ÄKTA process chromatography system with the third pump that supports inline dilution (ILD)

ÄKTA process™ chromatography system

Highly flexible chromatography system for process scale-up and large-scale manufacturing

Control software option

Distributed control system

UNICORN control software

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Price includes standard shipping and handling

Overview

The ÄKTA process™ automated chromatography system is designed for process scale-up and large-scale biomanufacturing. As your process evolves, choose from over a million possible configurations and add pumps, sensors or inline dilution functionality as needed.

Highly flexible system design for different process needs in downstream processing in facilities purifying a wide range of drug substance material
Compatible with AxiChrom™ chromatography columns for efficient unit operation using Intelligent packing functionality for robust, reproducible packing of high-flow agarose chromatography resins
Suitable for GMP-regulated manufacturing operated with UNICORN™ control software or third party automation solutions used by many biotechnology production plants
Add a third pump to perform inline dilution, saving space in cleanrooms by using buffer concentrates
Protect drug substance during purification using a pressure-controlled switch between two particle filters

View data file | Watch overview video | See the system in 3D

The ÄKTA process™ chromatography system is available in two standard configurations. The ÄKTA process™ CFG system is operated with UNICORN™ software, and the ÄKTA process™ DCS system is customized with a distributed control system.

ÄKTA process™ CFG system with UNICORN™ software is available in three flow rate ranges from 1 L/h to 2000 L/h, and with either electropolished stainless steel or polypropylene process piping. The integrated process picture allows real-time control and monitoring of runs and automated column packing is built-in. Configurable options include additional inlets, outlets, particle filters and column connections; the type and quantity of sensors; and isocratic versus gradient and inline dilution (ILD) functionality.

See how it compares

Built on decades of chromatography expertise, the ÄKTA process™ system delivers significant advancements over its predecessor. Explore key improvements in usability, automation, and scalability in the comparison chart.

Pack and run columns with confidence

ÄKTA process™ system is compatible with AxiChrom™ columns between 100 and 1600 mm inner diameter (i.d.), making it ideal for packing and running columns for a wide variety of projects. The integrated Intelligent Packing function and dual column valve make it quick and easy to get robust reliable columns ready for use. For AxiChrom™ columns 300 mm or larger, use the AxiChrom™ column control unit to automate the packing process. For additional capabilities, connect the system to the BioProcess™ Resin Mixer to handle slurry preparation for the largest AxiChrom™ columns. Visit the products pages for more about AxiChrom™ column control unit and the BioProcess™ resin mixer.

Expanded automation and control options

The ÄKTA process™ CFG system includes UNICORN™ software preinstalled on the integrated HMI (human-machine interface), enabling standalone operation and simplified system control.

The software is designed according to GAMP 5 guidelines and can be used in a manner that follows 21 CFR part 11 requirements.

UNICORN™ software has predefined methods with phases for the development of packing, unpacking, priming and column performance test methods for AxiChrom™ columns. The interactive process picture displays key run data, allows the user to set and view manual instructions and alarm limits for components and includes guidance for column packing.

Image showing screen of UNICORN™ software when used with the ÄKTA process™ chromatography system

ÄKTA process™ DCS system

For users who require chromatography equipment to be used on their facility’s automation platform, ÄKTA process™ DCS system can be customized with a distributed control system for integration into a plant-wide control system using Open Platform Communications-Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) or EtherNet/IP gateway.

Streamline your sanitization

ÄKTA process™ chromatography system has features to make sanitization with NaOH simple and effective. The cleaning-in-place (CIP) valve placement with the inlet valves drives automated cleaning using UNICORN™ control software. See the application notes below in Product Support that include method instructions for effective cleaning, including ways to reduce the volume of liquid needed or reduce your carbon footprint, to help you meet sustainability goals.

Prepare buffers with inline dilution

Buffer preparation is one of the most resource-intensive activities in downstream processing. Add a third pump to ÄKTA process™ system to support inline dilution (ILD) and prepare buffers at the point of use, saving space, time and costs.

ÄKTA process™ system training support

Find a full list of resources for the system in the Product Support content lower on this page.

Products often paired with ÄKTA process™ systems

Product specifications

Showing 2 products

29692670

ÄKTA process™ DCS

Distributed control system

Stock on request

On request

29729595

ÄKTA process™ CFG

UNICORN control software

Stock on request

On request

Product availability is not guaranteed and subject to change.

Product support

FAQ

What does CFG and DCS mean in the product name?

You now have more options to fit your automation needs. The configurable ÄKTA process™ CFG chromatography system comes with UNICORN™ software. Order the customizable ÄKTA process™ DCS system to allow use with a distributed control system.

How is ÄKTA process™ CFG system improved from its predecessor?

Using our decades of chromatography experience, the ÄKTA process™ system meets the rigorous demands of biomanufacturing for usability, efficiency, and reliability. In addition, the system now supports inline dilution functionality.

Compared to its predecessor system, ÄKTA process™ CFG system contains numerous improvements and upgrades. A three-wavelength UV monitor displays both absorbance units (AU) and optical density (OD) units, is calibrated with built-in calibration filters and has a defined path length for each specific flow cell. The system pumps have improved performance at the lower end of the flow rate range. A Rockwell PLC provides industry standard options for automation and control (see section below for control software options). Valve blocks have a swivel mount, allowing easier and faster valve maintenance. The pressure, conductivity, pH and air sensors have all been improved. The pH sensor can be calibrated inline or you can connect a pre-calibrated pH sensor and transfer calibration data directly to the control system.

See the comparison guide for the full list.

How has ÄKTA process™ CFG system been improved for the user experience?

The UNICORN™ software interface for ÄKTA process™ CFG system includes an interactive process picture for easy access to manual control, set and view alarms, and feedback during column packing plus a library of pre-defined phases for Intelligent Packing and column performance testing. Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and Ethernet/IP improve connectivity.

How does ÄKTA process™ CFG system help me with column packing?

We added more support for Intelligent Packing. Take a column directly from packing to process use using the two-position column valve, with no column disconnection required. The column list now supports all AxiChrom™ column sizes and includes hardware traceability. Predefined column performance test and column logbook is supported.

How easy is it to clean ÄKTA process™ CFG system?

We moved the Clean-in-place (CIP) valve next to the inlet valves to allow fully automated cleaning. Valve blocks are swivel mounted for easier valve maintenance. The system has been tested with a more efficient and sustainable CIP procedure.

See the application notes in the Product Support section, some of which include instructions for creating cleaning methods in UNICORN™ control software.

Which columns work with ÄKTA process™ system?

ÄKTA process™ system controlled with UNICORN™ control software supports Intelligent Packing of AxiChrom™ automated columns from 100 mm up to 1600 mm inner diameter (see the pages for AxiChrom 50-200 columns and AxiChrom 300-1600 columns for more information). The system also works with similar size BPG glass columns.