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The extraction process utilizes positive pressure at ~2.8psi.

We suggest a purity of 99.998% nitrogen or purer as it is used to expedite solvent evaporation. We have not tested less pure nitrogen and therefore cannot validate that it will not adversely affect analyte recovery.

No. The instrument exhaust lines (both waste and vent lines) are trapped and ready to be connected to an exhaust system.

One ANKOM FLEX run includes four assays and will be completed in approximately two hours. Therefore, in an eight-to-ten-hour workday, the instrument can be run four times, resulting in sixteen assays per day, and eighty assays per five-day workweek...

The FLEX can process up to 10g of sample for vitamin and cholesterol analysis. The sample size maximum is dependent on analyte content, analyte homogeneity within the sample, and sample composition. Samples that typically require 10g sample sizes are...

The SPE column contains silica-based sorbent.

No. The digestion vessels must not be left assembled for extended periods of time (e.g. overnight). If digestion vessels are left assembled for extended periods of time, the O-rings in the vessel bottom assemblies will deform and future integrity...

The FLEX can run one to four samples during a run. This is configured through the user interface at the start of the method. Each time the instrument is run, all four vessels, SPE columns, and round bottom flasks must be installed. Only the...

Nitrogen is used to create an oxygen-free environment, expedite solvent evaporation, and for the general function of mechanical components.

All food and feed samples can be run on the ANKOM FLEX.

This fault indicates a System Integrity Failure. One or more columns or round bottom flasks did not reach or hold pressure properly. To resolve an MF24 fault: 1. Confirm the Low N2 setting is: 2.6 - 3.0 PSI. See Section 6.7.2 of the FLEX Operator's...

The ANKOM FLEX runs one method at a time. All four positions on the instrument run the same selected method and are controlled in unison; the positions are not independently controllable.

The current method uses 250L nitrogen per run of four assays.

Tips to avoid vessel leaks: (1) Do not spray water directly on the filter. Spray on the side of the vessel, so that it will flow onto the filter without force. You could also spray onto the mixer. (2) Always add the stir bar to the vessel before...

Sorbent Disposal Bags ( Part #: FLEX-SDB ) hold spent sorbent from four SPE columns while allowing solvents to evaporate overnight in a hood. Dispose of the empty SPE columns and Sorbent Disposal Bags using your internal hazardous waste SOPs and SDS...

The ANKOM FLEX Total Fat analysis run time is just under two and a half hours. Technician time is only five to ten minutes of set-up prior to running the instrument. This includes weighing samples into each digestion vessel and loading the digestion...

The FLEX method saponifies at 75°C for forty-five minutes in accordance with official methods. However, the temperature can be reduced, if desired, and the duration of saponification can be adjusted.

No. The FLEX employs SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) as the extraction method, therefore eliminating emulsions.

While the expectation is that vitamin K is an assay that can be run on the FLEX, the method has not been validated at this time. The FLEX is a versatile instrument with many potential applications.

Yes. The extraction process, and method, are the same as the fat-soluble vitamin extraction.

This fault indicates a System Integrity Failure. One or more vessels did not reach or hold pressure properly. To resolve an MF1 fault: 1. Confirm the Low N2 setting is: 2.6 - 3.0 PSI. See Section 6.7.2 of the FLEX Operator’s Manual. 2. Tighten the...

Maintenance is low. At the end of the day, the digestion vessel spray nozzles, digestion vessel bases, and SPE column top rings must be wiped clean with a dampened towel. Some O-rings require replacement generally after about two hundred runs. Refer...

The current software will not allow for remote monitoring. This functionality may be added in future software versions.

Yes. The flow path consists solely of chemically inert materials.

Check to ensure the procedures sent with your instrument were followed. Some possible variables that may affect your results are: General Problems: Neutral Detergent chemicals can come out of solution. Heat and stir to bring back into solution. The...

Rinse water can come directly from the tap. It does not have to be distilled.

The instrument is experiencing a pressure fault. There are three possible reasons for this fault. (1) More than 2 L of solution was in the vessel during the digestion process. A pressure fault will most commonly occur if there is more than 2 L of...

The MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch is a small, airtight zipper bag, utilized for desiccating all of the Filter Bags that are used with ANKOM instrumentation. A single pouch can hold a full run of F57, F58 or XT4 bags at one time. When folded, 6 IDF or...

Refer to Service Procedure High Blank Bag Values (DES035).

The Blank Bag Correction allows for a weight adjustment based on actions that take place during solubilization. The resulting factor increases or decreases your sample bag weight. To determine the blank bag correction, include at least one empty...

When the neutral detergent solution gets cold, some of the components will begin to precipitate out of solution. As a result, the solution will turn milky white, and particles will be floating in it. These particles can be brought back into solution...

Depending on what you are testing, refer to section ADF Analysis, NDF Analysis, or Crude Fiber Analysis in the DELTA, A200, or A2000 Fiber Analyzer Operator's Manual.

For illustrations of melted trays, see A200 Service Procedure Temp Probe Replacement (FS016). Bag suspender trays can melt when there is not enough solution in the vessel to cover all of the trays while the instrument's heat is activated. Possible...

During a crude fiber or acid detergent procedure, the time frame during which samples are exposed to 100°C solution(s) is extremely important. If the Fiber Analyzer begins a procedure at a temperature higher than 20°C, the instrument will heat the...

It is possible to follow an NDF run with an ADF run using the same sample and Filter Bag. However, samples that are high in pectin, tannins, glucans, and fructans can produce lower-than-expected ADF values when NDF was run first. This is because...

F57 The porosity of the ANKOM F57 Filter Bag is 25 microns. The design of the filter bag provides a three-dimensional filter matrix similar to the filtering effect of a glass crucible. The F57 Filter Bag provides equal filtration without the manual...

Our grinding recommendation for samples to be extracted in our Fiber Analyzer is: 1 mm with a Wiley Mill 2 mm with a Cyclone Mill (such as UDY or Retsch)

To ensure that the controller settings are correct, refer to A200 Service Procedure Controller Reset Procedure (FS002) for instruments purchased pre-9/03, or, see A200 Service Procedure Controller Menu Setup (FS001) for instruments purchased post...

When the pressure in the vessel is too high, the pressure switch will turn off the heater. Possible Causes: There is too much solution in the vessel. Make sure two liters or less of solution is used in the vessel at a time. The motor is not turning...

Refer to Service Procedure Agitation System Check (DES031).

Test the rinse water with litmus paper during the last minute of the fourth hot water rinse. If the test indicates the presence of acid, repeat with fresh, hot water until a neutral pH is achieved.

Neutral detergent consists of varying amounts of 4 dry chemicals and triethylene glycol. If you remove only a portion of the dry chemicals to make less than 20L of solution, it is impossible to know if the solution has the correct ratio of chemicals...

Amylase is utilized to help digest the starch in the sample. Even using expired Alpha Amylase, it is highly likely the non-starch components, as well as most of the starch, are gone. Put the Filter Bags in a 1 L beaker with 80 °C water and 8 ml of...

With the lignin procedure, two common errors will create false high values. (1) The first error is placing the F57 Filter Bags into the 72% sulfuric acid when there is moisture in the bags and samples. To avoid this situation, after the ADF procedure...

The ANKOM fiber instruments can analyze for either Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), or Crude Fiber. NDF consists of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. ADF consists of cellulose and lignin. Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL)...

It is important that the rinse water going into the instrument is at least 50°C for Crude Fiber and 70°C for detergent fibers. For safety purposes, most hot water heaters are set lower than 70°C. In addition, if there is a substantial distance...

Possible Causes: (1) The dial on the heat sealer may not be turned up high enough. To seal the XT4 Bag, the dial must be set at approximately "6." (2) The heating element is broken. On the sides of the Teflon cover are two shiny metal strips that...

Possible Causes: Motor wires are loose or disconnected. Unplug the instrument. Inspect the wiring to the motor. Contact ANKOM Technology if a loose or disconnected wire is found. If the wires are intact, run this test: Turn the instrument on and...

The F57 and F58 Filter Bags are ash-free and therefore can be used for ash determination. Refer to the Ashing Procedure Service Procedure (AS034) linked below.

Refer to Service Procedure Insert Samples Into F58 Bags (AS032).