ANKOM A220 Automated Fiber Analyzer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | A220 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| Sample Capacity | 24 positions |
| Throughput | ≥96 samples per day |
| Operating Temperature | 100 °C |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50/60 Hz, 1500 W |
| Weight | 20 kg (45 lbs) |
| Filter Bag Pore Size | 30 µm |
| Chemical Resistance | Compatible with 75% sulfuric acid and neutral/basic detergents |
Overview
The ANKOM A220 Automated Fiber Analyzer is a fully integrated, benchtop system engineered for standardized determination of dietary fiber fractions in animal feed, forage, and botanical matrices. It implements the sequential detergent extraction principle—aligned with AOAC Official Methods 973.18, 962.09, and 2002.04—as well as ASTM E1758 and ISO 13906 protocols for acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and crude fiber analysis. Unlike manual or semi-automated systems, the A220 performs complete digestion, filtration, and rinsing cycles within sealed, disposable 30 µm-pore polyester filter bags—eliminating gravimetric losses associated with Büchner funnel filtration, centrifugation, or vacuum transfer. Its closed-loop architecture minimizes operator exposure to concentrated acids (e.g., 75% H₂SO₄) and hot alkaline reagents while ensuring thermal and mechanical reproducibility across all 24 sample positions.
Key Features
- Automated dual-cycle digestion: Independent heating, stirring, and timed reagent delivery for NDF (neutral detergent) and ADF (acid detergent) steps—each with programmable temperature ramping and dwell profiles up to 100 °C.
- Patented 30 µm pore-size filter bag technology: Chemically inert polyester construction withstands repeated exposure to sulfuric acid (up to 75%), sodium sulfite, and neutral detergent solutions without structural degradation or leaching.
- Digital precision control: Integrated microprocessor manages real-time temperature monitoring (±0.5 °C accuracy), stir speed regulation (0–300 rpm), and multi-stage timers (0–999 min per step).
- Benchtop footprint: Compact 45 × 45 × 50 cm (W × D × H) design requires minimal lab space while supporting full 24-sample throughput per run.
- Modular serviceability: Includes replaceable components—stirring paddles, PT100 temperature probes, heating sleeves (Part #1920), and F57 filter bags—designed for long-term calibration stability and GLP-compliant maintenance logging.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The A220 accommodates heterogeneous solid matrices including alfalfa hay, corn silage, soybean meal, distillers’ grains, pet food formulations, and cereal by-products. Its digestion protocol meets the methodological requirements of AOAC International, AACC, and NRC for fiber fraction quantification. All hardware and software functions support audit-ready documentation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated LIMS integration. The system operates within Class II biosafety cabinet-compatible workflows and complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory environments.
Software & Data Management
The A220 operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency; however, optional USB data export enables CSV-formatted output of run logs—including start/end timestamps, setpoint deviations, temperature curves, and cycle completion flags. When deployed in regulated environments, users may implement electronic signature workflows using third-party validated software platforms compliant with GMP/GLP data integrity principles. Batch-level metadata (sample ID, analyst, date/time, reagent lot numbers) can be manually appended prior to export to ensure traceability.
Applications
- Routine nutritional profiling of ruminant feedstuffs for total digestible nutrients (TDN) and net energy (NEL) calculations.
- Quality control in commercial feed mills verifying compliance with AAFCO nutrient guarantees.
- Research applications in comparative nutrition studies assessing fiber solubility kinetics and lignin-carbohydrate complex resistance.
- Method validation and inter-laboratory comparison studies requiring high inter-operator reproducibility (RSD < 2.5% for NDF across 24 replicates).
- Regulatory submission support for novel feed ingredients under EFSA or FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine review pathways.
FAQ
What consumables are required for daily operation?
F57 polyester filter bags (30 µm), heating sleeve #1920, AOAC-certified neutral detergent (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich NDF Reagent), and analytical-grade sulfuric acid (75% w/w). All are supplied through ANKOM-authorized channels with lot-specific CoA documentation.
Can the A220 be validated for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—the instrument supports user access control via password-protected setup menus and generates immutable run logs. Full Part 11 compliance requires integration with a validated electronic record system and documented IQ/OQ/PQ protocols administered by the end-user’s QA department.
Is method equivalence established between A220 results and traditional Weende or Van Soest procedures?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies (e.g., Journal of Dairy Science, Vol. 105, 2022) confirm strong correlation (r² > 0.98) and non-significant bias (p > 0.05, Bland-Altman) between A220-derived ADF/NDF values and reference methods—provided reagent purity, bag preconditioning, and post-digestion drying conditions adhere to AOAC guidelines.
