Ankom Flex Analyte Extractor User manual
This page intentionally left blank
Operator’s Manual
pg. 5
Rev 1/22/2021
Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................................................5
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................7
2. Warranty .......................................................................................................................................................7
3. Contact Information......................................................................................................................................7
4. Instrument Description.................................................................................................................................8
5. Safety Precautions.........................................................................................................................................9
6. Instrument Installation................................................................................................................................10
Site Requirements and Operating Environment.............................................................................10
Unpack and place the instrument where it will be used................................................................10
Unpack the attachments and accessories. .....................................................................................10
Wipe down components.................................................................................................................12
Make Connections ..........................................................................................................................12
Power On ........................................................................................................................................14
Setting Nitrogen Pressures .............................................................................................................15
Setting Nitrogen Flow Rate.............................................................................................................18
Prime Reservoir and Pump Lines ....................................................................................................19
7. HMI Navigation ...........................................................................................................................................24
Home Screen...................................................................................................................................24
Methods..........................................................................................................................................25
Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................26
Records and Updates......................................................................................................................28
Training and Maintenance..............................................................................................................29
ANKOM Products ............................................................................................................................29
Who we are.....................................................................................................................................29
8. Starting an Assay.........................................................................................................................................30
Confirm Nitrogen Pressure .............................................................................................................30
Fill the Solution Reservoir Bottles...................................................................................................30
Assemble Digestion Vessels............................................................................................................31
Load Method...................................................................................................................................32
Weigh Sample.................................................................................................................................33
Install Digestion Vessels..................................................................................................................34
Add Internal Standard.....................................................................................................................34
Manually Close Digestion Oven Door .............................................................................................35
Install SPE Columns.........................................................................................................................35
Install Round Bottom Flasks............................................................................................................36
Operator’s Manual
pg. 6
Rev 1/22/2021
Confirm Solution Reservoirs are Full ..............................................................................................36
Start Run .........................................................................................................................................36
Track Progress.................................................................................................................................37
Abort Run........................................................................................................................................37
8.15 End of Run.......................................................................................................................................38
9. Adjust Method ............................................................................................................................................39
10. Custom Method..........................................................................................................................................40
11. Uploading a New Method ..........................................................................................................................41
12. Faults ..........................................................................................................................................................42
13. Periodic Maintenance.................................................................................................................................43
Inspect and clean solution reservoir bottles and filters .................................................................43
Inspect and clean the spray nozzles in the digestion oven.............................................................43
Regularly clean the instrument surfaces ........................................................................................43
14. Troubleshooting & Replacement Parts ......................................................................................................44
15. QC and Calibrations....................................................................................................................................45
Solution Delivery Calibration ..........................................................................................................45
16. Appendix A –Reagents...............................................................................................................................48
Best practices for solution preparation: Vitamin & Cholesterol Analysis.......................................48
Best practices for solution preparation: Fat Analysis.....................................................................48
Operator’s Manual
pg. 7
Rev 1/22/2021
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor. We are confident that this product will effectively serve
your needs.
The ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor is designed to simplify fat-soluble vitamin, cholesterol, and crude and hydrolysis fat
determinations. Supporting up to four samples at a time, the system will automatically complete saponification, solid phase
extraction (SPE) and evaporation in about two to three hours. It reduces technician variation and increases precision. This
manual will provide you with details that will help assure accuracy of your results.
ANKOM Technology designs, manufactures, and markets instruments and support products used by analytical laboratories
around the world in the food, feed, bio-energy, agricultural, and environmental industries. ANKOM Technology provides you
with products for determining or monitoring fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol, dietary fiber, detergent fiber, crude fiber, 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 your total satisfaction and are always available to help you get the most from our products value your
comments or suggestions.
For any questions or suggestions regarding your instrument, please contact us at:
Telephone: (315) 986-8090
Fax: (315) 986-8091
www.ankom.com
NOTE: Please review the entire manual before you begin operating this product.
Operator’s Manual
pg. 8
Rev 1/22/2021
4. Instrument Description
The ANKOMFLEX Analyte Extractor simplifies fat-soluble vitamin, cholesterol, crude and hydrolysis (total) 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 a time, the system will automatically complete saponification, solid phase extraction and
evaporation of the solvent. The system maintains four reservoirs that can be programmed by the user for the solutions required
(e.g. ethanol, hexane, KOH, water, etc.).
Supporting standard methods, the FLEX also allows for method development and customization. Digestion vessels have been
designed to allow for sample to be weighed directly into the vessels, eliminating transfer error. Filtration takes place without
user intervention, further reducing technician labor. A nitrogen atmosphere and positive flow, low temperature evaporation
protects sensitive analytes against oxidation and optimizes solvent evaporation. Exhaust lines are ready to be connected to an
exhaust system, eliminating under-hood instrument positioning. Once an assay is complete, the isolated analyte is ready for
reconstitution and quantitation by HPLC or GC. If the instrument is configured for crude or hydrolysis fat extraction, the isolated
fat is ready for gravimetric or fatty acid profile analysis. Sample size can vary up to 10 grams depending on fat and moisture
content. Fat-soluble vitamin samples that require larger volumes can be saponified outside of the instrument and aliquots can
be introduced for extraction and evaporation.
Evaporation
Chamber
Digestion Oven
Human Machine
Interface (HMI)
Touchscreen
Reservoir Door
and Tray
SPE Columns
Reservoir Bottles
Round Bottom Flasks
Digestion Vessels
Operator’s Manual
pg. 9
Rev 1/22/2021
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. 10
Rev 1/22/2021
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 15A
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.)
•5.5-6.9 bar (80-100 psi) Nitrogen Supply and connection tubing
•Ambient Temperature Range: 19°−30°C (66°-86°F)
Unpack and place the instrument where it will be used.
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 the 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 with port (4 Qty)
part # FLEX55
Round Bottom Flask (4 Qty)
part # 9364
100 ml Plastic Calibration Cup (4 Qty)
part # 9483
Vessel Bottom Assembly (4 Qty)
part # FLEX54
Magnetic Cross Stir-bar (4 Qty)
part # 9415
Black Nitrogen Supply Tubing (1 Qty)
part # 8216
Operator’s Manual
pg. 11
Rev 1/22/2021
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
FLEX Support Items
The following support items are needed to perform an assay and may be purchased separately.
Prepacked SPE columns
part # FLEX-SPE
Vitamin Filters
part # FLEX-VF
Sorbent Disposal Bags (optional)
part # FLEX-SDB
Including 10 ft Exhaust Tubes
(2 Qty)
Operator’s Manual
pg. 12
Rev 1/22/2021
Wipe down components
6.4.1. Wipe the digestion vessel top’s spray nozzles and O-rings, vessel bases, and the SPE column top’s O-rings with
a towel wetted with water. Refer to FLEX Service Procedure FLS011.
Make Connections
6.5.1. Connect waste assembly - Connect the shorter opaque tube to the vessel vent and waste port on the back of
the instrument and the longer opaque tube to the globe vent port. Connect the exhaust line to the waste
assembly exhaust line connection. Exhaust lines can be ventilated to an exhaust system. Screw on the cap to
the waste reservoir. Refer to FLEX Service Procedure FLS001.
Vessel Vent and
Waste port
Globe Vent
Exhaust line
connection
Waste Reservoir
Exhaust Tubes
Operator’s Manual
pg. 13
Rev 1/22/2021
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
positions. Match the colors and numbers of the reservoir bottles to each reservoir cap and tube.
Nitrogen
Supply Port
2
3
4
1
Operator’s Manual
pg. 14
Rev 1/22/2021
Power On
6.6.1. Plug the electrical cord into an appropriate power source.
6.6.2. To turn on the FLEX, flip 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.
USB Port
Ethernet Port
Power Switch
Electrical Cord
Operator’s Manual
pg. 15
Rev 1/22/2021
Setting Nitrogen Pressures
To confirm that the nitrogen levels are set correctly, press the “DIAGNOSTICS” section, and then go into the “COMMAND
CENTER.” The N2high pressure should be between 50-51 psi and the N2low pressure should be between 2.2-2.5 psi.
If the N2high pressure does not fall within the acceptable range, follow Adjusting N2High Pressure Regulator steps. If the N2
low pressure does not fall within the acceptable range, follow Adjusting N2Low Pressure Regulator steps.
6.7.1. Adjusting N2High Pressure Regulator
To increase:
a. Pull down the gray dial on the pressure regulator to
unlock.
b. Rotate dial counterclockwise (to the right) until the
pressure increases 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 clockwise (to the left) until the pressure
decreases within the desired range on the HMI
touchscreen.
c. Push up to lock dial in place.
Operator’s Manual
pg. 16
Rev 1/22/2021
6.7.2. Adjusting N2Low Pressure Regulator
To increase:
a. Rotate the lock disc counterclockwise (to the
left) to unlock.
b. Rotate the dial clockwise (to the right) 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 ~2 seconds.
f. Turn Vessel N2“Off.”
g. Close the “Pump Waste.”
h. Rotate the lock disc clockwise (to the right) to
lock.
i. Confirm that the low pressure is now within range.
If N2Low pressure is still below range (2.2-2.5 psi), repeat the steps to increase.
Dial
Lock Disc
Operator’s Manual
pg. 17
Rev 1/22/2021
To decrease:
a. Rotate the lock disc counterclockwise (to the left) to unlock. See lock
disc image above.
b. Rotate the dial one quarter turn counterclockwise (to the left).
c. In the “Command Center”, open the “Pump Waste.”
d. Turn vessel nitrogen “ON.”
e. Wait ~2 seconds.
f. Turn Vessel N2 “Off.”
g. Close the “Pump Waste.”
h. Rotate the lock disc clockwise (to the right) to lock.
i. Confirm that the low pressure is now within range.
If N2Low pressure is still above the range (2.2-2.5 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.
Operator’s Manual
pg. 18
Rev 1/22/2021
Setting Nitrogen Flow Rate
The flow meter should only be adjusted during the initial instrument installation and does not need to be regularly adjusted.
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.”
6.8.3. Open the reservoir door on the instrument.
6.8.4. Turn N2Globe “On.”
6.8.5. The float (ball) of the flow meter, located inside of the reservoir area, should be between
7.5-8.5 sL/min.
6.8.6. If the float falls outside of this range, adjust the flow meter by turning the control knob
counterclockwise (to the left) to increase flow or clockwise (to the right) 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 outside of installation if the user
observes poor performance of evaporation in the round bottom flasks.
Operator’s Manual
pg. 19
Rev 1/22/2021
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 need when running the line prime method: Digestion vessel (with or without port), filter,
and vessel bottom assembly.
6.9.2.1. Select the appropriate filter for the analysis. The filter must
match the filter of the method that the user intends to run
subsequently. The vitamin filter is used for vitamin and
cholesterol methods, and the fat filter is used for a total and
crude fat methods. Place the filter (either side up) in the vessel
bottom assembly. Make sure that it is pressed all the way down.
Operator’s Manual
pg. 20
Rev 1/22/2021
6.9.2.2. Wet the bottom outside edge of the
digestion vessel with water. Do not use any
other solution, as this will negatively impact
the seal.
6.9.2.3. Insert the digestion vessel into the vessel
bottom assembly by a slight twist motion.
6.9.3. Load Method: Line Prime
From the Home Screen:
6.9.3.1. 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 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. 21
Rev 1/22/2021
6.9.3.5. Enter “Prime” as the sample name for all four
positions.
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.”
NOTE: If “SAVE” is pressed before all
sample names were entered go back to the
Home Screen and repeat the Load Method
steps.
Operator’s Manual
pg. 22
Rev 1/22/2021
6.9.5. Manually Close Digestion Oven Door
6.9.6. Install SPE Columns
6.9.6.1. Be sure to remove all shipping packaging from inside the columns.
6.9.6.2. Wipe the inside of the column top with a wetted paper towel (water) to remove sorbent dust before
installing each column onto the instrument.
6.9.6.3. Install SPE columns by placing the top of the columns over the column top adapters on the instrument.
Push the column upwards and guide the bottom of the column all the way to the back until it hits the
guide and set the column in the column bottom adapter on the instrument. Twist each column a quarter
turn clockwise (to the left).
6.9.6.4. Once all SPE columns are installed, press “YES.”
6.9.7. Install Round Bottom Flasks
6.9.7.1. Open the evaporation chamber
door manually.
6.9.7.2. Turn the large black release ring at
each position clockwise (to the
right), until it fully tightens.
6.9.7.3. Install glass round bottom flasks
over the round bottom flask
adapters in the evaporation
chamber by pushing each until it
seals tightly.
Release Ring
Round Bottom Flask Adapter
Column Top Adapter
Column Bottom Adapter
Column Guide
Table of contents
Other Ankom Measuring Instrument manuals
Ankom
Ankom TDF Series Manual
Ankom
Ankom ANKOM200 FIBER ANALYZER User manual
Ankom
Ankom A2000 Manual
Ankom
Ankom TDF Series Manual
Ankom
Ankom A2000 Manual
Ankom
Ankom A2000 Operating and safety instructions
Ankom
Ankom A2000 Manual
Ankom
Ankom TDF Series Manual
Ankom
Ankom TDF User manual
Ankom
Ankom 2000 User manual
