexibility for method modifications.
Here is how the system is designed to work. The instrument will allow the user to analyze the IDF and SDF individually by using two Dual Chamber Filter Bags. The user will insert the filter bags into the instrument; one for the IDF and one for the SDF fraction. Next the user adds sample to the IDF chamber and then follows prompts on the control screen.
NOTE: We also plan to have a feature that will allow the user to bypass capturing the IDF fraction and just process TDF. In other words the users can determine IDF and SDF and then calculate TDF OR capture both IDF and SDF in a single filtration after precipitation with ethanol.
Once the process is complete the user will still have to perform the Kjeldahl and ash steps separately, but nothing unusual is added to that process. In all, one technician would expend about 60 minutes of hands-on work to process at least 18 samples in the instrument. The system will also capture the end process filtrate (after SDF) should the user desire to do further studies.
The footprint of the instrument is approximately 42” x 15”. It is designed to pivot off the center exposing the back compartment for easy service. You will not need extra water baths or filtration manifolds as the instrument handles all of that. You will add buffer solutions, enzymes, HCl and ethanol to built-in containers that are controlled/distributed volumetrically as per the method.
Watch our website (www.ankom.com) as more details develop.
Here is how the system is designed to work. The instrument will allow the user to analyze the IDF and SDF individually by using two Dual Chamber Filter Bags. The user will insert the filter bags into the instrument; one for the IDF and one for the SDF fraction. Next the user adds sample to the IDF chamber and then follows prompts on the control screen.
NOTE: We also plan to have a feature that will allow the user to bypass capturing the IDF fraction and just process TDF. In other words the users can determine IDF and SDF and then calculate TDF OR capture both IDF and SDF in a single filtration after precipitation with ethanol.
Once the process is complete the user will still have to perform the Kjeldahl and ash steps separately, but nothing unusual is added to that process. In all, one technician would expend about 60 minutes of hands-on work to process at least 18 samples in the instrument. The system will also capture the end process filtrate (after SDF) should the user desire to do further studies.
The footprint of the instrument is approximately 42” x 15”. It is designed to pivot off the center exposing the back compartment for easy service. You will not need extra water baths or filtration manifolds as the instrument handles all of that. You will add buffer solutions, enzymes, HCl and ethanol to built-in containers that are controlled/distributed volumetrically as per the method.
Watch our website (www.ankom.com) as more details develop.