Ankom FLEX User manual

Operator’s Manual
2052 O’Neil Rd, Macedon NY 14502
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.ankom.com
Rev 3/2/2023

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Operator’s Manual
pg. 1
Rev 3/2/2023
Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................................3
2. Warranty.......................................................................................................................................................3
3. Contact Information .....................................................................................................................................3
4. Instrument Description ................................................................................................................................4
5. Safety Precautions........................................................................................................................................5
6. Instrument Installation.................................................................................................................................6
Site Requirements and Operating Environment...............................................................................6
Unpack Instrument ...........................................................................................................................6
Unpack Attachments and Accessories..............................................................................................6
Wipe Components ............................................................................................................................7
Make Connections ............................................................................................................................8
Power On.........................................................................................................................................10
Setting Nitrogen Pressures..............................................................................................................11
Setting Nitrogen Flow Rate of Evaporation Chamber.....................................................................14
Prime Reservoir and Pump Lines ....................................................................................................15
7. HMI Navigation...........................................................................................................................................21
Home Screen...................................................................................................................................21
Methods..........................................................................................................................................22
Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................23
Records and Updates......................................................................................................................25
Training and Maintenance..............................................................................................................26
ANKOM Products ............................................................................................................................26
Who we are....................................................................................................................................26
8. Starting an Assay ........................................................................................................................................27
Confirm Nitrogen Pressure .............................................................................................................27
Fill Solution Reservoir Bottles .........................................................................................................27
Assemble Digestion Vessels............................................................................................................28
Load Method...................................................................................................................................29
Install Digestion Vessels and Weigh Sample...................................................................................30
Manually Close Digestion Oven Door .............................................................................................33
Install the SPE Columns...................................................................................................................33
Install Round Bottom Flasks............................................................................................................35
Confirm Solution Reservoirs are Full...............................................................................................35
Start Run .........................................................................................................................................35

Operator’s Manual
pg. 2
Rev 3/2/2023
Track Progress.................................................................................................................................36
Abort Run........................................................................................................................................36
8.13 Clean Vessel Tops............................................................................................................................37
8.14 End of Run.......................................................................................................................................39
8.15 Powering Down Instrument............................................................................................................41
9. Adjust Method............................................................................................................................................42
10. Custom Method..........................................................................................................................................43
11. Uploading Methods or Software................................................................................................................44
12. Faults.......................................................................................................................................................45
13. Periodic Maintenance.................................................................................................................................46
Solution Reservoirs and Filters........................................................................................................46
Spray Nozzles in the Digestion Oven...............................................................................................46
Instrument Surfaces........................................................................................................................46
Maintenance Schedule for Parts.....................................................................................................46
14. Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................................47
15. QC and Calibrations....................................................................................................................................48
Solution Delivery Calibration ..........................................................................................................48
16. Appendix A –Reagents...............................................................................................................................52
Best Practices for Solution Preparation: Total and Crude Fat Analysis ..........................................52
Best Practices for Solution Preparation: Vitamin & Cholesterol Analysis ......................................52
17. Appendix B –FLEX Maintenance: Rinsing Slide Valve................................................................................53

Operator’s Manual
pg. 3
Rev 3/2/2023
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor (FLEX). We are confident that this product will effectively
serve your needs.
The FLEX is designed to simplify fat-soluble vitamin, cholesterol, crude fat, and total (hydrolysis) fat determinations. Supporting
up to four samples at a time, the system will automatically complete digestion (saponification or hydrolysis), solid phase
extraction (SPE), and evaporation of solvent in about two to three hours. By automating these labor-intensive procedures,
accuracy and precision is improved, chemical exposure is limited, and hands-on labor is reduced. This manual will provide you
with details that will help you operate the FLEX efficiently and effectively for precise and accurate results.
ANKOM Technology designs, manufactures, and markets analytical instruments and support products to laboratories around
the world in the food, feed, agricultural, bioenergy, and environmental industries. Our instruments allow for the analysis of
fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol, dietary fiber, crude and detergent fiber, crude and total fat, digestibility, microbial
fermentation (anaerobic or aerobic) and more.
ANKOM Technology is committed to total customer satisfaction, designing every product based on a thorough assessment of
customer needs.
2. Warranty
ANKOM Technology warrants the ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor against any defects in workmanship or material for one year
after the original date of purchase. This warranty does not include damage to the instrument resulting from neglect or misuse.
During the warranty period, should any failure result from defects in workmanship or materials, ANKOM Technology will, at
its discretion, repair or replace the instrument free of charge. Extended warranties are available upon request.
3. Contact Information
We are committed to supporting you and value your feedback.
For any questions or suggestions regarding your instrument, please contact us at:
For Sales Support: s[email protected] or https://www.ankom.com/contact-us
For Technical Support: www.ankom.com/contact/technical-services
For Analytical Support: www.ankom.com/contact/analytical-services
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
NOTE: Please review the entire manual before you begin operating this product.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 4
Rev 3/2/2023
4. Instrument Description
The ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor simplifies fat-soluble vitamin, cholesterol, crude, and total (hydrolysis) fat determinations
and other possible applications. This fully automated system integrates all the steps involved in these analyses in one
instrument. Supporting up to four samples at one time, the system will automatically complete digestion (saponification or
hydrolysis), solid phase extraction and evaporation of the solvent. The system has four solution reservoirs which can be filled
with various chemical solutions as defined by method requirements (e.g. ethanol, hexane, HCl, KOH, water). The FLEX’s
software allows for method development and customization.
Digestion vessels have been designed to allow for sample to be weighed directly into the vessels, thereby eliminating transfer
error. Filtration takes place without user intervention, further reducing technician labor. A nitrogen atmosphere, positive flow,
and low temperature evaporation protects sensitive analytes against oxidation and optimizes solvent evaporation. Exhaust
lines can be connected to an exhaust system therefore eliminating the need to position the entire instrument in a ventilation
hood. Once an assay is complete, the isolated analyte is ready for gravimetric analysis (fat analysis) or reconstitution for
quantitation by HPLC or GC (vitamin, cholesterol, fatty acid profile analysis).
Evaporation
Chamber
Digestion Oven
Human Machine
Interface (HMI)
Touchscreen
Reservoir Door
and Tray
SPE Columns
(Vitamin Column
Pictured)
Reservoir Bottles
Round Bottom Flasks
Digestion Vessels

Operator’s Manual
pg. 5
Rev 3/2/2023
5. Safety Precautions
Hot Surfaces –Do NOT open the Digestion Oven during operation. The
interior surfaces can reach 100°C (212°F). Failure to observe this caution may
result in burns.
Hazardous Voltages –Do NOT operate the instrument with the back of the
main electrical cabinet removed. Hazardous voltages are present during
operation. Failure to observe this caution may result in electrical shock or
electrocution.
Hazardous Materials –Follow SDS warnings and recommendations for all
materials to be used in this instrument, for example: Ethanol, Hexane, and SPE
sorbent. Follow both local and federal regulations for vent hood requirements
when operating this instrument. Failure to observe this caution may be
hazardous to your health.
WARNING: Attempts to override safety features or to use this instrument in a
manner not specified by ANKOM Technology voids the warranty and may result
in serious injury or even death. This system is designed to meet and/or exceed
the applicable standards of CE and CSA.
The power switch must be in the OFF position before plugging the instrument
power cord into the power source.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 6
Rev 3/2/2023
6. Instrument Installation
Site Requirements and Operating Environment
To install and operate the ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor you will need the following:
•Adequate Power: 100V−120V ~ 50/60Hz 8A
220V−240V ~ 50/60Hz 8A
•Must have ability to connect to an exhaust system
•Bench space that can accommodate 77.5 cm (30.5”) W x 81.3 cm (32”) H x 45.7 cm (18”) D and a weight of 54.4 kg
(120 lbs.)
•Nitrogen Supply Requirements: a. N2 purity, Industrial Grade (Grade 4.8) which is 99.998% or purer
b. N2 Flowrate of 10LPM at 6.9 bar minimum
c. Supply N2 pressure 5.5-6.9 bar (80-100 psi)
•Fitting adapter to connect nitrogen supply to the ¼” (6.35mm) outside diameter
•Black polyurethane nitrogen supply tubing that ANKOM supplies
•Ambient Temperature Range: 19°−30°C (66°-86°F)
Unpack Instrument
The instrument shipping container consists of three separate cardboard pieces: a top, a bottom, and a sleeve that forms the
body of the container. Remove the top and the sleeve of the instrument shipping container. Lift the instrument from the
shipping container bottom and place it on a surface that is firm and level. The instrument needs to be near a nitrogen supply
and within range to connect exhaust lines to a ventilation hood or exhaust system. The instrument must not be subjected to
excessive shock, vibration, dirt, moisture, oil, or other fluids.
Unpack Attachments and Accessories
Within the shipping container is a cardboard box containing attachments, accessories, and a tool kit. Open the box and verify
that the following items are present. The tool kit will have a separate packing list included.
Digestion Vessel Glass with port
(6 Qty)
part # FLEX55
Round Bottom Flask (6 Qty)
part # 9364
Vessel Bottom Plugs (12 Qty)
part # FLEX72
Vessel Bottom Assembly (6 Qty)
part # FLEX54
Magnetic Cross Stir Bar (6 Qty)
part # 9415
FLEX Tool Kit
Rubber Cleaning Strip (1 Qty)
part # 9479
Black Nitrogen Supply Tubing (1 Qty)
part # 8216
3mm Tee Handle
Hex Wrench
14mm Open
End Wrench
90 Degree
Angled Pick
1/8” Hex Driver
Hex Wrench Set

Operator’s Manual
pg. 7
Rev 3/2/2023
500 ml Solution Reservoir Bottle
(3 Qty)
part # 5605
2000 ml Solution Reservoir Bottle
(1 Qty)
part # 9365
Waste Bottle Assembly
(1 Qty)
part # FLEX49
Sorbent Disposal Bags
(20 Qty)
part # FLEX-SDB
FLEX Support Items
The following support items can be purchased separately.
Item
ANKOM Part #
Vitamin & Cholesterol SPE Column
FLEX-SPE-01
Total Fat SPE Column
FLEX-SPE-02
Column Top
FLEX-9001
Vitamin & Cholesterol Filter
FLEX-VF
Total Fat Filter
FLEX-FF
Sorbent Disposal Bag
FLEX-SDB
FLEX Maintenance Kit
FLEX66
Wipe Components
6.4.1. Wipe the vessel bases, the spray nozzles and O-rings of the digestion vessel tops and the column top adaptors
with a towel wetted with water. Refer to FLEX Service Procedure FLS011.
Including 10 ft Exhaust Tubes
(2 Qty)

Operator’s Manual
pg. 8
Rev 3/2/2023
Make Connections
6.5.1. Connect waste bottle assembly. If your laboratory would like to connect the instrument to its own waste
reservoir, be sure to adhere to the standards below.
•Connect the shorter opaque tube on the waste bottle assembly to the vessel vent and waste port on the back
of the instrument. The instrument cannot drain uphill; it must drain by gravity. This means that the waste
reservoir cannot be higher than the waste port. This scenario would create a backflow to the instrument.
•Connect one of the 3 m exhaust tubes to the globe vent port on the back of the instrument.
•Connect the second 3 m exhaust tube to the waste assembly exhaust line connection.
•Vent the exhaust tubes to an exhaust system. The exhaust system should pull a slight vacuum so that solvent
fumes are properly removed from the FLEX during evaporation. These connections must never be closed or
restricted during operation of the instrument.
•Screw on the cap to the waste reservoir.
•Confirm all connections.It is important the waste reservoir is vented and
does not build pressure.
•All tubes from the instrument must be free of bends and kinks. If the
tubing is kinked, the instrument will not be able to drain properly and
will cause damage to the instrument.
Vessel Vent and
Waste port
Globe Vent
Exhaust line
connection
Waste Reservoir
Exhaust Tubes

Operator’s Manual
pg. 9
Rev 3/2/2023
6.5.2. Connect nitrogen supply (N2high pressure) - Attach the black nitrogen supply tubing (part # 8216) to a high
pressure (>50psi) nitrogen source and then attach to the instrument by pushing the black nitrogen supply tubing
into the nitrogen supply port on the back of the instrument. Refer to FLEX Service Procedure FLS002.
6.5.3. Press the reservoir door to open the door. Install the solution reservoir bottles into the correct numbered
position. Match the colors and numbers of the reservoir bottles to each reservoir cap and tube.
Nitrogen
Supply Port
2 (yellow)
3 (blue)
4 (red)
1 (green)

Operator’s Manual
pg. 10
Rev 3/2/2023
Power On
6.6.1. Plug the electrical cord into an appropriate power source.
6.6.2. To turn on the FLEX, toggle the power switch that is located on the side of the instrument. The red light indicates
that it is on.
The FLEX will take about three minutes to
power on and run a self-test. The self-test
will conclude, and the following screen will
be displayed.
If the pressure sensors do not pass, press
“OK” and proceed to the following section
to adjust the nitrogen pressure
regulators.
If any other component does not pass the
self-test, contact ANKOM.
www.ankom.com/contact/technical-
services
USB Port
Ethernet Port
Power Switch
Electrical Cord

Operator’s Manual
pg. 11
Rev 3/2/2023
Setting Nitrogen Pressures
To confirm that the nitrogen levels are set correctly, select “DIAGNOSTICS”, and then select “COMMAND CENTER.” The N2high
pressure should be between 50-51 psi and the N2low pressure should be 2.8 (± 0.2 psi).
If the N2high pressure or the N2low pressure does not fall within the acceptable ranges, follow the instructions below for
“Adjusting N2High Pressure”or “Adjusting N2Low Pressure.”
6.7.1. Adjusting N2High Pressure
To increase:
a. Pull down the gray dial on the pressure regulator to
unlock.
b. Rotate dial to the right until the pressure increases to
within the desired range on the HMI touchscreen.
c. Push up to lock dial in place.
To decrease:
a. Pull down the dial on the pressure regulator to unlock.
b. Rotate dial to the left until the pressure decreases to
within the desired range on the HMI touchscreen.
c. Push up to lock dial in place.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 12
Rev 3/2/2023
6.7.2. Adjusting N2Low Pressure
To increase:
a. Rotate the lock disc (large disc towards the
back) counterclockwise to unlock.
b. Rotate the dial (small knob on the front) clockwise
until the pressure increases within the desired
range on the HMI touchscreen.
c. In the “Command Center”, open the “Pump
Waste.”
d. Turn vessel nitrogen “ON.”
e. Wait about 2 seconds.
f. Turn Vessel N2“Off.”
g. Close the “Pump Waste.”
h. Rotate the lock disc clockwise (to the right) to
lock it in place.
i. Confirm that the low pressure is now within range.
If N2Low pressure is still below 2.8 (± 0.2 psi), repeat the steps to increase.
Dial
Lock Disc

Operator’s Manual
pg. 13
Rev 3/2/2023
To decrease:
a. Rotate the lock disc (large disc towards
back) counterclockwise to unlock.
b. Rotate the dial (small knob on the front) one quarter turn
counterclockwise.
c. In the “Command Center”, open the “Pump Waste.”
d. Turn vessel nitrogen “ON.”
e. Wait about 2 seconds.
f. Turn Vessel N2 “Off.”
g. Close the “Pump Waste.”
h. Rotate the lock disc clockwise to lock it in place.
i. Confirm that the low pressure is now within range.
If N2Low pressure is still above 2.8 (± 0.2 psi), repeat steps to decrease.
D
i
a
l
NOTE: The user will not see a change in
pressure on the HMI during this step until the
residual pressure is released.
Lock Disc

Operator’s Manual
pg. 14
Rev 3/2/2023
Setting Nitrogen Flow Rate of Evaporation Chamber
The flow meter should only be adjusted during the initial instrument installation and does not need to be adjusted regularly.
Follow the steps below to check and adjust the flow meter.
6.8.1. From the home screen, press “DIAGNOSTICS”, then press
“COMMAND CENTER.”
6.8.2. Confirm that the N2high pressure value is within the
range of 50-51 psi. If it is outside of this range, refer to
(Setting Nitrogen Pressures) section.
6.8.3. Open the reservoir door on the instrument. The flow
meter is situated within the reservoir compartment.
6.8.4. Turn N2Globe “On.”
6.8.5. The float (ball) of the flow meter should be between 7.5-8.5 sL/min.
6.8.6. If the reading falls outside of this range, adjust the flow meter by turning the control knob
counterclockwise to increase flow or clockwise to decrease flow. This may take several
rotations.
6.8.7. Once the float has been adjusted to be within the acceptable range, turn Globe N2“Off.”
Make sure round bottom flasks are NOT installed in the
evaporation chamber when checking the flow meter.
NOTE:This step is only necessary when the instrument is first installed
or if the user observes poor performance of evaporation in the round
bottom flasks.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 15
Rev 3/2/2023
Prime Reservoir and Pump Lines
Reservoir and pump lines must be primed (i) BEFORE the instrument is first used, and (ii) when the instrument has been out
of use for more than two weeks. Wear gloves and safety glasses when running the Line Prime method.
To prime all lines, complete the following steps.
6.9.1. Fill the Solution Reservoir Bottles
Fill each solution reservoir with the appropriate reagents.
Reagents must match the reagents of the method that the
user intends to run subsequently. Refer to Appendix A -
Reagents.
You must use the correct reservoir position for each
solution as some solvents must not be vented.
For further details on how to fill the reservoir bottles, refer
to FLEX Service Procedure FLS005, found on the ANKOM
website.
6.9.2. Assemble Digestion Vessels
The following parts are needed when running the line prime method: Digestion vessel glass (with or without
port) and vessel bottom assembly.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 16
Rev 3/2/2023
6.9.2.1. Wet the bottom outside edge of the digestion
vessel glass with water by wiping it with a wet
paper towel. This makes for easier assembly.
6.9.2.2. Place the digestion vessel glass upside-down on the
counter. Place the vessel bottom assembly on the
digestion vessel glass and press down firmly until the
glass seats evenly in the vessel bottom assembly.
6.9.3. Load Method: Line Prime
6.9.3.1. From the Home Screen, press “METHODS.”
6.9.3.2. Select the “MISCELLANEOUS” category.
6.9.3.3. Select the “Line Prime”method.
6.9.3.4. The screen will display the steps required to start
a run. Press the first step, “1. Enter sample
name.”
IMPORTANT: Make sure
the digestion vessel glass seats
evenly and tightly, with the glass all
the way down in the vessel bottom
assembly, otherwise the digestion
solution will leak.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 17
Rev 3/2/2023
6.9.3.5. Enter “Prime” as the sample name for the first
position only.
6.9.3.6. Press “SAVE.”
6.9.4. Install Digestion Vessels
6.9.4.1. Open the digestion oven door by pulling it
open.
6.9.4.2. Make sure the vessel tops are open. If they
are not open, press the “Vessel Top” toggle so
that they are in the open position.
6.9.4.3. Install the digestion vessels into the instrument by sliding them into the guide and setting them into the
white vessel bases. If you are using digestion vessels with ports, make sure the ports are facing forward.
6.9.4.4. Close the vessel tops by pressing the “Vessel Tops”toggle. You will see the vessel tops descend and seal
the digestion vessels.
6.9.4.5. Once all four digestion vessels have been installed, press “YES.”
6.9.5. Manually Close Digestion Oven Door
NOTE: You will need to still install all
four Digestion Vessels for the Line Prime
Method.

Operator’s Manual
pg. 18
Rev 3/2/2023
6.9.6. Install SPE Columns
SPE columns must be installed for the line prime method to function correctly. They will not be wetted and can
be reused. Any ANKOM SPE column can be used during this step. (e.g., FLEX-SPE-01)
To assemble fat SPE columns:
6.9.6.1. Remove all packaging material from inside the columns. Do not remove the white diffuser disk that
holds the sorbent in place.
6.9.6.2. Wipe the inside of the top of the
SPE column (fat column shown
here) and the outside of the
column funnel with a wetted paper
towel (distilled water) to remove
sorbent dust before pressing them
together.
6.9.6.3. Firmly press the column funnel and the SPE column together to
ensure they are secure and will not separate easily.
To install vitamin and fat SPE columns:
6.9.6.4. Before installing each SPE column onto the
instrument, wipe the inside of the column top
(vitamin) or column funnel (fat) and the
column top adapter O-ring.