AxiChrom™ columns are designed to support reliable chromatography performance across bioprocessing applications where consistency, productivity, and process confidence are critical. Preventive maintenance is one of the most effective ways to help protect performance over time. By reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns, keeping schedules on track, and ensuring equipment continues to perform according to specification, preventive maintenance helps organizations maintain confidence in column operation and long-term reliability.
Why preventive maintenance matters
In bioprocessing environments, chromatography columns play an important role in process performance and product quality. Any unexpected issue with column function, pressure integrity, leakage, valve operation, or mechanical condition can disrupt production schedules and increase troubleshooting requirements. Preventive maintenance helps reduce these risks by identifying wear before it develops into failure and by verifying that the column continues to meet original factory specifications.
For AxiChrom™ columns, preventive maintenance is built into the equipment design process for long-term reliability and is delivered by certified service engineers trained to provide expert maintenance tailored to the system. After completion, detailed service reports are provided to support full traceability.
A comprehensive system assessment
A structured maintenance program begins with a comprehensive system assessment. During preventive maintenance, qualified engineers perform tests and verifications to confirm that AxiChrom™ columns meet original factory specifications. Where required, components are replaced using quality parts from Cytiva. The procedures are based on protocols optimized during system design and reflect the same functional and quality checks applied during assembly and pre-delivery validation.
This approach helps ensure that maintenance is not simply a visual check, but a systematic verification of the column’s performance, mechanical condition, and readiness for continued use.
Focus on the functions that keep columns performing
AxiChrom™ column performance depends on several critical functions working reliably together. Preventive maintenance focuses on the factors most likely to affect column integrity, process consistency, and long-term equipment reliability.
Pressure performance
Pressure testing is included as part of preventive maintenance for AxiChrom™ columns. This helps verify that the column remains capable of operating as expected under process conditions and supports confidence in system functionality.
Leakage control
Leakage testing is another key maintenance activity. Because process fluid contact areas are central to column performance and product integrity, checking for leakage helps reduce the risk of process disruption and supports reliable operation.
Valve function
Where applicable, valve testing is included during preventive maintenance. Valve performance is important for controlling process flow and maintaining proper column operation, so routine verification helps identify potential issues before they affect process performance.
Mechanical condition
Mechanical inspection is also part of the preventive maintenance program. This helps confirm that the column’s physical components remain in suitable condition and that wear or damage can be identified before it contributes to unexpected failure.
Cleaning
Cleaning is included within the listed maintenance activities for AxiChrom™ columns. As part of a broader preventive maintenance program, cleaning supports reliable equipment condition and helps maintain confidence in ongoing column performance.
Replacing wear components before they become problems
Replacing wear-and-tear components is an important part of preventive maintenance because it helps minimize the risk of unexpected failure and extend equipment life. For AxiChrom™ columns, preventive maintenance includes replacing elastomers that are in contact with process fluid, which helps minimize contamination risk due to leakage and supports the quality of the end product for human use.
Examples of parts replaced during preventive maintenance include:
| Column type | Examples of replaced components |
|---|---|
| PMMA column | O-rings used in the top inlet, adaptor plate, bottom plate, and resin valve; scrapers; snap ring; PE) bed supports on the adaptor and bottom plate. |
| SS column | O-rings used in the top inlet, adaptor plate, bottom plate, and resin valve. |
PMMA= Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) column
PE= Polyethylene
SS= Stainless steel column
Plastic bed supports are included, while stainless steel bed supports are optional and can be included depending on customer needs.
What should be checked during maintenance?
Preventive maintenance for AxiChrom™ columns includes a defined set of tests and inspections designed to verify performance and identify developing issues. These include:
- Pressure test
- Leakage test
- Valve test, if applicable
- Mechanical inspection
- Cleaning
Together, these activities help confirm that the column remains capable of reliable operation and that key functions continue to perform as intended.
How often should AxiChrom™ columns be maintained?
Maintenance frequency should reflect how intensively the column is used. For normal to high usage of less than 4000 hours per year, one preventive maintenance visit every second year is recommended. For continuous usage of more than 4000 hours per year, two preventive maintenance visits annually are recommended.
| System usage | Typical PM frequency |
|---|---|
| Normal to high usage: less than 4000 hours per year | One PM visit every second year |
| Continuous usage: more than 4000 hours per year | Two PM visits annually |
PM= Preventive maintenance
This usage-based approach helps align maintenance with operational demand, supporting reliable performance while helping organizations plan service activity around production needs.
Documentation supports traceability and compliance
Documentation is an essential part of preventive maintenance. Cytiva provides a standardized set of documentation and test results after each service or repair. This ensures full traceability, saves time, reduces costs, and supports compliance in regulated environments. Service engineers document every preventive maintenance visit and issue a service report upon completion.
This documentation provides a clear record of what was tested, what was replaced, and how the system was performing after maintenance. It can also support audit readiness, lifecycle management, and internal quality processes.
Preventive maintenance as part of service planning
To maintain consistent system performance, preventive maintenance for AxiChrom™ columns is included in Cytiva service agreements. The flyer highlights extended life cycle, service traceability, and maximized productivity as key service-plan outcomes.
For organizations relying on AxiChrom™ columns in critical chromatography workflows, this makes preventive maintenance a practical part of long-term equipment management rather than a reactive response to equipment issues.
The long-term value of preventive maintenance
For bioprocessing organizations using AxiChrom™ columns, preventive maintenance should be viewed as a proactive investment in equipment reliability, process continuity, and operational confidence. By combining functional testing, inspections, calibration, replacement of wear-and-tear components, exchange of process-fluid-contact elastomers, and signed maintenance documentation, organizations can reduce the risk of unexpected failure, extend equipment life, and support consistent column performance over time.
If you are looking to strengthen your approach to equipment maintenance, improve system reliability, and build confidence in troubleshooting, consider participating in an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-led maintenance and troubleshooting training program. These training courses are designed to help users better understand system operation, identify and resolve common issues, perform routine maintenance tasks, and recognize early warning signs before they lead to unplanned downtime. By developing in-house expertise, teams can improve equipment performance, reduce the need for service interventions, increase productivity, and support more consistent and reproducible results. Our training programs combine practical, hands-on learning with expert guidance from experienced instructors, helping users maximize the value and lifespan of their equipment.
Additional resources
To learn more, explore additional resources to download related content, read other articles on service offerings, or connect directly with a member of the services team to discuss your specific needs.
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