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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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

For instruments with version 3.78 or newer software perform the following diagnostics routine: (1) Run a Line Charge two times with “All” selected with the flush tube assembly installed using deionized water. This will prime the lines in the...

An E11 fault is the result of the high-pressure sensor reading input pressure below 35 psi. N2 input pressure is always monitored and the fault could occur at any point during a run. The fault will interrupt the run and wait for the operator to...

The Silicone Pump Tubing ( Part #: TDF68 ) should be changed when the instrument prompts the user with an E13 warning for weak pump tubes. The pump tubes typically last 6 months under normal use. Heavy usage may necessitate a more abbreviated...

Yes. Please refer to TDF Service Procedure Return Shipping Instructions (TS019) for details.

Static electricity during the weighting process: The largest contributor to poor results is the effect of static electricity on the weighing process. Because plastic gloves can contribute to static electricity, only use anti-static gloves. To...

To properly prepare the IDF & SDF bags for Kjeldahl and Ashing procedures, refer to Section 17 of the TDF Operator’s Manual (Ash Determination) or view the following video: Kjeldahl & Ashing Bag Preparation .

Order the Fill Nozzle Replacement Kit ( Part #: TDF79 ) by contacting ANKOM Technology at (315) 986-8090 or by ordering online. Refer to the TDF Service Procedure Fill Nozzle Installation Procedure (TS014).

If you do the de-fat procedure using ANKOM XT4 filter bags, after you complete the Kjeldahl digestion, there will be a white substance on top of the resulting liquid. This substance is the PTFE coating on the XT4 filter bags. This substance will NOT...

This issue may occur if the instrument is not fully purged of the residual enzyme left in the supply lines, especially Trizma. ANKOM recommends flushing the enzyme supply lines with alcohol weekly when enzymes are being used. Further, we recommend...

The enzyme tubing may be clogged. Look at the enzyme tubing from the reservoirs to the Enzyme Pinch Valve and beyond to the manifold. If there is any discoloration or gelled material in the tubing, replace the tubing. Contact ANKOM Technology at...

Refer to TDF Service Procedure E13 Diagnosis (TS001) to diagnose tubing pressure failure.

The following are two possible reasons why enzymes may not be drawn from the reservoir. (1) The silicone tubes may be worn or flattened from use. To inspect the tubing, refer to TDF Service Procedure Tube Replacement (Pinch Valves) (TS005) and...

Do NOT run this instrument without an adequate DRY Nitrogen Supply. The instrument is powered by pneumatics that are not compatible with moisture, commonly found in compressed air. Nitrogen is also recommended as an extra precaution when handling...

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...

This problem could point to one of four possible issues with the instrument. Investigate in the order below. (1) There could be a hole in the suspect bag position’s fluid line after or within the Pump causing a leak in the back of the instrument. To...

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...

We have found that it is best to slowly ramp up the digestion temperatures so that foaming in the digestion tubes is minimized. As a result, we would suggest the following times and temperatures: 15 minutes at 150°C, followed by 15 minutes at 250°C...

The enzyme tubing should be changed annually under normal use. Heavy use may necessitate a shorter timeframe between tubing changes. The Enzyme Tubing Replacement Kit ( Part #: TDF67 ) is available for purchase by contacting ANKOM Technology at (315)...

The TDF instrument requires the following bench space: 132 cm long (52") x 77cm deep (30") x 99 cm high (39"). For shipment, some parts are removed, and the dimensions are: 107 cm long (42") x 51 cm deep (20") x 76 cm high (30"). The TDF instrument...