ANKOM RF - Manual (Page 35)

Operator’s Manual
Rev F 8/29/14
pg. 35
Operating Instructions
To conduct a study with the ANKOM RF Gas Production System, follow the steps below:
1. Start your GPM software.
On your computer monitor, click the GPM icon to start the program. If the batteries are plugged into the
Modules, the program should display the battery voltage and pressure of each Module Assembly, including
the Reference Module Zero. (Reference Module Zero measures the ambient pressure and has no Glass Bottle
attached to it.)
If Reference Module Zero is not connected, a default value of 14.5 psi is used
for ambient pressure.
2. Test that each Module is communicating with the computer.
To test communication between the Modules and the computer, use the following procedure:
2.1 Connect the Base Coordinator to your computer.
2.2 Plug Battery Packs into each of the Modules you want to test.
2.3 Verify that the GPM software recognizes each Module (your GPM screen will display a battery
voltage for each Module that it recognizes).
3. Clean and sterilize the Modules and Bottles before beginning operation.
It should be standard practice after each use to clean the underside of the black module housing with warm
soapy water. When this is done it is critical that water not get into the module or the electronics will be
damaged. Do not autoclave or submerse the module (even with the lid on) or allow water to enter the gap
around the side vent tube. Appendix A should be used for cleaning of the vent valve and tubing, as needed.
With the modules cleaned, it is recommended that they be sterilized with alcohol before use. Drying can be
expedited at up to, but not exceeding, 60°C. The glass bottles that come with your ANKOM RF Gas
Production System are plastic-coated for safety. As such they are not rated for autoclave sterilization. As
with the rest of the system do not heat the bottles beyond 60°C. Clean the bottles with warm soapy water.
Rinse and sterilize with alcohol. Drying can be expedited at up to, but not exceeding, 60°C.
4. Test the vent valve operation for each Module.
Holding the vent valve open may reduce battery voltage. Before clicking the
Record button on your GPM screen to start a study, replace batteries that show
6.6 volts or lower.
You can test vent valve operation by using either Luer Check Valves or the Vent Valve Cleaning Kit. To
verify vent valve operation using Luer Check Valves, follow the steps below:
To open the vent valve, click the Valve Open box on your GPM screen so that a
check mark appears in the box (). (To preserve battery life, the valve will
remain open for a maximum of 90 seconds.) To close the vent valve, click the
Valve Open box to remove the check mark ().
4.1 On your GPM screen, change Live Interval to 1 second and Recording Interval to 1 minute.
4.2 Press Record on your computer screen to start
recording pressure data.
4.3 Attach a Luer Check Valve to the Luer Port of each
Module you want to test.
Luer Check Valve
Luer Cap