Gentle and pulsation-free pumping of resins for chromatography systems

The task was to identify and incorporate a pump technology that could meet the need for accurate handling of resins for column packing in high-performance radial flow chromatography (HP-RFC) systems.

Proper column packing directly affects column performance. A well-packed column directly contributes to separation and efficient capture of the intended product. The better the resins are packed, the better the separation and the better the resolution of the targeted proteins. However, properly packing a chromotography column is often easier said than done.

To develop a perfect gasket, many variables need to be taken into account, including flow rate, back pressure and the amount of resins. The properties of the resin beads also differ; some resins are quite fragile and need to be handled carefully, while others are quite stiff and can be moved with more force.

The key to properly packing resins in the HP-RFC system is to use the right pump technology. The Quattroflow diaphragm pumps were chosen.

The pumps are accurate and have a high turndown ratio. They also have a compact design, so they are easy to integrate into a company's small systems. The pumps do not create foam when pumping and their product handling is 'fast but gentle', so they pump the shear-sensitive resin beads without damaging them. Quattroflow pumps are therefore excellent for projects where a gentle pump is needed that also produces high flow rates and is easy to control.

The Quattroflow pumps with their four pumping chambers keep the product flow constant and uniform. The pump chambers also contain no rotating parts that can be subject to friction, minimising operational heat build-up that can compromise the product.

This mode of operation also means the pumps can run dry, are self-priming and are able to create low shear. In addition, they offer low pulsation, leak-free operation and are easy to control to achieve the required flow rates or pressures. In other words, they have all the properties required for proper RFC column packing.