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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...

Possible Causes: The 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...

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: (1) Wires on the drain valve have become dislodged. Connections may have...

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

Possible Causes: The solution temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Perform the boil test detailed in Service Procedure Boil Test (AS013).

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.

A "Low Pressure" error occurs when the vessel does not have at least 3 psi after 13 minutes. Possible Causes: (1) The lid was not tight. You do not have to over tighten the lid, but it needs to be snug. Usually, a finger tight + 1/4 turn is adequate...

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...

To properly set up your instrument for the various fiber analyses, refer to the A2000 Operator's Manual.

A "drain error" usually occurs if the level sensor senses the solution in the vessel after the drain has opened. If the vessel is empty, and the level sensor indicates "Full," the level sensor must be fixed. If the vessel is full of solution after...

Yes. A check sample, Infant Formula, ( Part #: FLEX65 ) can be purchased on the ANKOM website.

The SPE columns and vessel filters can only be purchased through ANKOM.

In the event of a Drain Time-Out Fault (MF7) or an Abort during a Drain Module, users must flush the lines beneath the vessels to clear the residue prior to starting a new run. For more information, refer to Section 17 of the FLEX Operator’s Manual...

The preprogrammed vitamin methods are based on a combination of the following official methods: Vitamin & Cholesterol methods based on: AOAC 2011.07, EN-12823-1, EN-12822 Total Fat method: The test portion is treated under heated hydrochloric acid...

Carry-over is extremely low (~0.08%) and therefore undetectable for most food and feed samples. When running concentrates, such as vitamin supplements, use a wash bottle to rinse the round bottom flask adapters with hexane prior to the next run to...

The FLEX Vitamin and Cholesterol analysis run time is a little over two 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...

A nitrogen generator can be used as long as it meets the following requirements for the proper operation of the FLEX instrument: N2 purity, Industrial Grade (Grade 4.8) which is 99.998% or purer N2 Flowrate of 10LPM at 6.9 bar minimum Supply N2...

"----" indicates there has been an electrical malfunction. Reset the Controller. Refer to A2000 Service Procedure Controller (Temp) Menu Setup (AS015). If the "----" still shows, you will need to replace the Ascon Controller ( Part #: A09 ). Possible...

Possible Causes: Faulty A2000 Temp Controller ( Part #: A11 ). Refer to Service Procedure Controller Temp Test (AS014). Faulty Splat Controller ( Part #: A09 ) Poor Connection between the Temp Controller and the Splat Controller (AS020).

Refer to Service Procedure Agitation and System Check (DES031).

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...