Fault: “E15 Supply Line Plugged.” What should I do?
The touchscreen display will give you the option to Retry, Override, or Abort the run.
Retry will simply try the delivery again. Override will ignore the fault for the remainder of the run. Abort will stop the run entirely.
To analyze the problem, do the following:
When the instrument is not in the process of running an analysis, an E15 fault can be investigated by performing a Motor Test under Diagnostics. From the Motor Test screen, press Set Valves and select the valve that caused the fault. If this is not known, test each supply valve. Open only one supply valve at a time and close all others. Open the Waste output valve and close the IDF and SDF output valves. Be sure that there is adequate fluid in the reservoir that is being tested. Change the delivery volume to 20 ml and press GO. Watch the vacuum reading on the screen. Typical readings are between 0.7 – 1.5 psi. A reading above 3 psi will generate an E15 fault (during a run). If one of the supply lines shows a high reading, you have isolated the supply line that is causing the problem.
Possible causes of an E15 fault include:
(1) Clogged Filter
The most likely cause of an E15 fault at the Water, Buffer, EtOH 78, EtOH 95 or HCl lines is a clogged filter. Severely clogged filters may reduce delivery volumes and affect results. The filters are at the end of the draw tubes inside the containers. These should be checked monthly and cleaned as needed. The filters can usually be cleaned with a soft bristle brush under running water. If they can't be cleaned, there are two spares of the plastic-type container filters (used for water, alcohols, and HCl/Acetic Acid) and one spare of the metal screen filters (used for buffer) included with the instrument on the original purchase. Additional ones may be ordered as Container Filter (Part #: 8202) and Buffer Filter (Part #: 8203).
(2) Quick Disconnect Fitting not fully locked in place
A quick disconnect fitting functions as a valve that closes when disconnected or not fully connected. Quick disconnect fittings are found at the following reservoirs: enzymes, water, and alcohols. Check to make sure that they cannot be pulled out without pressing the release button. If they can be pulled out without the use of the release button, they are not fully engaged, and fluids will not be drawn. Push them into the adjoining fitting until you hear them snap in place. Confirm that they cannot be pulled out. It is also possible that the fittings may need to be replaced. The fittings needed are Coupling Body (Part #: 8193) and Coupling Insert (Part #: 8149) available on our website.
(3) Worn tubing in the Enzyme Pinch Valve
An E15 fault at one of the Enzyme lines (Amylase, Protease, or AMG) could be due to worn tubing in the Enzyme Pinch Valve. As the tubing in the Enzyme Pinch Valve ages, it may become stuck closed preventing the flow of enzymes. Refer to and follow TDF Service Procedure Tube Replacement Enzymes (TS004), first replacing the tubing within the Pinch Valve. These tubes should be replaced annually. Spare Pinch Valve tubing comes with the TDF instrument upon original purchase; additional tubing can be ordered as a Pinch Valve Tubing Set (21 pcs) (Part #: TDF71). Also, inspect the supply lines to see if there is a clog or pinch in the line. These also may require replacement. A set of all enzyme tubes, the Enyzme Tubing Replacement Kit (Part#: TDF67) is available for purchase. If the problem persists, contact ANKOM Technology at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services or (315) 986-8090 for further assistance.
(4) Pinched or plugged Supply Line or a faulty Supply Valve
Other possible causes for an E15 fault are a pinched or plugged Supply Line or a faulty Supply Valve. Inspect the supply line in question to see if such a problem can be seen visually. After having cleaned and/or replaced the filter and having checked for fully engaged disconnect fittings, if the problem persists, contact ANKOM Technology at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services or (315) 986-8090 for further assistance.