FAQ Category
FAQ Group
- (-) Remove Assays and Methods filter Assays and Methods
- (-) Remove Maintenance and Service filter Maintenance and Service
- (-) Remove Filtration filter Filtration
- Faults (13) Apply Faults filter
- Enzyme delivery (4) Apply Enzyme delivery filter
- Results (4) Apply Results filter
- General fluid delivery (3) Apply General fluid delivery filter
- Consumables (2) Apply Consumables filter
- Instrument set-up (2) Apply Instrument set-up filter
- Instrument (1) Apply Instrument filter
- Mixing (1) Apply Mixing filter
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?
Filtration is slow at one of the stations on my TDF instrument. How can this be corrected?
Filtration is slow at one of the stations on my TDF instrument. How can this be corrected?
Some variability in filter times is normal. Default filter time settings encompass much of this variability. Default settings for IDF/SDF filtration are as follows: IDF after release of bar B (5.0 min), IDF after water rinses (1.0 min), IDF after EtOH rinses (1.0 min), SDF after release of bar D (10.0 min), SDF after EtOH rinses 3.0 min). The following are several factors that may contribute to slow filtration (taking longer than the default settings).
Lower air pressure
Make sure that the low-pressure regulator is set properly. Our recommended setting for the low-pressure regulator is 4.0 PSI (static). Do not adjust the regulator during filtration. If your regulator is set lower than this, adjust the regulator and run the instrument again. It should also be noted that during filtration, time may be added if slow filtration is observed. As filtration is occurring, a button will appear on screen that states, "Filter Time +". Each time this is pressed, 1 minute will be added to the filtration time.
Sample type
The IDF and SDF filter bags have a significantly greater filter surface area than is found in the Gooch filter-crucible. However, regardless of filter surface area, some sample types can be difficult to filter. Samples that become quite gelatinous in an aqueous solution (such as psyllium and chia seeds) can be difficult to filter. To accommodate these types of samples in the ANKOMTDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer we recommend the following options:
Add filter time before the assay begins
At the beginning of a run, a series of user prompts appear on screen. One of these prompts states, “Filter Minutes OK? (for an IDF/SDF run) or “SDF Filter minutes OK?” for a TDF run. From this screen, you can add filter time if you are working with samples that require more filter time. Familiarity with a particular sample may dictate 10 minutes of IDF filter time, for example. Be aware that any time changes will be stored to memory and will be there for the next run. However, you will be able to change this back to the default or another setting at the beginning of each run.
Add more filter time during the filtering process
During IDF or SDF filtration and during the water or alcohol rinses (when filtering is occurring) one can press the “Filter Time +” button to add one additional minute at a time, up to 50 additional minutes. The user will need to be present at the time of filtering to take advantage of this option.
Use a smaller sample size
Reduce the sample size to 0.1 g to minimize the filter clogging effect of gelatinous sample types.
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) in the IDF bags
Pre-weigh 1 g of DE for each IDF bag. When starting the run, select YES for the screen that states, “Check pH manually?”. Select YES whether you plan to perform a manual pH check or not. When the instrument pauses for the pH check (and after any pH check/adjustment is complete) add 1 g of DE to each bag. Press the “Continue” button once DE is added. The DE will be mixed in during the AMG digestion. Adding the DE at this point, rather than at the beginning of the run, minimizes the risk of bag wear during mixing by having abrasive DE in a hot bag. Be sure that the DE in the IDF bags is factored into your blank values. Use of this technique helps increase filter capacity.
Wrinkles in the Filter Bags at clamp bar A or C
There is always some air leakage from the filter bags during filtration at clamp bars A and C. Larger wrinkles may exacerbate this to the point of needing to add time to the filtration. If one filter bag is taking longer than the others to filter, time may be added using the "Filter Time +" button that will be available on screen during each filtration. When setting up IDF and SDF filter bags try to keep them lying flat against the rear clamp bar before starting the run.
Clogged Spray Tip
If slow filtration is observed consistently at one individual station, inspect the spray tip at this station. The white spray tip is friction fit onto a stainless-steel tube. Remove the spray tip at the IDF or SDF station and inspect under magnification. The TDF45 Illuminated Magnifier (10x) is recommended for this. There are six small orifices (holes) around the side of the spray tip. Check to make sure they are clear and not clogged with debris. This can be cleaned with a TDF94 0.020 inch or 0.5 mm drill bit and pressurized air. You could also replace it with one of the extra spray tips that was sent with the instrument originally. After the spray tip has been cleaned or replaced turn on nitrogen to the spray tips. Using the "Diagnostics" screen, select "Valve Test" and then either "IDF N2" or "SDF N2" to turn the nitrogen on through the six spray tips. Hold a beaker of water up to each of the six spray tips to make sure nitrogen is bubbling equally at all positions. Spare spray tips can be ordered as part TDF44.
Black rubber gasket on front clamp bar A or C may be dented
Inspect the black gasket seal area at the position in question on front clamp bar A or C. See if there are any dents or low spots. The best way to check this is to lay the gasket from the front of the clamp bars against a very flat (machined) surface and see if light shows through at the position in question. If you can visually see a significant low spot or dent in the gasket at the position in question, this will contribute to a poor seal and slow filtration.
If you have a second TDF instrument, perform the following test: Switch the suspect clamp bar with the second instrument. Install filter bags at all six positions (either IDF or SDF) and close the upper and lower clamp bars keeping the bags as flat as possible to minimize leaks. Using the "Diagnostics" screen, select "Valve Test" and either "IDF N2" or "SDF N2" to inflate the bags. If the position in question now inflates its filter bag as quickly as the rest, the problem points to a dent or low spot on the original front clamp bar. Contact ANKOM Technology at https://www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services or 1-315-986-8090 for assistance. A replacement Front Clamp Bar A-position can be ordered as part TDF73; a replacement Front Clamp Bar C-position can be ordered as part TDF75.
What is the bag weighing procedure?
What is the bag weighing procedure?
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.
What are the procedures for inserting sample and Diatomaceous Earth into the filter bags?
What are the procedures for inserting sample and Diatomaceous Earth into the filter bags?
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 do I perform a pH adjustment during the IDF phase?
How do I perform a pH adjustment during the IDF phase?
Follow the steps in this instructional video to perform a pH adjustment: TDF Manually Measuring pH in the IDF Digestion
Note: Measure within the appropriate pH range for your specific testing method.
What is a MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch, how is it used, and why should I use it?
What is a MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch, how is it used, and why should I use it?
The MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch is a small, airtight zipper bag, utilized for desiccating all of the Filter Bags that are used with ANKOM instrumentation. A single pouch can hold a full run of F57, F58 or XT4 bags at one time. When folded, 6 IDF or SDF bags can also be placed into a MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch. Each time a bag has been removed from the desiccant pouch, the air can and should be pushed out. The "zipper" does not have to be used with every bag removal but some action should be taken to keep the air from entering the pouch while the just removed Filter Bag is being weighed. For example, air can be pushed out of the bag by laying it on a firm surface while compressing or flattening the air out of the pouch with your hand.
Many instruments in the marketplace have the capacity to run 6 samples at a time. After being dried, the beakers, flasks or crucibles are placed into a counter top or cabinet desiccator. Once cooled, they are then removed one at a time and weighed. Each time the desiccator is opened to remove sample, moist ambient air is introduced inside the desiccator. However, because the lid or door of the desiccator is opened just 6 times, the samples that remain in the desiccator after each item is removed are affected very little by ambient moisture that may be introduced.
However, with Filter Bag Technology, generally larger numbers of Filter Bags are extracted at a time. As with the beakers, flasks and crucibles mentioned above, if the bags are placed in a desiccator after drying, each time the lid or door is opened to remove a bag, moist, ambient air is introduced. Because the desiccator is opened up to 24 times, the moisture can more readily affect the remaining bags. If a collapsible, ANKOM desiccant pouch is utilized, the air can be pushed out of the pouch each time a Filter Bag is removed. This will eliminate a build up of moisture on the remaining Filter Bags and allow for a more accurate and precise result. Every month it is possible to place the small desiccant packets into the oven at 100° - 105°C for a few hours to insure that the desiccant is renewed. In addition, to ensure the integrity of the zip lock bag, regular replacement should be considered.
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.
How do I prepare bags for Kjeldahl & Ashing procedures?
How do I prepare bags for Kjeldahl & Ashing procedures?
In order to properly prepare the IDF & SDF bags for Kjeldahl and Ashing procedures, view the documents below or watch the following video: Kjeldahl & Ashing Bag Preparation.
What times and temperatures should I set on my Kjeldahl to determine the protein in the IDF/SDF filter bags?
What times and temperatures should I set on my Kjeldahl to determine the protein in the IDF/SDF filter bags?
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 do I handle samples that are difficult to filter?
How do I handle samples that are difficult to filter?
Add filter time before the assay begins
At the beginning of a run a series of user prompts appear on screen, one of which states, “Filter Minutes OK? (for an IDF/SDF run) or “SDF Filter minutes OK?” for a TDF run. From this screen, you can add filter time if you are working with samples that require more filter time. Familiarity with a particular sample may dictate 10 minutes of IDF filter time, for example. Be aware that any time changes will be stored to memory and will be there for the next run. You will, however, be able to change this back to the default or another setting at the beginning of each run.
Add more filter time during the filtering process
During IDF or SDF filtration and during the water or alcohol rinses (when filtering is occurring) one can press the “Filter Time +” button to add one additional minute at a time, up to 50 additional minutes. The user will need to be present at the time of filtering to take advantage of this option.
Use a smaller sample size
Reduce the sample size to 0.1 g to minimize the filter clogging effect of gelatinous sample types. NOTE: Remember, the TDF values will be greatly influenced by variability in protein and ash values - of a small sample size.
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) in the IDF bags
Use of this technique helps increase filtering capacity. Pre-weigh 0.5-1 g of DE for each IDF bag. About 2 min before the end of AMG digestion, open Clamp Bar A by pressing "Clamp Bar A", add the DE quantitatively, and then close Clamp Bar A by pressing "Clamp Bar A" again. The DE will be mixed in during the end of the AMG digestion. Adding DE at this point, rather than at the beginning of the run, minimizes the risk of bag wear from abrasive DE in a hot/agitated bag. Be sure that the DE in the IDF bags is factored into your blank values. We recommend running a blank position when implementing this technique to account for DE loss from the IDF bag, if there are any.
What are the filtration specifications for the ANKOM TDF filtration process?
What are the filtration specifications for the ANKOM TDF filtration process?
How do I analyze liquid samples in the TDF Analyzer?
How do I analyze liquid samples in the TDF Analyzer?
- Weigh the pipette and tare the weight.
- Fill the pipette with a liquid sample.
- Place the pipette on the balance and record the weight.
- Pipette out the liquid into the IDF Bag.
- Weigh the pipette and subtract that weight from the weight with a sample. This supplies us with the actual sample weight that went into the bag.
How frequently should the silicone delivery tubing be replaced?
How do I determine the protein (nitrogen) correction for dietary fiber analysis?
How do I determine the protein (nitrogen) correction for dietary fiber analysis?
AOAC methods 2009.01, 2011.25, 2017.16, and 2022.01 describe using either Kjeldahl or combustion methods for determining protein content of the residue. The selection is made by customer preference.
To prepare the ANKOM Filter Bags for analysis via Kjeldahl, refer to the TDF Operator’s Manual.
To prepare the ANKOM Filter Bags for analysis via combustion methods, cut open the Filter Bag and lightly scrape or brush the particles of sample residue and DE into a small mortar. Grind the mixture with the pestle until homogenous. Take several aliquots of the mixture and run them through your dumas. Use the average protein value of the aliquots for the TDF calculation.
Various manufacturer options are available for the nitrogen determination using combustion method. Contact your combustion/dumas manufacturer for further information regarding specific settings and recommendations regarding N2 determinations that involve DE.