An E10 fault is the result of one or more of the six pressure sensors reading a pressure 20 psi above the baseline pressure during the buffer delivery to the IDF bags or during the EtOH95 delivery to the SDF bags.  This fault will abort the run.  The fault screen will identify which line or lines are showing the high pressure.
 
The two main reasons for this fault are:
  1. The pressure in the line is in fact high when the pump is delivering Buffer to IDF or EtOH95 to SDF, due to an obstruction or blockage in the fluid path.
  2. One of the pressure sensors could be faulty.
 
To analyze this problem, do the following:
  1. Check the pressure reading displayed when the E10 fault code appeared.  If the reading was about 37 psi, this could indicate a failed pressure sensor because 37 psi is the maximum value these sensors will read and can be caused by an open circuit/disconnected wire.
  2. Confirm the baseline pressure readings from the six-line pressure sensors.  Go to Diagnostics / Pressures and identify the readings from Lines 1 – 6.  If you are at sea level the pressure should be approximately 14.2 – 15.2 psi depending on weather.  The readings will vary significantly from a 14.7 psi base line due to elevation (i.e., in Denver, CO the base line pressure will be about 12.0 psi).  Are the six pressure sensors reading within 0.5 psi of each other and in line with your local elevation? 
 
If one or more of the Line pressures is significantly out of line with the others, then the TDF Pressure Sensor Assembly (TDF19) will need to be replaced.
 
If the six line pressures appear normal when the instrument is idle, to test further and view the dynamic pressures within each line during operation, run the following test:
 
E10 Fault Test:
  1. Obtain 6 Flow-thru bags and heat seal the bottom edges.
  2. Install these Flow-thru bags in the IDF positions 1-6.
  3. Connect the TDF70 Flush Tube Assembly to the 8 fluid ports or tubes.
  4. Connect the middle connector of the TDF70 Flush Tube Assembly to the Deionized Water container.
  5. On the Select-a-function screen select AOAC991.43 TDF.
  6. Start the 991.43 procedure by following the prompts on screen.  There is NO need for samples, for clamp bars C&D, or for SDF bags.
  7. The paddles will preheat to 50°C and then fluid delivery will start to the Flow-thru bags.
  8. As soon as delivery begins to the Flow-thru bags press the button “View Temps/Pressures”, then press “Pressures”. Bag filling takes only about 1 minute, so you need to do this rather quickly.
  9. Observe the pressure readings during delivery at lines 1-6 and record these. 
  10. When the delivery is finished you can abort the run.
 
What do the dynamic pressures reach during the delivery to the Flow-thru bags?
Typically, the six-line pressures will climb 1.5 – 3.5 psi above the baseline reading.  So, if your baseline reading is 14.5 psi, pressure readings of 16.0 – 18.0 psi would be normal when the pump is running.
 
The E10 Fault is only triggered if a line pressure reaches 20.0 psi above the baseline reading.  In the case of a baseline reading of 14.5 psi, the dynamic pressure would need to reach 34.5 psi.
 
If the pressures are climbing significantly above 18.0 psi, investigate further the source of a blockage or obstruction in the fluid path.
 
Here are the places that could be causing a blockage and should be inspected:
  1. The Pinch Valve tubing (TDF71).  These should be changed annually to prevent sticking.
  2. The Fill Nozzles (TDF79) or Spray Tips (TDF44).  Spray tips can be cleaned with the spray tip cleaning tool or replaced.  The entire fill nozzle can also be replaced as needed.
  3. The silicone tubing within the Tubing Support Panel (TDF30).  Due to the complexity of this tubing assembly, it may be necessary to replace the entire component if a blockage is suspected within this part.
  4. The Silicone Tubing 1/16’ x 3/16” (TDF77) that connects the Tubing Support Panel to the Fill nozzle.
  5. The Barbed Tube Fittings (TDF104) that attach to the vertical gusset panels near the pinch valves.
  6. The Brass in-line heater coils on the In-Line Heater Core (TDF120).  If a blockage or corrosion cannot be flushed out of the brass tubing this component will need to be replaced.
  7. The Pinch Valve IDF-SDF (TDF29) may be stuck closed due to a problem with the pneumatic piston.  This can be cycled and inspected after removing the tubing to confirm operation by using the Diagnostics screen / Valve Test and cycling the IDF and SDF Inlet valves.
 
If all the parts in the list above were to be replaced the entire flow path of the fluid from the pressure sensor assembly to the bags will have been replaced.  This would address an actual blockage creating the E10 fault.  If any or all these steps are taken it is advisable to rerun the E10 fault test described above.
 
For further assistance, contact ANKOM Technology at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services or 1-315-986-8090.
 
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