Column Hardware; Mechanical Description; Design Features - Astrea Evolve Technical User Manual

1. Column Hardware

Mechanical Description:

Evolve™ Process Columns are designed specifically for use in
biopharmaceutical applications and can be used in both pilot and
production scale chromatographic processes.
A pressure rating of 4 bar, operating temperature range of 2-30°C
and adjustable bed height makes this column suitable for a wide
range of chromatography media types and chromatographic
techniques.

Design features:

1. The entire flow path is non-metallic, which has the following advantages;
a. Eliminates the corrosion risk and contamination of the process.
b. Allows the use of high concentration sodium chloride and guanidine hydrochloride
solutions.
c. Prevents any product inactivation through metal contact.
2. Unlike other columns available on the market the Evolve™ Process Columns have an integral
bed support and seal assembly. The polypropylene mesh and seal are manufactured as a
single unit and fits directly on the flow cell without any fixings, which has the following
advantages;
a. Ensures the maximum area is available to flow, promoting good chromatographic
performance and clean ability.
b. Eliminates use of fixings to secure the bed support to the flow cell, removing the
potential for leak paths or dead flow zones.
c. Reduces number of components in the column assembly, leading to easy operation
and maintenance.
3. Sealing of the adjuster flow cell to the tube wall is achieved by a moulded Santoprene
seal. Central activation of this seal ensures that compression is even. The mechanism to
energise and de-energise the seal is simple and easy to operate.
4. Positioning of the adjuster assembly within the acrylic tube is easy and simple using the
central adjustment mechanism.
5. The column is composed of three main sub-assemblies –
a. Adjuster assembly - which consists of the adjuster flow cell assembly, adjuster seal
components, adjuster flange and a central height adjust rod. This allows the
position of the adjuster to be varied using the height adjust rods over the range 20-
520 mm.
b. Tube unit - which consists of the acrylic column tube, flanges and column stand or
support legs.
c. Fixed assembly - which consists of the bottom flow cell assembly and flow tube.
PC: Evolve 200_250 Columns Operating Manual v2
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