AECS PrepPlus High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC) System

Overview

The AECS PrepPlus High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC) System is a precision-engineered preparative separation platform based on the principle of liquid–liquid partition chromatography without a solid stationary phase. Unlike conventional HPLC, HSCCC relies on the differential partitioning of analytes between two immiscible liquid phases under high centrifugal force—generated via a planetary motion mechanism—where the stationary phase is retained by centripetal acceleration while the mobile phase percolates through the coiled column. This eliminates irreversible adsorption, sample degradation, and column fouling, ensuring quantitative recovery, high reproducibility, and exceptional resolution for sensitive natural products, peptides, chiral compounds, and unstable biomolecules. The PrepPlus system integrates over a decade of bidirectional solvent system optimization, enabling robust operation across wide polarity ranges (from hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water to chloroform/methanol/water systems) and supporting both analytical-scale method development and multi-gram purification.

Key Features

• World’s only manufacturer producing both High-Performance Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (HPCPC) and High-Speed CCC (HSCCC) instruments in parallel
• Scalable architecture spanning ultra-micro (26 mL) to industrial-scale (48 L) capacity—covering IntroPrep™, QuikPrep™, LabPrep™, PilotPrep™, and ProcessPrep™ configurations
• Multi-material coil construction: PTFE (for aggressive solvents and pH extremes), stainless steel (316L), and titanium alloy (for high-pressure, corrosive, or high-temperature applications)
• Modular coil configuration: Supports 1-, 2-, or 4-coil setups on single or dual-axis rotor assemblies—enabling simultaneous parallel separations or sequential gradient elution
• Precision planetary motion design with optimized β-value (coil radius / rotor radius ratio) to maximize G-force generation (up to 250 × g at 2500 rpm), ensuring >99% stationary phase retention
• Aerospace-grade adhesive sealing of all fluidic pathways, minimizing leakage risk and extending service life beyond 10,000 operational hours
• Comprehensive safety architecture: Interlocked safety door, power-fail brake engagement, anti-drop door chains, rear-mounted shielded chassis, emergency stop button, and key-activated startup
• CE-certified electrical and solvent handling systems with full physical segregation between electronics and solvent delivery paths
• Air-purged rotor housing to prevent solvent vapor accumulation and ensure long-term bearing integrity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PrepPlus system accommodates diverse sample matrices—including crude plant extracts, fermentation broths, synthetic intermediates, and biopolymer digests—without derivatization or pre-purification. Its solvent-phase flexibility supports ISO 17025-compliant method validation, and its traceable parameter logging meets GLP/GMP documentation requirements. When integrated with UV/Vis or mass spectrometric detection (via 0.5–1.0 mm PTFE coils compatible with ESI-MS coupling), the system enables CCC-MS workflows aligned with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for identification and purity assessment. All stainless steel and titanium coil variants comply with ASTM F899 for corrosion resistance and ASME B31.3 for pressure-containing components. The system’s digital control interface supports audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software packages.

Software & Data Management

• Integrated digital displays for real-time monitoring of temperature (±0.1 °C), rotational speed (0–2500 rpm, ±1 rpm), and flow rate (0.1–263 mL/min)
• Automated parameter sequencing for multi-step protocols: equilibration → sample loading → elution → column wash → regeneration
• Optional auto-injection module with programmable loop volumes (10–5000 µL) and syringe pump integration
• Compatible with third-party fraction collectors (e.g., Gilson FC204, Teledyne ISCO Foxy R1) via TTL/RS-232 handshake
• Data export in CSV and ASCII formats for downstream analysis in MATLAB, OriginLab, or ChemStation
• Full system diagnostics log—including vibration amplitude, leak sensor status, motor current draw, and thermal drift—stored with time stamps and user ID tagging

Applications

The PrepPlus HSCCC system delivers validated performance in pharmaceutical process development (e.g., isolation of paclitaxel analogs, artemisinin derivatives, and monoclonal antibody fragments), nutraceutical purification (e.g., anthocyanins, curcuminoids, and omega-3 concentrates), environmental analysis (e.g., PAHs and PCB congeners from soil extracts), and academic natural product discovery. Its ability to resolve enantiomers using chiral solvent systems (e.g., D-limonene/n-butanol/acetonitrile/water) makes it suitable for asymmetric synthesis support. Industrial users leverage the 12.5 mm stainless steel coil (3 L volume, 131–263 mL/min flow) for continuous batch purification under cGMP conditions, achieving >95% purity at >5 g/h throughput. For metabolomics studies, the 0.8 mm PTFE coil enables sub-microgram injections with <5% RSD in retention time across 50+ consecutive runs.

FAQ

What coil materials are available, and how do I select among them?
PTFE offers maximum chemical inertness and is mandatory for strong acids/bases or MS coupling; stainless steel (316L) provides optimal pressure tolerance up to 30 bar and cost efficiency for routine prep work; titanium alloy is reserved for halogenated solvents at elevated temperatures (>60 °C) or highly oxidizing media.
Can I run multiple coil configurations on a single PrepPlus unit?
Yes—the dual-axis rotor allows independent mounting of up to four coils (e.g., two 3.7 mm SS coils + one 0.8 mm PTFE coil + one 6.0 mm SS coil), each with dedicated flow paths and pressure sensors.
Is method transfer from analytical to preparative scale supported?
Yes—AECS provides linear scalability protocols validated across the full coil diameter range (0.5–12.5 mm), preserving α (selectivity) and k′ (retention) values within ±8% across scales when β-value and solvent composition are held constant.
What regulatory documentation accompanies the system?
Each unit ships with a CE Declaration of Conformity, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), and optional IQ/OQ/PQ protocol templates compliant with EU Annex 11 and USP <1058>.
Does AECS provide application support post-installation?
Yes—comprehensive on-site installation, operator training (including solvent system selection, coil packing, and troubleshooting), and method development assistance are included in the standard service package, with extended support contracts available.