Sanotac DAC Series Dynamic Axial Compression Chromatography Systems

Overview

The Sanotac DAC Series Dynamic Axial Compression Chromatography Systems are engineered for high-fidelity, scalable preparative chromatography across laboratory, pilot, and early-production environments. Unlike static-packed columns, DAC systems employ a hydraulically actuated axial piston to dynamically compress the packed bed during operation—ensuring uniform packing density, minimal channeling, and exceptional column stability over repeated cycles. This compression mechanism is based on the principle of controlled hydrostatic force application, maintaining constant bed integrity under high flow and pressure conditions up to 10 MPa (100 bar). The system’s modular architecture supports column diameters from 50 mm to 300 mm and bed heights up to 500 mm, enabling seamless scale-up from analytical method development to multi-gram purification. Designed specifically for demanding applications in biopharmaceutical downstream processing—including monoclonal antibody purification, peptide isolation, natural product fractionation, and oligonucleotide refinement—the DAC platform delivers reproducible retention times, symmetrical peak shapes, and low backpressure drift across hundreds of runs.

Key Features

• Hydraulic dynamic axial compression mechanism with real-time pressure feedback control for consistent bed density and long-term column stability
• Modular column configurations: DAC50 through DAC300, supporting internal diameters from 50 mm to 300 mm and maximum bed heights of 500 mm
• High-precision dual-pump gradient delivery with flow range spanning 0.01–6,000 mL/min (model-dependent), ±1% accuracy and ≤0.5% RSD
• UV/Vis detector with dual-lamp source (imported deuterium + tungsten), full-spectrum scanning (190–800 nm), ±1 nm wavelength accuracy, and baseline noise <±0.5×10⁻⁵ AU at 254 nm
• Automated fraction collector with programmable modes: time-based, peak-triggered, threshold-triggered, sequential, and recirculating collection
• 316L stainless steel column housing with Ra ≤0.2 µm internal surface finish and 2 µm sintered frits for chemical compatibility and mechanical durability
• Real-time gradient editing capability—adjust slope, step points, or flow rate mid-run without system interruption

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DAC Series accommodates a broad spectrum of sample matrices, including crude fermentation broths, cell lysates, synthetic reaction mixtures, and natural extract solutions. Its robust fluidic path—constructed entirely from 316L stainless steel and compatible with pH 1–14 solvents—supports reversed-phase, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography modalities. Column packing is optimized for spherical silica and polymer-based media with particle sizes ranging from 5 µm to 10 µm, ensuring efficient mass transfer and minimal eddy diffusion. From a regulatory perspective, the system architecture supports audit-trail-enabled operation when integrated with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms. While not pre-certified, its deterministic hydraulic control, calibrated UV detection, and deterministic fraction collection align with core principles of ICH Q5, USP , and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed within validated workflows under GLP/GMP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

Sanotac DAC systems operate via a dedicated Windows-based control interface supporting method creation, real-time chromatogram visualization, event logging, and raw data export in ASCII (.csv) and standard chromatographic formats (.cdf, .wiff-compatible metadata). All detector signals, pump parameters, valve positions, and collection events are timestamped with millisecond resolution. The software enforces user role-based access control (administrator, operator, reviewer), maintains immutable audit trails for all parameter changes and run executions, and allows digital signature integration for electronic records. Exported datasets retain full traceability—including instrument ID, method version, calibration history, and environmental logs—facilitating compliance with internal SOPs and external regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Purification of therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies at pilot scale (10–100 g/batch)
• Isolation of bioactive peptides and cyclic depsipeptides from microbial extracts
• Desalting and buffer exchange of oligonucleotides prior to lyophilization
• Chiral separation of small-molecule APIs using polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases
• Removal of endotoxins and host-cell proteins from bioprocess intermediates
• Recovery and polishing of viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus) in gene therapy workflows
• Preparative isolation of plant-derived alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids for pharmacological screening

FAQ

What column dimensions are supported across the DAC series?
DAC50 (50 mm ID), DAC80 (80 mm), DAC100 (100 mm), DAC150 (150 mm), DAC200 (200 mm), and DAC300 (300 mm) models—all with max. bed height of 500 mm and standardized 650 mm tube length.
Can the system be integrated into an existing automation framework?
Yes—via Ethernet-based TCP/IP communication and OPC UA support, enabling bidirectional control and data exchange with third-party SCADA, MES, or robotic liquid handling platforms.
Is method transfer between DAC scales straightforward?
Linear scaling is supported based on constant linear velocity and bed aspect ratio; Sanotac provides scale-up guidance documents aligned with ASTM E2656 and ISO 17025-compliant validation protocols.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for hydraulic and detection modules?
Piston seal inspection every 500 hours; UV lamp replacement every 2,000 operating hours; flow sensor recalibration annually or after 10,000 runs—per manufacturer’s maintenance logbook requirements.
Does the system comply with 21 CFR Part 11?
The hardware and firmware are designed to support Part 11 compliance when deployed with validated software, electronic signatures, and documented change control procedures—full qualification remains the responsibility of the end-user’s QA department.