Troubleshooting Guide

Your ANKOM instrument has been designed for long service and ease of maintenance. Most problems are easily diagnosed and fixed. If you experience problems that are not addressed in the information below or if you have any questions, contact ANKOM Technology for assistance. We are committed to fast and reliable service.

Problem: The Fiber Analyzer will not turn on.
Possible Causes:
The power cord is not plugged into the unit or the power source.
The main power switch is not turned on.
One of the system circuit breakers needs to be reset.

Problem: Fluid is observed in the Reservoir of the Maintenance Alert.
Possible Causes:
Leakage has occurred at the agitator shaft.
The Packing Nut inside the system requires attention.
Disconnect the power supply and remove the back of the instrument. Visually inspect the agitator assembly, specifically the area between the Maintenance Alert Collector and the Packing Nut. If signs of leakage are evident, clean the area thoroughly and tighten the Packing Nut 1/8 to 1/4 turn. If overtightened, the motor will sound strained or will not turn. If this occurs, loosen the Packing Nut slightly until the motor turns freely. Check the agitator assembly after the next procedure to ensure a tight seal. If no leakage is evident, thereafter, check the reservoir periodically. If leakage is evident repeat Step Two. Every 20 hours of operation check the agitator assembly for signs of leakage. When the instrument will not be in use for a long period of time, fill the vessel with water and run the agitator for approximately 10 minutes. Rinse the vessel thoroughly out with water. This will ensure no acid residue will corrode the instrument during storage.

Problem: The agitator is not moving and/or the motor sounds strained.
Possible Causes:
The Packing Nut may have been tightened too much during periodic maintenance or during operation.
Try loosening the Packing Nut slightly until the motor begins to operate and agitator moves freely.
If periodic maintenance was not accomplished and acid solution was allowed to leak into the packing assembly the shaft may become "frozen." Check for corrosive buildup. The Packing Set and Agitator may need to be replaced.

Problem: After some time, the temperature settings and the actual temperature do not match. The actual temperature is higher or lower than the factory setting.
Possible Causes:
The temperature controller is malfunctioning.
The temperature probe is malfunctioning.
Carefully pull the temperature controller out of the instrument by grasping both sides and pulling straight out. Wiggling from side to side may be necessary. Firmly re-insert the controller. Pour about 2000 ml of water into the vessel. Leaving the vessel lid open, turn on the heat and agitate switches and allow the system to come to a boil. NOTE: The water should begin to boil in about 10 minutes. Do not let the water boil over. Once the water begins to boil, check the temperature reading. The temperature readout should be at approximately 100 ° C. If the readings do not match, contact ANKOM Technology. Record the results of your boil test to include, time to boil and temperature reading at boil.

Problem: The timer no longer has a readout.
Possible Cause:
The timer battery needs replacement.
See the Timer Manual that was shipped with your instrument.

Problem: Temperature readings on controller fluctuate.
Possible Cause:
Contamination on controller contacts.
Carefully pull the temperature controller out of the instrument by grasping both sides and pulling straight out. Wiggling from side to side may be necessary. Clean contacts at the back of the controller. Firmly re-insert the controller.

For problems relating to the results of your analyses using the ANKOM Fiber Analyzer first check to ensure the procedures sent with your machine were followed. There are also copies of the major procedures on-line. Some possible variables that may affect your results are:

• Improper solution concentrates.

• Some chemicals may have come out of solution in your mixes and need to be heated and re-mixed.

• Rinse water was not heated to 90-100º Celsius.

• Oven drying temperatures were too high (drying temperatures higher than 105º Celsius may affect results).

• Improper calculation of blank bag correction or using the wrong values in the formula.

• Modifying the settings on the temperature controller.

If problems persist, please click here to fill out a trouble report.