Application Note: Tighter Conductivity Control In Chromatography And Purification Systems (Four Electrode Sensor)

Biopharmaceutical Chromatography Systems are designed for separating and purifying proteins and bioengineered products. Flow systems are compact in design to maximize throughput. No dead legs in process pipe can exist since unswept areas are more challenging to completely clean, as well as delaying product throughput. The systems must maintain a hygienic design. Wetted surface finish must be < 20 µinch Ra and material traceability is important to maintain system integrity.

Conductivity measurement plays an important role in the purification process. Conductivity is one of the determinants of when to start and when to end the collection process. Tighter conductivity controls will increase purity yields. In addition, it may improve secondary collection processing.

Conductivity is a critical determining factor to determine cleanliness. Often, sensors that require tees or larger branches to be properly installed will create half filled process pipes, which leads to lower conductivity values. The conductivity sensors need to differentiate between CIP cleaning fluids and rinse water.

The PUR-SENSEModel 410 Four Electrode Conductivity Sensor from Rosemount Analytical can accurately monitor the protein purification process. The conductivity sensors are optimized to accurately measure both highly conductive solutions as well as less conductive rinse water during cleaning phases.