FAQ Group
- (-) Remove Enzyme delivery filter Enzyme delivery
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- Maintenance and Service (10) Apply Maintenance and Service filter
- Results (4) Apply Results filter
- General fluid delivery (3) Apply General fluid delivery filter
- Consumables (2) Apply Consumables filter
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- Instrument (1) Apply Instrument filter
- Mixing (1) Apply Mixing filter
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).
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.
Nitrogen - what are the specifications?
Nitrogen - what are the specifications?
Do NOT run this instrument without an adequate DRY Nitrogen Supply. The instrument is powered by pneumatics that are not compatible with moisture, commonly found in compressed air. Nitrogen is also recommended as an extra precaution when handling ethanol. For these reasons Compressed Air is NOT recommended.
Nitrogen Amount
A typical TDF run requires approx. 1400L (50cu.ft.) nitrogen gas. The nitrogen supply should be 6.9 bar (100 psi). During the run, the nitrogen is used to operate pressure cylinders and also to facilitate bag filtering. During the filtering stage, the nitrogen is regulated to .3 bar (4 psi) and flow rate is approx. 15L/min (.5cu.ft.).
Nitrogen Purity
A key issue associated with the gas used in the TDF instrument is moisture content. The TDF instrument can suffer damage if moisture is introduced through the gas line. ANKOM recommends the use of nitrogen with a 99.998% purity rating. Theoretically, less pure nitrogen should work if the impurities do NOT include moisture.
Nitrogen Source
We recommend the nitrogen source be at 80-100 psi regulated back to 50 psi at the high-pressure regulator. During rinses and filtration, the ANKOMTDF instrument uses at most 20 liters/minute. This is for a short duration. For most of the length of an assay nitrogen is used only for actuating the pneumatic pistons. We do not recommend or sell a specific nitrogen generator. However, one can be used if it meets the specifications noted in this FAQ.
How much bench space does the ANKOM TDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer require and how much does it weigh?
How much bench space does the ANKOM TDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer require and how much does it weigh?
For shipment, some parts are removed and the dimensions are: 107 cm long (42") x 51 cm deep (20") x 76 cm high (30").
The TDF instrument alone weighs about 56 Kgs (123 lbs). With the attachments and other spare parts the weight is about 60 kgs (132 lbs). A rinse stand adds 1.8 kgs (4 lbs) to the shipping weight. Including the pallet & box, when the order includes a rinse stand, the total weight for shipping purposes is 85 kgs (186 lbs).