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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.
Refer to the Fat Extraction Process section of the ANKOM XT10 Extractor Operator's Manual. See subsection, Sample Preparation Procedure for Crude Fat.
Yes. For instructions on how to extract liquid samples, view ANKOM XT10 & XT15 Crude (Free) Fat Extraction of Liquid Samples and refer to the Sample Preparation section of the Operator’s Manual.
Yes, all samples should be treated the same during the drying process. The biggest and most common cause of artificially high crude fat results is incomplete drying in the pre-extraction phase. Because our technique uses the indirect method of...
The XT instrument’s flowmeter should have a flow rate between 4-6 gallons per hour (If chilled coolant is used then the flow rate should be 2-3 gallons per hour). Note that this flow is intermittent and only turns on when cooling is required. When...
Crude Fat results could be low for any of the following reasons: The extraction was not run long enough. The sample was not post-extraction dried enough. Fat migrated from a bag during the pre-dry step. Desiccant was either not used or incorrectly...
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...
Petroleum ether is the most common solvent recommended for use in XT Extractors. Many other solvents will work depending on your objectives but may require upgrades to the method or instrument for them to run effectively. Hexane, for example, will...
This is likely due to a valve that may be "stuck" closed. If the instrument has not been used in a while, it is possible that the solution is simply to clean the valves and clean any debris or buildup that may have settled on the valve piston. To...
There is a leak. The most common cause is a leaky Q1 valve, which would cause cooling water to flow into the vessel during the heating stage. To test: Turn the instrument completely off but keep the water supply on. Check to see if water is running...
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 XT10 and XT15 look very similar and have much in common. For example, both perform high temperature, high pressure soxhlet-like extractions on up to 15 samples at a time. The kinetics of the extraction provide an extraction time of no more than...
This can occur with samples that are very low in fat. Moisture left in low-fat samples after extraction is the issue. As AOCS Procedure AM 5-04 indicates, when the Filter Bags are removed from the Extractor, they should be placed in an oven at 100...
For XT10, see Service Procedure Fault ETS (X0S002). For XT15, see Service Procedure Fault ETS (X5S016).
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...
Below is a list of steps to verify that the XT instrument is operating correctly. Always refer to your manual for complete, detailed information. Refer to XT15 Service Procedure Solvent, Vent, and Water Diagram (X5S006) for a four-page diagram that...
When using the Mojonnier mixture of solvents, a black residue may build up on the bottom of the vessel. If this coating becomes too thick, an "Overtemp Fault" "<Enter>" may occur. The black residue can be cleaned using a drill with a long-shafted...
There are three primary reasons for high Crude Fat results. (1) The bag is not completely sealed; therefore the sample gets lost during extraction. (2) A bag picks up surface fat from another sample. (3) Incomplete drying in the pre-extraction phase...
High Fat Samples are defined as any meat sample with a fat content >20% and any plant sample with a fat content >40%. See XT Service Procedure High Fat Sample Handling (XTS014).
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.
To perform an extraction of oilseeds, refer to Oilseed Extractions (FOSFA Equivalent).
Research with high fat samples has given us the following understandings: Some samples with fats that have low melting point triacylglycerides or emulsifiers may encounter fat migration during hydrolysis. To improve fat retention, increase the level...
Some samples with large amounts of carbohydrates (starches and cellulose) may bind small quantities of solvent and require additional post drying. To remove the bound solvent, dry at 100-105° C for one to three hours.
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...