Omnifit EZ-06-25-AF Axial Compression Chromatography Column (Borosilicate Glass, 6.6 mm ID × 250 mm Length)

Overview

The Omnifit EZ-06-25-AF is a precision-engineered axial compression chromatography column designed for medium-pressure preparative liquid chromatography (PLC) and protein purification workflows in research and development laboratories. Constructed from high-purity borosilicate glass (Type I), this column delivers exceptional thermal stability, optical clarity, and chemical inertness across a broad solvent spectrum. Its 6.6 mm internal diameter and 250 mm effective length support scalable sample loading (typically 1–10 mL bed volume) while maintaining laminar flow profiles essential for reproducible separation efficiency. The column operates within a validated pressure range up to 900 psi (60 bar), making it compatible with widely deployed benchtop PLC systems including Cytiva AKTA™ platforms, Bio-Rad NGC™ systems, and Sanotac Biolot™ purification instruments. Unlike stainless-steel or polymer alternatives, the all-glass architecture eliminates metal ion leaching and adsorption artifacts—critical for sensitive biomolecule applications such as monoclonal antibody (mAb) capture, His-tagged protein isolation, and oligonucleotide purification.

Key Features

• Borosilicate glass tube (DIN ISO 3585 compliant) ensures dimensional stability under thermal cycling and resistance to hydrolytic degradation in aqueous mobile phases.
• Modular AF configuration: one fixed PTFE end-fitting and one adjustable plunger-type end-fitting enabling precise axial compression of the packed bed—reducing channeling and improving resolution during gradient elution.
• Integrated 25 µm polyethylene frits provide uniform flow distribution and mechanical support for common chromatographic media including silica-based reversed-phase (C4, C8, C18), ion-exchange (DEAE, Q, SP), and size-exclusion resins.
• PEEK-reinforced 10-32 conical thread interface enhances torque control during assembly, minimizing risk of glass fracture and ensuring leak-tight sealing at operational pressures.
• Ergonomic knurled grip surface and optimized thread pitch reduce hand fatigue during repeated column packing, unpacking, and system integration—validated through usability studies involving >1,200 lab personnel.
• Chemically resistant PTFE end-fittings and dual O-ring seals maintain integrity across pH 1–14 and temperatures from 4 °C to 40 °C, supporting both cold-room and ambient-temperature purification protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EZ-06-25-AF is qualified for use with biological macromolecules, synthetic peptides, natural product extracts, and small-molecule pharmaceutical intermediates. It meets material compatibility requirements outlined in USP for glass containers used in analytical and preparative chromatography. While not certified to ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 as a standalone device, its design supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when integrated into validated purification systems (e.g., AKTA Pure with UNICORN software audit trail). Column validation documentation—including pressure cycling tests (500 cycles at 85% max rating), frit retention verification per ASTM F316-22, and extractables profiling per USP —is available upon request for regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

As a passive hardware component, the EZ-06-25-AF does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, its standardized dimensions and pressure rating enable seamless integration into instrument control ecosystems. When used with Cytiva AKTA systems, column parameters (ID, length, bed height) are entered directly into UNICORN method files to auto-calculate linear velocity, residence time, and gradient dwell volume. Similarly, Bio-Rad NGC Method Editor supports manual input of physical column attributes for accurate flow calibration and fraction collection timing. All batch records, packing logs, and usage history must be maintained externally per laboratory SOPs—consistent with ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Applications

• Preparative-scale purification of recombinant proteins under non-denaturing conditions (e.g., Ni-NTA affinity capture followed by SEC polishing).
• Flash chromatography of natural product isolates using silica or diol media at ≤300 psi.
• Method development for chiral separations requiring visual bed inspection—enabled by optical transparency and absence of metallic interference.
• Process analytical technology (PAT) alignment: real-time UV monitoring via inline flow cells mounted upstream/downstream of the column body.
• Educational chromatography training modules where mechanical assembly, packing validation, and pressure–flow relationship demonstration are pedagogical objectives.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating pressure for the 6.6 mm ID version?
The EZ-06-25-AF is rated for continuous operation up to 900 psi (60 bar) at 25 °C, consistent with DIN EN ISO 7198 mechanical testing standards for glass pressure vessels.
Can this column be sterilized using autoclaving?
No. Borosilicate glass columns are not autoclavable due to thermal stress risks from rapid temperature transitions; alternative sanitization methods include 0.5 M NaOH wash (≤30 min contact), 70% ethanol rinse, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite treatment.
Is the 25 µm PE frit suitable for HPLC-grade solvents?
Yes—the polyethylene frit exhibits full compatibility with HPLC-grade acetonitrile, methanol, and water mixtures but must be pre-equilibrated to prevent swelling-induced flow restriction.
How is column bed height adjusted in the AF configuration?
The adjustable end-fitting incorporates a calibrated micrometer scale allowing ±40 mm displacement relative to the fixed end, enabling fine-tuned bed compression without disassembly.
Does Omnifit provide column packing services?
Omnifit supplies only empty columns; packing must be performed in-house using standard slurry techniques or automated packers compatible with 10-32 threaded interfaces.