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The extraction process utilizes positive pressure at ~2.8psi.

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...

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. For average use, a size 300 (49L) N2 tank should last about 20-25 runs.

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.

Nitrogen is used to create an oxygen-free environment, expedite solvent evaporation, and for the general function of mechanical components.

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...

Check to ensure the procedures sent with your instrument were followed. Some possible variables that may affect your results are: General Problems: Neutral Detergent chemicals can come out of solution. Heat and stir to bring back into solution. The...

No. The instrument exhaust lines (both waste and vent lines) are sealed off and ready to be connected to an exhaust system.

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...

Carry-over is typically around 0.08%, well below the detection limit for most 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 eliminate...

ANKOM recommends replacing the delivery tubing every one to two years depending on the use of the instrument. Order the Delivery Tube Replacement Set ( Part #: TDF126) by contacting ANKOM Technology at (315) 986-8090 or by ordering from the website...

A "drain error" usually occurs if the level sensor senses the solution in the vessel after the drain has opened. If the vessel is empty, and the level sensor indicates "Full," the level sensor must be fixed. If the vessel is full of solution after...

Possible Causes: The rinse water supply temperature did not meet method standards. This may affect results with certain samples. Make sure the water supply has a temperature no less than 50°C for Crude Fiber, or no less than 70°C for ADF and NDF...

When the instrument is turned on, the drain valve opens to vent the vessel. If the drain open/close switch is not sensed by the computer, this fault occurs. Possible Causes: (1) Wires on the drain valve have become dislodged. Connections may have...

Possible Causes: (1) The level sensor has failed to detect the liquid that is in the vessel. If the vessel is full and this fault screen appears, press to drain the fluid. You may want to capture the solution and re-use it. Refer to DELTA...

Possible Causes: (1) The bag suspender is worn or not properly functioning. Refer to DELTA Service Procedure Bag Suspender Check (DES006). (2) The level sensor is not detecting the solution. Refer to DELTA Service Procedure Level Sensor (Analog)...

A "Low Pressure" error occurs when the vessel does not have at least 3 psi. Possible Causes: The lid was not tight. You do not have to over-tighten the lid, but it needs to be snug. Usually finger tight plus 1/4 turn is adequate. Check the lid O-Ring...

Possible Causes: If liquid has been manually poured into the vessel before the computer communicates with the appropriate valve to fill the vessel, this fault screen will appear. Open the vessel, if the vessel is full press "Y" to continue the...

The drain valve has been told to open but after 30 seconds the drain-open switch has failed to open the drain. Possible Causes: (1) The wires on the drain valve have become disconnected. Unplug the instrument, check the drain valve and reattach any...

Possible Causes: The solution temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Perform the boil test detailed in the DELTA Service Procedure Boil Test (DES013).

The vessel temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Possible Causes: (1) The solution level is low in the vessel, but the level sensor is indicating full. The level sensor has two main components that work together. These components are a Level...

Possible Causes: Possible Causes: Leakage has occurred at the agitator shaft; therefore, the packing nut requires attention. See DELTA Service Procedure Agitator Packing Maintenance and Nut Adjustment (DES001). If tightening the packing nut does not...

To properly set up your instrument for the various fiber analyses, refer to the DELTA Operator's Manual sections on NDF, ADF, and Crude Fat analyses.

See DELTA Service Procedure Agitation System Check (DES031).

Possible Causes: The packing nut may be too tight. For proper tightening instructions, refer to DELTA Service Procedure Agitator Packing Maintenance and Nut Adjustment (DES001). The packing assembly may have corrosive buildup. If periodic maintenance...

Possible Causes: The controller needs to be reset. See DELTA Service Procedure Controller Temp Menu Setup (DES015) to determine if menu settings are incorrect and to make the appropriate changes. If the controller reset doesn't resolve the problem...

Possible Causes: The power cord is not plugged into the unit or power source. The main power switch is not turned on. One of the system circuit breakers (fuses) needs to be replaced. Refer to DELTA Service Procedure Fuse Replacement (DES025).

It is possible to follow an NDF run with an ADF run using the same sample and Filter Bag. However, samples that are high in pectin, tannins, glucans, and fructans can produce lower-than-expected ADF values when NDF was run first. This is because...

Possible Causes: Faulty DELTA Temp Controller ( Part #: A11). Refer to DELTA Service Procedure Controller Temp Test (DES014). Faulty Splat Controller ( Part #: A09). Poor connection between the DELTA Temp Controller and the Splat Controller.

"----" indicates there has been an electrical malfunction. You will need to reset the Controller. Refer to DELTA Service Procedure Controller Menu Setup (DES015). If the "----" still shows, you will need to replace the Ascon Controller ( Part #: A09)...

The TDF instrument produces about 475 ml per assay of filtrate waste consisting of about 75% ethanol-based solution, about 2,850 ml per run (6 stations). There is also water, buffer solution, and ethanol pumped through the system to flush lines and...

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.

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...

The ANKOM fiber instruments can analyze for either Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), or Crude Fiber. NDF consists of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. ADF consists of cellulose and lignin. Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL)...

Over a period of years, the buffer valve, and possibly others, may begin to corrode within the brass valve body. As of November 2022, the buffer valve in new instruments comes with a PEEK chemical-resistant valve body. However, older instruments may...

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...

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...

Refer to Service Procedure High Blank Bag Values (DES035).

Protein determination is performed post the ANKOM TDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer. AOAC methods 991.43, 985.29, and 2001.03 suggest that the Kjeldahl method be used for determining protein content of the residue. AOAC methods 2009.01, 2011.25, 2017.16...

The F57 and F58 Filter Bags are ash-free and therefore can be used for ash determination. Refer to the Ashing Procedure Service Procedure (AS034) linked below.

It is important that the rinse water going into the instrument is at least 50°C for Crude Fiber and 70°C for detergent fibers. For safety purposes, most hot water heaters are set lower than 70°C. In addition, if there is a substantial distance...

Rinse water can come directly from the tap. It does not have to be distilled.