Preparative chromatography column and methods
A chromatography column that captures components in a process liquid in a free flow state and allows elution in steps is described.
1. A disposable preparative chromatography column for effecting separation of components of a process liquid comprising:
a. a flexible disposable bag with an inner volume;
b. a septum disposed within the flexible disposable bag to separate the flexible disposable bag into a flexible upper chamber and a flexible lower chamber, the septum including a porous surface that allows passage of liquid but not chromatography media from the upper chamber to the lower chamber;
c. a chromatography media disposed in the upper chamber;
d. at least one inlet to introduce liquid into the flexible upper chamber of the bag containing the chromatography media;
e. at least one outlet to remove the liquid from the flexible lower chamber of the bag after passage through the septum; and
f. at least one mixing mechanism to mix the contents of the bag.
2. The disposable preparative chromatography column of claim 1 , wherein the flexible disposable bag includes an upper sheet and a lower sheet that form the inner volume, and wherein the septum is attached to at least the lower sheet.
3. The disposable preparative chromatography column of claim 2 , wherein a cross-sectional length of the septum is longer than a cross-sectional length of the lower sheet.
4. The disposable preparative chromatography column of claim 1 , which includes a gas inlet configured to inject air into the lower chamber.