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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...
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.
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...
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...