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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?
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.
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.
How frequently should the silicone delivery tubing be replaced?
My enzymes are draining out of the reservoirs when the instrument is idle, what should I do?
My enzymes are draining out of the reservoirs when the instrument is idle, what should I do?
For instruments with version 3.78 or newer software perform the following diagnostics routine:
1.
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Run Line Charge routine two times with “All” selected with the flush tube assembly installed using deionized water. This will prime the lines in the instrument.
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2.
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Set up Motor test with the Flush Tubes still connected.
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a. Set all Supply Valves to Closed
b. Set Speed to 240 RPM
c. Leave Amount set to 10 ml
d. Press Start
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3.
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At the start of the routine, in the upper right corner of the screen you should see a number approximately 14. Part way through the routine you should see it say “Plugged”. This is normal for this stage of the test.
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4.
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Below the word “Plugged” you will see a set of numbers that will climb throughout the routine and should end in the range of 11 or higher. Any number below 11 indicate a leaky valve. In most cases, the valve causing the issue will be the buffer valve.
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5.
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Refer to Service Procedure TS-017 for maintenance instructions for the valve. If the valve body is pitted, especially around the hole in the center, it will be necessary to replace the valve body using the TDF25.5 kit. Follow Service Procedure TS046 for installation instructions.
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