Inlet flow
Gradient pump flow
Pressure sensor before the bubble trap
Air trap high level sensor
Air trap low level sensor
Pre-column conductivity sensor
Pre-column pH sensor
Pre-filter pressure sensor
System temperature
Post-column conductivity sensor
Post-column pH sensor
UV sensor
| Measuring point | Product | Alternatives | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Key instrumentation challenges in the chromatography process
Chromatography process performance is fundamentally dependent on the quality and reliability of process measurements. Critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as purity, yield, aggregate levels, and contaminant clearance are directly influenced by the control of critical process parameters (CPPs), including flow, pressure, pH, conductivity and UV absorbance. key instrumentation challenges are:
- Maintaining accurate buffer preparation and gradient control: If conductivity or flow measurements drift, the gradient profile changes and product fractions may no longer elute where expected.
- Reliable product detection and fraction collection: A major control challenge is determining exactly when the target protein starts eluting, when impurities appear and when to switch collection vessels. Traditionally, UV measurement is the primary control signal. Missing the correct collection window directly impacts yield and purity.
- Fouling, blockage, and pressure monitoring: Columns gradually foul due to host cell proteins, aggregates, lipids and particulates. Instrumentation must detect rising differential pressure, pump performance degradation and filtert fouling. Pressure trends are often the earliest indication of a developing problem.
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