Chromatography Systems
Chromatography Systems
A chromatography system separates and purifies compounds by exploiting their differing affinity for a stationary phase packed in a column versus a moving liquid mobile phase, so components travel at different rates and elute separately. In an extraction or process line it performs the high-resolution polishing step, isolating a target active from closely related impurities after crude extract has been clarified and concentrated. It is chosen where purity requirements exceed what filtration or crystallisation alone can reach, and for fractionating complex mixtures. Mechotech designs and manufactures turnkey preparative and process chromatography systems, supplying complete engineered skids for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and botanical extraction industries.
A chromatography system works by loading feed onto a packed column where each compound partitions between the stationary phase and the flowing mobile phase according to its affinity, so components migrate at different velocities and are collected as separated fractions during elution. Depending on the separation, Mechotech configures adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion or reversed-phase modes to deliver very high purity, sharp fractionation, decolorization and strong recovery of concentrated target actives. Product-contact parts are built in SS 304 or SS 316L with hygienic, GMP-oriented design, low-dead-volume flow paths and sanitary connections. Systems include PLC-based automation with gradient control, in-line detection and automated fraction collection, and column dimensions, media volume and capacity are configured to the client's requirement.
Technical Specifications
| Technology | Preparative and process liquid chromatography |
|---|---|
| Working Principle | Differential affinity of compounds for a packed stationary phase versus a flowing mobile phase separates components into fractions |
| Separation Modes | Adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion and reversed-phase (application-selected) |
| Resolution | High-resolution purification and fractionation of closely related species |
| Gradient Control | Isocratic or programmable gradient elution |
| Product-contact Material | SS 304 / SS 316L |
| Automation | PLC/SCADA (configurable) with in-line detection and fraction collection |
| Capacity | Configured to requirement |
| Utilities | Electrical power, mobile-phase supply, CIP and rinse media as applicable |
| Compliance | GMP hygienic design |
| Output | Purified, fractionated and decolorized target fractions |
Manufacturing Process
Column Packing and Conditioning
The column is packed with the selected stationary-phase media and equilibrated with mobile phase to establish stable, reproducible bed conditions.
Sample Loading
Clarified, concentrated feed is loaded onto the column head so target and impurity species begin to distribute between the phases.
Adsorption and Binding
Components bind to or partition into the stationary phase according to their individual affinity for the media.
Elution and Separation
Mobile phase, often as a controlled gradient, moves components down the column at different rates so they resolve into distinct bands.
In-line Detection and Fraction Collection
Detectors monitor the eluate and automated valves divert purified target fractions away from impurity and waste cuts.
Regeneration and Re-equilibration
The column is stripped, cleaned and re-equilibrated to restore capacity for the next cycle.
Applications
- Purification of high-value actives from concentrated botanical extracts
- Fractionation of closely related compounds into distinct cuts
- Decolorization and removal of pigments and coloured impurities
- Desalting and buffer exchange of purified fractions
- Isolation of single molecules in pharmaceutical intermediate production
- Separation of alkaloids, glycosides and polyphenols in nutraceutical processing
- Polishing of proteins and peptides by size or charge
- Enrichment of standardized marker compounds for food and supplement products
Key Features
High-Resolution Purification
Affinity-based separation isolates a target active from closely related impurities to purity levels beyond filtration or crystallisation alone.
Multiple Separation Modes
Adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion and reversed-phase configurations are selected to match the chemistry of the target compound.
Automated Gradient and Collection
PLC-controlled gradients, in-line detection and automated fraction collection ensure precise, repeatable cuts with minimal operator dependence.
Hygienic GMP Design
Low-dead-volume flow paths and sanitary SS 304 or SS 316L wetted parts support cleanability and GMP-oriented operation.
Efficient Media Utilisation
Column regeneration and re-equilibration restore capacity each cycle, maximising media life and product recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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