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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...
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.
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...
Possible Causes: The Q6 Valve (drain valve) is not opening correctly or there is a line blockage between the Q6 valve and the vessel. To best assist you, run a ~10 minute test. Please contact ANKOM with your results. To test: Verify that the Q6...
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...
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...
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.
Refer to XT15 Service Procedure Fault – ETS (X5S016). Note: Older XT15 software may present variations in fault wording. Should technical service be required, please photograph the fault screen so the technician can verify the software version.
This fault display means that at the end of the extraction, the level sensor detected solvent in the vessel (at the end of the run, the vessel should be empty and the sensor should not detect solvent). The instrument has either a Teflon Level Sensor...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
This fault display means the level sensor is indicating a full vessel when the vessel is actually empty. The level sensor has three parts: Glass Tip (visible inside the vessel) SICK Module (blue, found inside the electrical cabinet) Fiber Optic Cable...
There should not be any significant amount of solvent in the vent flask. If the solvent is dripping into the flask during the extraction, there may be a leak in valve Q7, and it may need to be cleaned or replaced. Refer to XT Service Procedure...
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...
Refer to the Fat Extraction Process section of the XT15 Extractor Operator's Manual. Review the subsection titled Sample Preparation Procedure for Crude Fat.
For XT10, see Service Procedure Fault ETS (X0S002). For XT15, see Service Procedure Fault ETS (X5S016).
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...
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...
To perform an extraction of oilseeds, refer to Oilseed Extractions (FOSFA Equivalent).
Refer to XT15 Service Procedure Instrument and Components Cleaning (X5S017).
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...
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.
The site glass assembly can be removed and cleaned; however, it is highly recommended to replace the tubing to the site glass after cleaning. Contact ANKOM Technical Service at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services for instructions. The...
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...