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I am getting a message, “ALERT Tube (X) weak. Tubing replacement recommended;” what should I do?
I am getting a message, “ALERT Tube (X) weak. Tubing replacement recommended;” what should I do?
The ALERT message “Tube (X) weak. Tubing replacement recommended” is due to one or more of the pump tubes giving a low pressure reading during the testing of the pump tubes at the start of the analysis. When the message presents as an ALERT the problem can be ignored temporarily and addressed after the analysis is complete (Do not repeatedly ignore this message or you risk the pump tubes breaking and causing corrosion within the peristaltic pump). If the holding pressure of the pump tubes was very poor you would see an E13 Pump Tube Failure message. This ALERT is cautioning you that the pump tubes are not holding pressure well. It is possible though that if the tubing is dry (e.g if the instrument has been idle for a week) and if the lines have not been fully charged with the solutions the air in the lines can cause a weak tube message.
To diagnose the cause, first connect the TDF70 Flush Tube Assembly to all of the supply ports with the middle connector attached to the water container. Then in the Diagnostics menu, run a Line Charge (ALL) several times to ensure the lines are filled with water. Next run a Pump Tube Test, also found in Diagnostics. This will display pressure results for each of the 6 pump tubes. The minimum to PASS is a reading of at or above 8 psi. If the results are between 5.0 – 7.9 psi you will see a WARNING. If the results are less than 5.0 psi the test will display FAIL. Running this test in Diagnostics will confirm the problem, or show that is corrected with proper charging of the lines.
For more information on the weak tubes ALERT see Service Procedure TS001 E13 Fault Diagnosis. If the instrument fails the Pump Tube Test, generally the solution is to replace the pump tubes, but there can be other causes as described in TS001. Depending on the software on your instrument you would need either TDF68 Silicone Pump Tubes (software version 3.60 or earlier) or TDF99 Pump Tubes (software version 3.70 or later). Here also are procedures for installation: TS003 Service Procedure for Silicone Pump Tube Replacement and for the TDF99 Pump Tubes use TS028 Service Procedure for Long-Life Pump Tube replacement which show the location of the pump tubes and how to replace them.
What should be done if one of the brass supply valve is leaking or shows signs of corrosion within the valve?
What should be done if one of the brass supply valve is leaking or shows signs of corrosion within the valve?
My enzymes do not appear to be pumping (the volume in the reservoirs is staying the same); what should I do?
My enzymes do not appear to be pumping (the volume in the reservoirs is staying the same); what should I do?
The enzyme tubing may be clogged. Look at the enzyme tubing from the reservoirs to the Enzyme Pinch Valve and beyond to the Manifold. If there is any discoloration or gelled material in the tubing, replace the tubing.
Contact ANKOM Technology at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services or 1-315-986-8090 to purchase your Enzyme Tubing Replacement Kit (TDF67).
Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS004 for Enzyme Tubing installation instructions.
Why is an incorrect volume of enzyme and/or an incorrect type of enzyme being drawn after new silicone tubing is installed at the enzyme pinch valve?
Why is an incorrect volume of enzyme and/or an incorrect type of enzyme being drawn after new silicone tubing is installed at the enzyme pinch valve?
Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS004 Enzyme Tubing and reference the steps related to relaxing or pre-stressing the replacement Silicone Tubing by rolling them with a rod or dowel.
Why do the enzyme tubes appear discolored (yellow or brownish) or gelled?
Why do the enzyme tubes appear discolored (yellow or brownish) or gelled?
If enzyme tubes have become discolored (turned yellow or brownish) or if the enzyme has begun to gel in the tubes, they will require replacement. Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS004 for instructions on replacement. Contact ANKOM Technology at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services or call 315-986-8090 to purchase your Enzyme Tubing Replacement Kit (TDF67).
How do I change the TDF99 Pump Tubing?
How do I change the TDF99 Pump Tubing?
Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS028 for instructions on changing the Long-Life Pump Tubing.
How often should I change the TDF68 Silicone Pump Tubing?
How often should I change the TDF68 Silicone Pump Tubing?
The TDF68 Silicone Pump Tubing should be changed when the instrument prompts the user with an E13 warning for weak pump tubes. The pump tubes typically last 6 months under normal use. Heavy usage may necessitate a more abbreviated timeframe between tubing changes.
Order your Pump Tubing Replacement Kit (TDF68) by contacting ANKOM Technology at 1-315-986-8090 or by ordering through the Product Catalog on this website.
Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS003 for installation instructions.
How often should I change the Enzyme Tubing?
How often should I change the Enzyme Tubing?
The enzyme tubing should be changed annually under normal use. Heavy use may necessitate a shorter timeframe between tubing changes.
Order your Enzyme Tubing Replacement Kit (TDF67) by contacting ANKOM Technology at 1-315-986-8090 or by ordering through the Product Catalog on this website.
Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS004 for installation instructions.
What should I do if the enzymes are not being drawn properly?
What should I do if the enzymes are not being drawn properly?
Following are two possible reasons why enzymes may not be drawn from the reservoir.
1. The silicone tubes may be worn or flattened from use. To inspect the tubing, refer to TDF Service Procedure TS005 Tube Replacement (Pinch Valves) and reference the steps starting at step 11, related to performing a "Valve Test." The silicone tubes should be clear and fully opening. If any of the silicone tubes are excessively flattened or stuck in a pinched or closed position on their own (without the pistons pushing against them), then the tubes need to be replaced. A spare set of 3 1/4" silicone tubing that was originally sent with the TDF instrument. A set of 21 replacement tubes (3 1/4") can be ordered as TDF71 Pinch Valve Tubing Set by contacting ANKOM Technology at 1-315-986-8090 or order through the Product Catalog on this website.
It is recommended that all the pinch valve tubing be replaced at the same time to keep them on the same maintenance schedule (annually). This would include the IDF, SDF, and Waste pinch valves.
2. It is also possible that there is a blockage within the enzyme lines. Visually inspect the tubing from the enzyme reservoirs to the enzyme pinch valve to the manifold. If any crystals or dried enzymes are found, follow service procedure TS037 Enzyme Line Flush Procedure linked to below.
NOTE: It is recommended that when running methods AOAC2009.01, 2011.25 or 2017.16 that enzyme lines be flushed after every assay using this service procedure. If necessary, replace the enzyme supply tubing – see service procedure TS004 Tubing Replacement (enzymes).
To order an additional TDF67 Enzyme Tubing Replacement Kit contact ANKOM Technology at 1-315-986-8090 or order through the Product Catalog on this website.
How do I replace a broken Fill Nozzle?
How do I replace a broken Fill Nozzle?
Refer to TDF Service Procedure TS014 Fill Nozzle Installation Procedure.
Is there a recommended procedure for storing the TDF Instrument during a period of non-use?
Is there a recommended procedure for storing the TDF Instrument during a period of non-use?
Yes, there is a recommended procedure for the TDF Instrument for periods of non-use in Appendix B of the Operator's Manual for instructions. Following this procedure will help maintain clear fluid lines.
The most current Operators Manual can be found at https://www.ankom.com/technical-support/tdf-analyzer?f%5B0%5D=field_question_subtype%3A20
Are there any special instructions for the return of a TDF Analyzer for service?
Are there any special instructions for the return of a TDF Analyzer for service?
Yes. Please refer to TDF Service Procedure TS019 (link below) for details on how to ship your TDF Analyzer to ANKOM Technology.
What is the recommended maintenance for the TDF instrument?
What is the recommended maintenance for the TDF instrument?
You can access these documents using the links below.