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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: (1) The level sensor has failed to detect the liquid that is in the vessel. If the vessel is full and this fault screen appears, press <STOP> to drain the fluid. You may want to capture the solution and re-use it. Refer to DELTA...

The vessel temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Possible Causes: (1) The solution level is low in the vessel, but the level sensor is indicating full. The level sensor has two main components that work together. These components are a Level...

Possible Causes: Possible Causes: Leakage has occurred at the agitator shaft; therefore, the packing nut requires attention. See DELTA Service Procedure Agitator Packing Maintenance and Nut Adjustment (DES001). If tightening the packing nut does not...

To properly set up your instrument for the various fiber analyses, refer to the DELTA Operator's Manual sections on NDF, ADF, and Crude Fat analyses.

Possible Causes: The packing nut may be too tight. For proper tightening instructions, refer to DELTA Service Procedure Agitator Packing Maintenance and Nut Adjustment (DES001). The packing assembly may have corrosive buildup. If periodic maintenance...

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

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.

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...

Possible Causes: The controller needs to be reset. See DELTA Service Procedure Controller Temp Menu Setup (DES015) to determine if menu settings are incorrect and to make the appropriate changes. If the controller reset doesn't resolve the problem...

Possible Causes: The power cord is not plugged into the unit or power source. The main power switch is not turned on. One of the system circuit breakers (fuses) needs to be replaced. Refer to DELTA Service Procedure Fuse Replacement (DES025).

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 of no less than 50°C for Crude Fiber or no less than 70°C for ADF and NDF...

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).

To minimize bag material abrasion, use the new bag suspender (as of March 2015 - Part #: F11 ). It has been redesigned to include rounded bottom points on each tray.

Bag breakage can occur when the heat sealer setting is not hot enough to ensure a good seal. Make sure each bag is sealed within 4mm of its open end. This section includes a narrow polypropylene strip that provides elasticity to the heat-sealed area...

Possible Causes: If liquid has been manually poured into the vessel before the computer communicates with the appropriate valve to fill the vessel, this fault screen will appear. Open the vessel, if the vessel is full press "Y<ENTER>" to continue the...

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...