Fiber Analyzer A2000

"----" indicates there has been an electrical malfunction. Reset the Controller. See Controller Menu Setup - Service Procedure 15. If the "----" still shows, you will need to replace the Ascon Controller (part #A09).

Possible Causes:

There was a power surge. In order to eliminate this situation, plug the instrument into a surge protector.

This error can also be declared by microwave interference. Do not place the instrument near a microwave oven.

Check to ensure the procedures sent with your instrument were followed. Some possible variables that may affect your results are:

General Problems:

• ND chemicals can come out of solution. Heat (102 - 105°C +/- 2°C ) and stir to bring back into solution.
• The temperature controller settings werer modified. This can produce improper heating.
• Improper weighing technique. See weighing technique in the Operator's Manual.
• Improper or non-use of the desiccant pouch. A standard desiccator will introduce moisture in the samples as it is being opened and closed. This will cause poor precision. The ANKOM Desiccant/Moisture Stop Assembly (X45) should be used. 

Low Values:

• Grind is too fine.
• Bag is not completely sealed.
• Broken seam in bag is allowing sample to escape from bag.
• Digestion run too long (ADF & Crude Fiber).

High Values:

• The movement of the Bag Suspender is less than 1/2" (1.2 cm) up and down. Refer to your DELTA Operator's Manual section titled Periodic Maintenance. Follow steps to the check agitation system. 
• Solution is not heated sufficiently. Perform ANKOM Boil Test (see DELTA Service Procedure 13).
• For NDF, failure to use Alpha Amylase and/or Sodium Sulfite.
• For ADF/NDF, failture to pre-treat samples with high fat content (>5%) with solvent.
• Crude Fiber-always presoak with petroleum ether, not acetone.
• Oven temp low, wet samples introduced next to dry samples-samples are not sufficiently dried.
• Lack of or incorrect use of desiccant pouch. Check for holes in pouch. Desiccant pouch should be dried regularly to refresh desiccant. Follow directions on label. 
• Rinse water not hot enough or not long enough. Water should be 70°C for NDF and ADF and 50°C for CF.  Rinse should run 5 minutes.
• Digestion not run long enough.
• Acetone re-used for removing water from bags post extraction.
• Improper calculation of blank bag correction or using the wrong values in the formula.
• Bag sealed too low.
• Too much sample in the bag.
• Sample not spread out in the bag.
• Vessel lid was not closed tightly enough.

Our grinding recommendation for samples to be extracted in our Fiber Analyzer is:

1 mm with a Wiley Mill
2 mm with a Cyclone Mill (such as UDY or Retsch)

F57

The porosity of the ANKOM F57 Filter Bag is 25 microns. The design of the filter bag provides a three-dimensional filter matrix similar to the filtering effect of a glass crucible. The F57 Filter Bag provides equal filtration without the manual intervention required with a crucible method.

F58

The porosity of the ANKOM F58 Filter Bag is 6-9 microns. The design of the filter bag provides a three-dimensional filter matrix similar to the filtering effect of a glass crucible. The F58 Filter Bag provides equal filtration without the manual intervention required with a crucible method.

Depending on what you are testing, refer to section ADF Analysis, NDF Analysis, or Crude Fiber Analysis in the ANKOM^DELTA Fiber Analyzer Operator's Manual. 

Refer to High Blank Bag Values Service Procedure 035.

The Blank Bag Correction allows for a weight adjustment based on actions that take place during solubilization. The resulting factor adjusts your sample bag weight in an up or downward direction. To determine the blank bag correction, include at least one empty, sealed and weighed filter bag (blank bag) with your run. After the samples and blank bag have been through the solubilization process and dried as required, divide the final weight of the blank bag by the initial weight. If the samples have been properly prepared, this will result in a factor usually in the 0.992-0.998 range with the F57 filter bag. If the blank bag value is greater than 1.0, refer to FAQ "Why is my blank bag heavier after the run than before the run?"

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 SDF bags can also be placed into a MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch. Each time a bag has been removed from the desiccant pouch, the air can and should be pushed out. The "zipper" does not have to be used with every bag removal but some action should be taken to keep the air from entering the pouch while the just removed Filter Bag is being weighed. For example, air can be pushed out of the bag by laying it on a firm surface while compressing or flattening the air out of the pouch with your hand.

Many instruments in the marketplace have the capacity to run 6 samples at a time.  After being dried, the beakers, flasks or crucibles are placed into a counter top or cabinet desiccator.  Once cooled, they are then removed one at a time and weighed. Each time the desiccator is opened to remove sample, moist ambient air is introduced inside the desiccator. However, because the lid or door of the desiccator is opened just 6 times, the samples that remain in the desiccator after each item is removed are affected very little by ambient moisture that may be introduced.

However, with Filter Bag Technology, generally larger numbers of Filter Bags are extracted at a time. As with the beakers, flasks and crucibles mentioned above, if the bags are placed in a desiccator after drying, each time the lid or door is opened to remove a bag, moist, ambient air is introduced. Because the desiccator is opened up to 24 times, the moisture can more readily affect the remaining bags. If a collapsible, ANKOM desiccant pouch is utilized, the air can be pushed out of the pouch each time a Filter Bag is removed. This will eliminate a build up of moisture on the remaining Filter Bags and allow for a more accurate and precise result. Every month it is possible to place the small desiccant packets into the oven at 100° - 105°C for a few hours to insure that the desiccant is renewed. In addition, to ensure the integrity of the zip lock bag, regular replacement should be considered.

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 between the instrument and the hot water heater, the rinse water will, at least initially, be cooler. For these reasons we suggest the purchase of a small hot water heater that can be placed next to the instrument. ANKOM Technology has a small (10 liter) water heater suitable for both the DELTA/DELTAI and the A200/A200I available for purchase (A02).

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

It is possible to follow a NDF with an ADF run using the same sample and Filter Bag. The only drawback is that some samples will produce a lower than expected ADF value when a NDF is run first. This is because certain components like pectin, tannins, glucans and fructans are removed by NDF solution but not by ADF solution. Therefore, these components are not present in the sample when the ADF follows the NDF. When you test these types of samples, you will have artificially lower ADF values than you would if you had only run an ADF without the NDF. This issue has nothing to do with the Filter Bags. They will hold up to both assays with no problem. In fact, you can even follow the ADF with a lignin procedure using the same bags if you wish.

Caution when drying the bags: When running a Lignin procedure or a sequential NDF/ADF or NDF/ADF/Lignin with the F57 Filter Bag, it is important not to dry the bags overnight after the NDF or ADF procedure. A drying timeframe of 2-4 hours at 100° to 105°C is sufficient to thoroughly dry the bags after each procedure. Extended drying times or too high of a temperature can compromise the bag's filtration media.

The F57 and F58 filter bags are ash free and therefore can be used for ash determination. See Service Procedure 033 for the Ashing Procedure.

 

Refer to Service Procedure 32, Insert Samples Into F58 Bags.

To enhance the solution flow through the filter, F58 Filter Bags are made from a hydrophilic material. When exposed to 1N sulfuric acid at high temperatures the material can break at the seams. In addition, with some older bag suspenders, the F58 bags are susceptible to abrasion.

• To minimize breakage at F58 Filter Bag seams, you should use the new F58 bags (as of March 2015). The seams of the new bags are strengthened by the addition of point bonds next to the edge of the seal.
• To minimize bag material abrasion, you should use the new bag suspender (as of March 2015 - part # F11). It has been redesigned to include rounded bottom points on each tray.

When neutral detergent solution gets cold, some of the components will begin to precipitate out of solution. As a result, the solution will turn milky white and particles will be floating in it. These particles can be brought back into solution and the solution cleared by heating it. If the container that holds the NDF solution can fit in a lab oven, it is possible to place the solution in the oven over night at 30°C. If this is not feasible or if you need the solution sooner, pour some of the solution into a beaker and heat the solution on a hot plate or in a microwave. When heated, pour the solution back into the main container to warm up the remaining solution. Repeat until all of the solution is clear with no precipitation.

Possible Causes:

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 <STOP> to drain the fluid. You may want to capture the solution and re-use it. See Delta Service Procedure 7 for Analog Level Sensor (Black Model) or see A2000 Service Procedure 10 for "SICK" brand level sensor (Blue).

Water or Solution supply is inadequate. Replace the cubetainers if they are empty. Check to see if the water supply is turned on.

Water Supply Valve may not be functioning. With the bag suspender removed from the vessel, press <ENTER> to try again. Once liquid is observed flowing into the vessel, (replace bag suspender if performing a rinse) and close the lid. If no liquid is flowing into the vessel, the fill valve or the water valve may not be functioning. See A2000 Service Procedure 16.

A "Low Pressure" error occurs when the vessel does not have at least 3 psi after 13 minutes.

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 + 1/4 turn is adequate.

Check the Lid O-Ring and replace if damaged.

The vessel did not heat, or you have a leak, therefore no pressure was generated.

To Test:

1. Disconnect the solution supply tubes on the left and right side and start a run.
2. When the screen says "Filling" pour in 2100ml of hot soapy water (dish soap works best) over the bag suspender to cover the level sensor. Agitation will begin. Close the lid.
3. Record the temperature and pressure.
4. Wait 5-8 minutes and record the temperature and pressure again.
5. Place the open ends of the drain tube and vent line in separate small buckets of water. Do you notice any "bubbling" as the Instrument heats?
6. In the back of the instrument do you notice any bubbles in the A and B Clear Valve Tubing as the instrument heats? For picture, see A2000 Service Procedure 28. If bubbles appear in the tubing see A2000 Service Procedure 4.
7. In A2000 Service Procedure 3, the diamond markers indicate the assemblies that have attached fittings that need to be checked. Place a soap and water mixture around the fittings. Do you notice any "bubbling" around the fittings?
8. If the vessel has pressure but the display is still reading zero, the pressure sensor and cable may need to be replaced. Contact ANKOM at 315-986-8090 and ask for a Technical Service Representative.

Possible Causes:

The bag suspender is worn or not properly functioning. See A2000 Service Procedure 6.

The vessel is overfilled with solution.

The level sensor is not detecting solution. See A2000 Service Procedure 10 for SICK Level Sensor (Blue Model) or see A2000 Service Procedure 7 for Analog Level Sensor (Black Model).

The motor stopped turning. Check the packing nut to make sure it is not over tightened. See A2000 Service Procedure 1.

The motor needs to be replaced. See A2000 Service Procedure 23.

Fill Valve A or B may be "stuck" open. Turn off the instrument and slowly open the lid. If liquid is still flowing into the vessel, Valve A or B may be stuck open. See A2000 Service Procedure 5.

The vessel temperature has exceeded the maximum limit.

Possible Causes:

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 Sensor Module and the Glass Sensor Tip. Refer to and follow the section on testing and training the Level Sensor in A2000 Service Procedure 10 for SICK Level Sensor (Blue Model) or see A2000 Service Procedure 7 for Analog Level Sensor (Black Model).

If the level sensor is not working, it may need replacing. See A2000 Service Procedure 11 for the SICK Level Sensor (Blue Model) or see A2000 Service Procedure 9 for the Analog Level Sensor Module (Black or gray model) to replace the Glass Tip and Fiber Optic Cable Assembly (A32).

The vessel is overfilled with solution. The Level Sensor is not detecting solution. See A2000 Service Procedure 10 for SICK Level Sensor (Blue Model) or see A2000 Service Procedure 7 for Analog Level Sensor (Black Model).

The motor stopped turning. Check the Packing Nut to make sure it is not over tightened. See A2000 Service Procedure 1.

The motor needs to be replaced. See A2000 Service Procedure 23.

Possible Causes:

The solution temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Perform a "boil test." See A2000 Service Procedure 13.

The drain valve has been told to open but after 30 seconds the drain open switch has failed to open the drain.

Possible Causes:

Wires on the drain valve have become disconnected. Unplug the instrument, check the drain valve and reattach any loose wires. Check blue wire (I1), yellow wire (I2), black wire (4),and red wire (4). See A2000 Service Procedure 26.

The drain valve or the drain open/close switch is not operating. When the instrument is turned on, the red light on relay #6 should be lit (See A2000 Service Procedure 26). At that time you should hear the drain valve opening. After 10 seconds, the drain valve will close. If the drain valve is not operating, it will need to be replaced. If the drain valve is operating but does not stop, then the open/close switch is not being detected by the computer. Unplug the instrument and check the drain valve for any loose wires.

Possible Causes:

When the start button is pushed, the computer tells the appropriate valve to open and allow flow from the cubetainer into the vessel. If liquid is manually poured into the Vessel before the computer communicates with the appropriate valve, this fault screen will appear. Open the vessel, if the vessel is full Press "Y<ENTER>" to continue the run. If the vessel is not full, the level sensor may not be functioning properly. See A2000 Service Procedure10 for SICK Level Sensor (Blue Model) or see A2000 Service Procedure 7 for Analog Level Sensor (Black Model).

Possible Causes:

The packing nut may be too tight. For proper tightening, see A2000 Service Procedure 1.

The packing assembly may have corrosive buildup. If periodic maintenance was ignored and acid solution was allowed to leak into the packing assembly, the shaft may become "frozen." Inspect the packing set and the agitator for corrosive build up. Contact ANKOM to determine if the packing set and agitator need replacement. A2000 Service Procedure 1 describes replacing the packing set.

The motor stopped turning. Check the packing nut to make sure it is not overtightened. A2000 Service Procedure 1.

The motor needs to be replaced. See A2000 Service Procedure 23.

Possible Causes:

The controller needs to be reset. See A2000 Service Procedure 15 to determine if menu settings are incorrect and to make the appropriate changes.

The RTD may need to be replaced. See Service Procedure (pending).

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. See A2000 Service Procedure 25.

Possible Causes:

Leakage has occurred at the agitator shaft. The packing nut requires attention. See A2000 Service Procedure 1.

If tightening the packing nut does not stop the leak, you will need to replace the packing around the agitator and possibly the agitator itself. See A2000 Service Procedure 2.

Possible Causes:

Faulty A2000 Temp Controller (Part # A11), see A2000 Service Procedure 14.

Faulty Splat Controller (Part #A09)

Poor Connection between the A2000 Temp Controller and the Splat Controller.
 

See A2000 Service Procedure 31.

In order to properly set up your instrument for the various fiber analyses, refer to the instrument images in your A2000 Operator's Manual under the section titled Instrument Description.

Possible Causes:

The dial on the heat sealer is not be turned up high enough. In order to seal the F57 Filter Bag, the dial must be set at approximately "4." In order to seal the XT4 Filter Bag the dial must be set to approximately "6." Different lab conditions may effect the proper setting. Experiment with a bag to "dial in" the correct setting.

The heating element is broken. On the sides of the Teflon cover on the heater sealer are two shiny metal strips that keep the cover in place. Loosen the screws that keep the strips tight to the base of the heat sealer and remove the Teflon cover. Check to see if there is a break in the heating element. If there is, take the extra heating element that comes with the heat sealer and replace the defective element. Additional elements can be ordered from ANKOM Technology (SKU: 1917).

The Insulator is not properly installed. The insulator should be installed to ensure that the heating element does not touch any of the metal on the base of the heat sealer.

During a crude fiber or acid detergent procedure, the time frame during which samples are exposed to 100°C solution(s) is extremely important.  If the fiber analyzer begins a procedure at a temperature higher than 20°C, the instrument will heat the solution too quickly and the effective digestion time frame will be too long.  This will create lower than expected fiber values.  As a result, when performing back-to-back fiber runs with the second being a crude fiber or acid detergent procedure, we would suggest pouring cold water into the vessel prior to the second run in order to cool the instrument to room temperature.

Test the rinse water with litmus paper during the last minute of the fourth hot water rinse. If the test indicates the presence of acid, repeat with fresh, hot water until neutral pH is achieved.

Neutral detergent consists of varying amounts of 4 dry chemicals and triethylene glycol.
If you remove only a portion of the dry chemicals to make less than 20L of solution, it is impossible to know if the solution has the correct ratio of chemicals.
The only way to ensure that the chemical solution consists of the correct ratio of chemicals is to make all 20L at one time.

Amylase is utilized to help digest the starch in the sample. Even using expired Alpha Amylase, it is highly likely the non-starch components, as well as, most of the starch are gone. 

Put the filter bags in a 1L beaker with 80^o C water and 8 ml of fresh Alpha Amylase and allow the bags to soak for 20-30 minutes. This should remove any residual starch.  If you have an Fiber Analyzer, you could put the bags in the bag suspender, place them in the instrument with the heat off (you don’t want boiling water) and turn on the agitation. After 20-30 minutes rinse the bags once for 5 minutes, dry and weigh.

With the lignin procedure, there are two common errors that will create false high values.

The first error is placing the F57 Filter Bags into the 72% sulfuric acid when there is moisture in the bags and samples. To avoid this situation, after the ADF procedure is complete and the Filter Bags have been dried and weighed, place the Filter Bags back into the oven at 100^o to 105° C for 30 to 60 minutes. When the bags have been dried, place them into a desiccant pouch and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once they have been cooled, immediately place them into the 72% sulfuric acid and begin the procedure.

The second error occurs in the rinsing of the bags after the three-hour soaking in 72% sulfuric acid. It is vital that all of the acid is rinsed out of the bags before the F57’s are placed into the oven for drying. The rinsing process uses copious amounts of fresh water. After several minutes of rinsing, touch several bags with litmus paper. If the litmus paper shows the presence of acid in any of the bags, continue the rinsing for several more minutes and test again. Continue to test the bags with litmus paper until no bags show the presence of acid. Place the bags into a beaker, pour enough acetone to cover the bags and soak for 3 to 5 minutes. When the soaking is complete, pour off the acetone, lay them on a clean surface, and allow the acetone to evaporate from the bags. Place the filter bags into the oven at 100° to 105° C for at least two hours. When the bags have been dried, place them into a desiccant pouch and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once they have been cooled, weigh the bags one final time.
 

A "drain error" usually occurs if the level sensor is sensing solution in the vessel after the drain has opened.  If the vessel is empty, and the level sensor indicates "Full," then the level sensor has to be fixed.

If the vessel is full of solution after the drain is open, the problem could be in the drain line.  Ensure that drain line is clear and not kinked.

1.  If the vessel is empty, refer to the A2000 main menu, use the arrow keys and select the "Select Analog" screen.  Record the 4 analog values.  The Lvl value should be 6-10V.  Next, fill the vessel with water.  Again, record the 4 analog values.  The Lvl value should be 0-3V. 
2.  If the A2000 has an older "SICK" brand fiber Optic module, please contact ANKOM for the unique procedure.

If the readings are out of range refer to Service Procedure SP07.  This SP07 doesn't correct the problem the Level Sensor may need to be replaced.

Possible Causes:

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 determinations. This message will be displayed at the end of an analysis so your results may be affected.  A small water heater dedicated to the A2000 instrument will help. Contact ANKOM for assistance as needed.

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:

Wires on the drain valve have become dislodged. Connections may have become loose. Unplug the instrument, check the drain valve and reattach any loose wires. Check blue wire (I1), yellow wire (I2), black wire (4),and red wire (4). See A2000 Service Procedure 26.

The drain valve or the drain open/close switch is not operating. When the instrument is turned on, the LED on relay #6 should light briefly (see A2000 Service Procedure 26). At that time you should hear the drain valve opening. After 10 seconds, the drain valve will close and the LED on relay 6 should light briefly again. If the drain valve is not operating, it will need to be replaced. If the drain valve is operating but does not stop, then the open/close switch is not being detected by the computer.  Perform FAQ Fault Screen "Drain Problem" "Ck Sensor" "<START>"

The level sensor is reading a full vessel when it should be empty. Slowly open the vessel and check the level.

If the vessel is actually full... Possible Causes:

If the vessel is actually empty... Possible Causes:

The level sensor needs to be cleaned and possibly retrained. See A2000 Service Procedure 10 for the SICK Brand Level Sensor (Blue Sensor) or see Delta Service Procedure 7 for Analog Level Sensor (Black Model).