FAQ Category
FAQ Group
- Controller Problems (4) Apply Controller Problems filter
- Filling Problems (4) Apply Filling Problems filter
- Check Packing (3) Apply Check Packing filter
- Maintenance and Service (3) Apply Maintenance and Service filter
- Instrument set-up (2) Apply Instrument set-up filter
- Pressure Error (2) Apply Pressure Error filter
Why does my Controller say "- - - -"?
Why does my Controller say "- - - -"?
"----" 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.
Fault Screen "Filling Problem" "[START]"
Fault Screen "Filling Problem" "[START]"
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.
Fault Screen "Low Press Error"
Fault Screen "Low Press Error"
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:
- Disconnect the solution supply tubes on the left and right side and start a run.
- 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.
- Record the temperature and pressure.
- Wait 5-8 minutes and record the temperature and pressure again.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
Fault Screen "High Press error"
Fault Screen "High Press error"
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.
Fault Screen "Vessel Overtemp"
Fault Screen "Vessel Overtemp"
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.
Fault Screen "SolutionOvertemp"
Fault Screen "SolutionOvertemp"
Possible Causes:
The solution temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Perform a "boil test." See A2000 Service Procedure 13.
Fault Screen "Open Failure"
Fault Screen "Open Failure"
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.
Fault Screen "Manual Fill?" "Y [Enter] N [Stop]"
Fault Screen "Manual Fill?" "Y [Enter] N [Stop]"
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).
The agitator is not moving or the motor sounds strained.
The agitator is not moving or the motor sounds strained.
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.
The instrument temperature fluctuates or over heats.
The instrument temperature fluctuates or over heats.
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).
The instrument will not turn on.
The instrument will not turn on.
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.
Fluid is observed in the Maintenance Alert Collector.
Fluid is observed in the Maintenance Alert Collector.
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.
Why does my LCD display always read 17C, when the Temp Controller is correctly displaying the temperature?
Why does my LCD display always read 17C, when the Temp Controller is correctly displaying the temperature?
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.
How do I set up my instrument for the different fiber analyses (NDF, ADF & Crude Fiber)?
How do I set up my instrument for the different fiber analyses (NDF, ADF & Crude Fiber)?
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.
Fault Screen "Drain Problem" "Ck Sensor [START]"
Fault Screen "Drain Problem" "Ck Sensor [START]"
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.
Fault Screen "Cold Rinse used" "Reset . . . [ENTER]"
Fault Screen "Cold Rinse used" "Reset . . . [ENTER]"
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.
Fault Screen "Filling Problem" "Drain not closed"
Fault Screen "Filling Problem" "Drain not closed"
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:
- The drain hose may be kinked. Remove any kinks.
- The vent valve may not be working. See A2000 Service Procedure 16.
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).