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FAQ Group
- (-) Remove Maintenance and Service filter Maintenance and Service
- (-) Remove Results filter Results
- Faults (13) Apply Faults filter
- Assays and Methods (10) Apply Assays and Methods filter
- Enzyme delivery (4) Apply Enzyme delivery filter
- General fluid delivery (3) Apply General fluid delivery filter
- Consumables (2) Apply Consumables filter
- Instrument set-up (2) Apply Instrument set-up filter
- Filtration (1) Apply Filtration 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?
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 can cause HIGHER than expected Dietary Fiber results?
What can cause HIGHER than expected Dietary Fiber results?
Static electricity during the weighting process: The largest contributor to poor results is the effect of static electricity on the weighing process. Because plastic gloves can contribute to static electricity, only use anti-static gloves. To eliminate static electricity while the bag is being weighed, you MUST use the Bag Weigh Holder (TDF52) during the weighing process.
Moisture control: Moisture Stop desiccant pouches (X45) should be used to minimize the effect of moisture on the weighing process. Verify that the desiccant pouches are in good condition (no holes and the zipper is functioning) and the packets within the desiccant pouches are still working (they should be a blue color).
BLANK values: BLANK values are used in the IDF, SDF, and TDF calculations. If you're not using the BLANK values provided by ANKOM, try using them in your calculation.
Chemicals: Because the MES-TRIS buffer can degrade in performance due to bacteria growth, making this solution daily is important. Clean all containers daily and refill with fresh solutions. Make sure that each container is securely connected to the appropriate supply tube on the instrument.
Protein and Ash Determinations: Because protein and ash values are part of the IDF, SDF, and TDF calculations, verify that your protein and ash systems are working properly and providing expected results.
Protein and Ash preparation: See the procedures detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual (Protein and Ash Determination sections) for preparing the bags for protein and ash.
Drying: Bags must be dried at 105° C to constant weight (90 minutes).
Acetone rinses: See the procedure detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual (IDF/SDF Analysis section) for performing the acetone rinses.
Sample size: Using sample sizes larger than the recommended size of 0.5 (+/- 0.05g) can cause higher results.
Digestion times: For demonstration and diagnostic purposes, you can set the digestion times to non-standard values through the Touch Screen Display. Results will be inaccurate if the instrument is run using non-standard digestion times.
Technician variability: Confirm that all technicians are following the procedures detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual to avoid any variation in results associated with different operators.
pH: Typically the pH reading should be between 3.5 and 6 before correction. If the pH reading is outside of these values check the acid and buffer solutions, and check that tubing is connected to the proper containers.
Enzyme delivery: View the enzyme containers while the enzymes are being delivered. The fluid level should go down. If the enzymes are not being delivered properly, contact ANKOM at [email protected].
Temperature control: To verify that the temperature is being properly controlled, follow the procedure detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual (QC / Calibration section).
Mixing: To verify that the mixing is being properly controlled, follow the procedure detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual (QC / Calibration section).
Sample with bound fat: It is possible you have a sample which has been highly processed and has bound the fat to the extent the fat is not available to the solvent before the TDF process. In this case, after running the TDF instrument, remove the bags, place them on the rinse stand and perform the 2 standard acetone rinses. Immediately after the rinses (no air drying) remove the bags from the stand and soak the filters in fresh pet ether for 10 minutes. Place the bags back on the rinse stand and immediately perform 2 pet ether rinses (just like the acetone rinses). When the solvent has evaporated, seal the bags and dry them normally.
What can cause LOWER than expected Dietary Fiber results?
What can cause LOWER than expected Dietary Fiber results?
Static electricity during the weighting process: The largest contributor to poor results is the effect of static electricity on the weighing process. Because plastic gloves can contribute to static electricity, only use anti-static gloves. To eliminate static electricity while the bag is being weighed, you MUST use the Bag Weigh Holder (TDF52) during the weighing process.
Sample sticking to the IDF Flow-thru bags: When running a TDF assay, particles can stick to the IDF Flow-thru bag and not get rinsed down into the SDF filter. The weight of the sample stuck to the IDF Flow-thru bag is not accounted for in the TDF calculation. To avoid this problem, after the digestion processes are complete, use 78% EtOH to manually rinse any sticky particles down from the IDF Flow-thru bag into the SDF bag. If necessary, a laboratory spatula can be used to help loosen particles that are stuck to the bag.
BLANK values: BLANK values are used in the IDF, SDF, and TDF calculations. If you're not using the BLANK values provided by ANKOM, try using them in your calculation.
Chemicals: Because the MES-TRIS buffer can degrade in performance due to bacteria growth, making this solution daily is important. Clean all containers daily and refill with fresh solutions. Make sure that each container is securely connected to the appropriate supply tube on the instrument.
Protein and Ash Determinations: Because protein and ash values are part of the IDF, SDF, and TDF calculations, verify that your protein and ash systems are working properly and providing expected results.
Protein and Ash preparation: See the procedures detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual (Protein and Ash Determination sections) for preparing the bags for protein and ash.
Drying: Bags must be dried at 105°C to constant weight (90 minutes).
Acetone rinses: See the procedure detailed in the (IDF/SDF Analysis section) for performing the acetone rinses. TDF Operator's Manual
Sample loss: If any sample is spilled or left in a weigh tin during transfer to the IDF bag, the assay will produce lower values.
Filtrate transfer from IDF to SDF bag: If any liquid does not quantitatively transfer from the IDF bag to the SDF bag, SDF results will be low. Make sure that the bottom of the IDF bags remain inside the top of the SDF bags during the IDF filter process.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) loss: If any DE is spilled or left in a weigh tin during transfer to the SDF bag, the assay will produce lower values.
Digestion times: For demonstration and diagnostic purposes, you can set the digestion times to non-standard values through the Touch Screen Display. Results will be inaccurate if the instrument is run using non-standard digestion times.
Technician variability: Confirm that all technicians are following the procedures detailed in the TDF Operator's Manual to avoid any variation in results associated with different operators.
pH: Typically the pH reading should be between 3.5 and 6 before correction. If the pH reading is outside of these values check the acid and buffer solutions, and check that tubing is connected to the proper containers.
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.
I am getting high TDF results even after doing the de-fat procedure. How can I correct this?
I am getting high TDF results even after doing the de-fat procedure. How can I correct this?
- During the de-fat procedure, do two 10 minute soaks in petroleum ether. This is particularly helpful with high fat (> than 20%) samples.
- It is possible you have a sample which has been highly processed and has bound the fat to the extent the fat is not available to the solvent before the TDF process. In this case, after running the TDF instrument, remove the bags, place them on the rinse stand and perform the 2 standard acetone rinses. Immediately after the rinses (no air drying) remove the bags from the stand and soak the filters in fresh pet ether for 10 minutes. Place the bags back on the rinse stand and immediately perform 2 pet ether rinses (just like the acetone rinses). When the solvent has evaporated, seal the bags and dry them normally.