FAQ Category
I received an MF1 Fault. How do I fix this?
I received an MF1 Fault. How do I fix this?
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 User's Manual.
2. Tighten red caps on the vessel ports
3. Remove vessels and verify the glass portion and vessel bottoms are fully connected.
4. Contact ANKOM if problem persists.
1. Confirm the Low N2 setting is: 2.6 - 3.0 PSI. See Section 6.7.2 of the User's Manual.
2. Tighten red caps on the vessel ports
3. Remove vessels and verify the glass portion and vessel bottoms are fully connected.
4. Contact ANKOM if problem persists.
I received an MF7 Fault. How do I fix this?
I received an MF7 Fault. How do I fix this?
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 Section 17 of the updated ANKOMFLEX Operator’s Manual at: https://www.ankom.com/sites/default/files/document-files/FLEX_Manual.pdf
Samples that drain slowly, or plug filter, can be pretreated with amylase to aid draining. Contact ANKOM for more information.
Samples that drain slowly, or plug filter, can be pretreated with amylase to aid draining. Contact ANKOM for more information.
I received an MF24 Fault. How do I fix this?
I received an MF24 Fault. How do I fix this?
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 User's Manual.
2. Unlock Column Lock
3. Remove columns to evaluate if there is any damage. Do not use a cracked or damaged column.
4. Wipe column top o-ring with dampened paper towel.
5. Wipe inner rim of column with dampened paper towel.
6. Verify tan column bottom adapters are tight.
7. Reinstall columns and rotate 1/4 turn clockwise.
8. Contact ANKOM if problem persists.
1. Confirm the Low N2 setting is: 2.6 - 3.0 PSI. See Section 6.7.2 of the User's Manual.
2. Unlock Column Lock
3. Remove columns to evaluate if there is any damage. Do not use a cracked or damaged column.
4. Wipe column top o-ring with dampened paper towel.
5. Wipe inner rim of column with dampened paper towel.
6. Verify tan column bottom adapters are tight.
7. Reinstall columns and rotate 1/4 turn clockwise.
8. Contact ANKOM if problem persists.
What periodic maintenance is required?
What periodic maintenance is required?
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 wetted towel. Some o-rings require replacement generally after about 200 runs.
Can digestion vessels be left assembled overnight?
Can digestion vessels be left assembled overnight?
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 could be compromised. If digestion vessels have been left assembled overnight, disassemble and allow to reshape for an hour or use another vessel bottom assembly base. It is very important to thoroughly clean the digestion vessels and vessel bottom assemblies after use. Use water, and NOT ethanol or acetone, as final rinse solution.
Can a PC be connected to the ANKOM FLEX to enable remote monitoring?
Can a PC be connected to the ANKOM FLEX to enable remote monitoring?
The current software will not allow for remote monitoring. This functionality may be added in future software versions.
Is the flow path inert?
Is the flow path inert?
Yes, the flow path consists solely of chemically inert materials.
Is the extraction positive pressure or vacuum based?
Is the extraction positive pressure or vacuum based?
The extraction process utilizes positive pressure at ~2.8psi.
If the system capacity is four samples, can a customer run only two samples?
If the system capacity is four samples, can a customer run only two samples?
The ANKOMFLEX 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 identified positions will receive solutions.
Is each position on the ANKOM FLEX instrument individually controllable? Is it possible to run different methods on each of the positions (different saponification time, evaporation time, etc.)?
Is each position on the ANKOM FLEX instrument individually controllable? Is it possible to run different methods on each of the positions (different saponification time, evaporation time, etc.)?
The ANKOMFLEX runs one method at a time. All four positions on the instrument run the selected same method and are controlled in unison; the positions are not independently controllable.
Nitrogen: How much is required per run?
Nitrogen: How much is required per run?
The current method uses 250L nitrogen per run of 4 assays.
Nitrogen: What purity is required?
Nitrogen: What purity is required?
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: Why is it used in the instrument?
Nitrogen: Why is it used in the instrument?
Nitrogen is used to create an oxygen free environment, expedite solvent evaporation, and for the general function of mechanical components.
What do I do if the vessels are leaking?
What do I do if the vessels are leaking?
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 weighing in sample or water.
3. Samples that contain fat, such as infant formula, will eventually leak through the filter if it is allowed to sit in the vessel for extended periods of time. We advise that vessels are loaded onto the ANKOMFLEX within approximately 1 hour of weighing liquid samples into the vessels.
4. Wash vessels and vessel bottom assemblies bases with hot soapy water after use. After washing, rinse vessels and vessel bottom assemblies with clean water, then, use a wash bottle to squirt clean water into the o-ring groove of the vessel bottom assembly to remove any alcohol that may be trapped behind the o-ring. Residual alcohol in the o-ring groove of the digestion vessel bottom assembly may compromise the hydrophobic nature of the filter.
5. When weighing fat samples, such as oil, add the water to the vessel first to create a hydrophobic layer between the fat and the filter. Then add the oil on top.
6. Add internal standards, through ports, once vessels have been installed on the ANKOMFLEX and vessel tops are closed.
7. Do not use vessels that are chipped or damaged on the bottom outside edge.
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 weighing in sample or water.
3. Samples that contain fat, such as infant formula, will eventually leak through the filter if it is allowed to sit in the vessel for extended periods of time. We advise that vessels are loaded onto the ANKOMFLEX within approximately 1 hour of weighing liquid samples into the vessels.
4. Wash vessels and vessel bottom assemblies bases with hot soapy water after use. After washing, rinse vessels and vessel bottom assemblies with clean water, then, use a wash bottle to squirt clean water into the o-ring groove of the vessel bottom assembly to remove any alcohol that may be trapped behind the o-ring. Residual alcohol in the o-ring groove of the digestion vessel bottom assembly may compromise the hydrophobic nature of the filter.
5. When weighing fat samples, such as oil, add the water to the vessel first to create a hydrophobic layer between the fat and the filter. Then add the oil on top.
6. Add internal standards, through ports, once vessels have been installed on the ANKOMFLEX and vessel tops are closed.
7. Do not use vessels that are chipped or damaged on the bottom outside edge.
Is there carry over between samples?
Is there carry over between samples?
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 eliminate all carry over.