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Replacement of the dryer completely depends upon how often it is used to dry hydrolysis samples. The filter should be changed when the filter bags do not dry sufficiently after hydrolysis at 110°C for three hours (adding pH paper in the desiccant...

When using the ANKOM Rapid Dryer to dry acid hydrolysis samples, the airflow through the special hydrolysis filter ( Part #: RD2 ) will eventually become too limited and the filter will need to be changed. To check the air filter for proper airflow...

When samples are dried for three hours after hydrolysis, they should be placed in a desiccant pouch ( Part #: X45 ) with a strip of pH paper. When the bags are fully dry, the pH paper will NOT show the presence of acid.

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...

You can see unexpectedly high values when hydrolyzing fat samples if the samples are not adequately dried after the hydrolysis step. Possible reasons for insufficient drying include: (1) Dryer is not working properly - Filter needs to be replaced -...

Possible Causes: (1) The vent tube or drain tube is blocked. The blockage is caused by water trapped in the line. It is very important that the vent and drain tubes run downhill and are not submerged in water. If the vent tube is blocked, a vacuum is...

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...

When the lid is raised, some residual acid may flow onto the hinges and the handle. Over time, corrosion will occur if this happens. When lifting the lid after a run, it is recommended that the lid be wiped off with a paper towel to prevent dripping...

If a Mojonnier solvent (pet ether, ethyl ether, ethanol) is utilized, a blank value of 0.0030g is normal. If pet ether or hexanes are used, a blank value of 0.0010g is normal. During the hydrolysis phase, fat migration may occur with samples that...

1. Verify that you have a Gen2 Coordinator: A Gen2 Coordinator will have a number that is less than 1,000. If you have connectivity issues and your coordinator number is greater than 1,000 you have a Gen3 system. In that case, contact ANKOM using the...

Use alcohol on both the underside of the modules and the bottles. Do NOT use an autoclave as the electronics and bottle coating will be damaged.

To update your GPM software: 1) Purchase the GPM software appropriate for your system. GEN2 systems (serial #’s <900) require GPM software version 11.4 ( Part #: RF3 ) GEN3 systems (serial #’s >1000) require GPM software version 15.0 ( Part #: RF3X )...

The valve will stay open for 90 seconds. The valve(s) can be closed before this time by clicking the Valve Open check box (to remove the check mark from the box), clicking the Close Valves button, or clicking the R ecord button. Since opening the...

When you press the record button on your GPM software screen, the program automatically stores your data in the file shown in the AutoSave location box. Therefore, if there has been a computer interruption during a study, you will be able to retrieve...

Refer to the Instrument Software Functionality section of the RF Gas Production System Operator's Manual.

Possible causes include: A loose or disconnected wire from the pressure sensor A faulty circuit board To diagnose, unplug the pressure sensor connector from the circuit board and plug in a pressure sensor connector from a working module into the same...

The solenoid will become hot if the valve open check box is left checked. Normal valve openings are very brief and within a range of 10-1000 milliseconds, which does not cause the solenoid cylinder to get hot. If the Open Valves button is clicked or...

There may be a problem with the radio frequency (RF) chip attached to the circuit board. This is a dark green/blue colored chip with a black antenna. Refer to RF Service Procedure Chip and Board Replacement (RFS013) for help in identifying the part...

Please refer to Appendix E of the Operator's Manual.

Yes, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause the flash programming of the XBee chips in your #RF1, RF1X , # RF5 , and RF5X modules to become corrupted and stop communicating with the RF GPM software. Therefore, we highly recommend using an ANKOM Anti...

Yes, the ANKOM RF Gas Production System can monitor negative pressures. When performing oxygen consumption studies, a NaOH or strong base is used to scavenge the CO2 produced by the aerobic metabolism. This produces a negative pressure as the O2 is...

Due to the discontinuation of certain parts, ANKOM can no longer replace the RF programmed chip (Part #: RF45) and the Circuit Board (Part #: 7007) in Gen2 modules. All other repairs and replacement parts will continue to be available indefinitely.

The red septa can be used repeatedly during a study as it reseals when the needle is withdrawn. When pierced during gas sampling, it is important to use a small gauge needle and avoid puncturing the membrane in the same location. The red septa are...

Just prior to use, charge your rechargeable batteries (Part #: RF16 or RF46 ) for at least three hours using the 10-Station Battery Charger ( Part #: RF25 ). A fully charged battery when plugged into a module should read 6.7V or higher on the GPM...

No, the batteries (Part #: RF16 or RF46 ) should not get hot. If this happens, the battery pack may be defective, or the module's circuit board may have failed. Install another fully charged battery pack in the module. Then, perform the module...

You must run GPM software version 9.7 or greater when operating modules with temperature sensors.

The auto-graphing capability provides the user with a visual indication of the data being recorded during a gas study. However, the graphs themselves are NOT automatically stored after the study is complete. There are three ways to save the graphs...

Yes, the Dual Lead Rechargeable Battery ( Part #: RF46 ) allows you to connect the battery to both the module and the charger while the module is in use. Place the dual lead battery in the module and connect one lead to the module and the other to...

To determine how much DE to use with various sample types, refer to the Hydrolysis Procedure subsection titled Sample Categorization of the HCl Operator's Manual.

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.

The Overtemp message happens when the ANKOM HCl Instrument is heating but there is no solution in the vessel. The quartz heaters will heat the vessel and the ETS (Emergency Temperature Switches) will trip. Possible Causes: The instrument was not...

View the HCL Periodic Maintenance video .

To understand how to mix DE with various sample types, view the How to mix DE with samples video.

In developing our hydrolysis process, we did extensive research into acid and base hydrolysis. We found that the acid hydrolysis did well with a variety of samples, including those normally hydrolyzed in a base solution, i.e., dairy products. As a...

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).

Yes, you can wash RF bottles in a laboratory dishwasher if the water temperature does NOT exceed 180°F (82°C) . Exposing the bottles to higher temperatures can damage the coating.

There are several possible reasons for a cumulative pressure drop or negative pressure readings. Refer to RF Service Procedure Curve Identification Chart (RFS010) for curve illustrations. Possible causes include: A leak in the system. First, be sure...

Refer to RF Service Procedure Module Testing (RFS001). First, check the pressure within the module. If the pressure is approaching 10 psi, stop using this module and unscrew the module top immediately to avoid over-pressurizing the bottle. If the...

The pressure sensors are accurate to +/-0.04 psi. Fluctuations in cumulative pressure beyond this correspond to either a leak or a fluctuation in temperature when a module is attached to a sealed bottle. If you check the "valve open" check box, leave...

Refer to RF Service Procedure Gas Sampling for Further Testing (RFS008).

Refer to RF Service Procedure CO2 Absorption (RFS009).

Since your GPM software runs on a PC, power sources, the operating system (e.g., Windows) settings, as well as other programs and network connections on the PC can affect the GPM software. Power If your PC is being powered by a battery or an...

There is most likely a problem with the circuit board. Static discharge, high humidity/moisture contact with the circuit board, or physical damage from dropping, etc. may have caused the problem. Contact ANKOM Technology for further assistance.

Yes. If you are looking to get some hands-on experience with the system before putting it to full use in a study, or if you observe results that you don't understand and want to verify that the ANKOM RF Gas Production System is functioning properly...

First, be sure Synthetic Grease w/PTFE ( Part #: RF41 ) was used on the lip of the bottle and the lip of the septa port on bottles so equipped. This aids in making a tight seal. Second, inspect the gasket which seals the module top to the bottle. It...

You should replace the gasket whenever it appears damaged. If you open and close the bottles once a week (on average), you should replace the gasket once every six months.

Refer to RF Service Procedure Vent Valve Cleaning (RFS006).

Battery life can be extended by unplugging the battery (Part #: RF16 or RF46 ) when a module is not being used. In addition, utilizing a longer live interval, such as 60 seconds, will extend battery life. Minimizing the use of the "Open Valves"...