Build Your Team’s Competence

Hands-on training on the Contichrom® hardware covers the physical system, its components, and how to work with them confidently.

Contichrom® CUBE (development scale) The CUBE is a compact, benchtop twin-column FPLC system rated to 100 bar. Hardware training covers the modular architecture (CUBE + CUBE+ stacked modules), the four high-precision dual-piston pumps (binary gradient + two independent isocratic), the valve network (six multi-position rotary valves plus drain valves), dual UV-Vis DAD detectors (200–600 nm, 4-channel), conductivity sensors, pH sensor, the dynamic mixer, and the fraction collector. We walk through flow path configuration, column connections, buffer line setup, and the optional accessories (buffer selection valve kit, column bypass valves, column selection valve, injection valve, VOILA outlet adjustment valve, column ovens/heaters).

Contichrom® PILOT & TWIN (production scale) For teams planning scale-up, we provide an overview of the PILOT 300X (300 mL/min, 100 bar) and TWIN systems (LPLC and HPLC, 1–40 L/min), focusing on how methods developed on the CUBE transfer directly to production scale. Detailed pilot/production hardware training can be arranged as a separate engagement.

Practical focus areas: System startup and shutdown procedures, pump priming and buffer line management, column installation and pressure monitoring, detector configuration and baseline checks, use of active seal wash for pump longevity, routine maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting common issues.

Software training covers the full ChromIQ® 9 ecosystem, with hands-on exercises on the actual software.

ChromIQ® 9 Operating Software The central interface for hardware control, method execution, and real-time monitoring. Training covers system setup, user rights management, hardware configuration, buffer management, method loading and execution, the dynamic flow-sheet view, real-time signal customisation, on-the-fly method adjustments, and the system logbook.

ChromaCraft™ Batch Editor The wizard-driven tool for creating standard single-column batch methods and complex 2D/3D integrated batch methods. Training covers the dynamic Gantt chart interface, step-by-step method building, product transfer window configuration (UV triggers, in-line dilution), and alternating batch design. Participants build methods during the session.

Process Wizards Hands-on walkthroughs of the CaptureSMB® Wizard (breakthrough curve fitting, AutomAb® configuration, performance prediction), the MCSGP Wizard (drag-and-drop zone definition on a batch chromatogram, AutoPeak® configuration, performance prediction), and the N-Rich® Wizard (enrichment zone definition, target/broad enrichment strategies, cycle configuration). Participants create methods for their own application scenarios.

Evaluation Center The integrated module for data analysis: cycle overlay for confirming steady state in continuous runs, auto-integration for quantifying process phases, peak integration, and export of structured PDF reports or raw data to Excel.

Expert Mode (Method Editor) For advanced users: line-by-line timetable editing, conditional logic, and fine-tuning of wizard-generated methods.

For teams new to continuous chromatography, we provide the conceptual foundation needed to understand why the processes work and how to design them effectively.

Core principles covered: The limitations of single-column batch chromatography (the yield-purity tradeoff, low resin utilization, sequential idle time) and how twin-column continuous operation addresses each one. Counter-current principles, the mechanics of interconnected and parallel phases, side-fraction recycling and in-line dilution, breakthrough curve dynamics, and the concept of cyclic steady state.

Dynamic process control: How AutoPeak® (UV-triggered fraction boundaries for MCSGP and N-Rich®) and AutomAb® (UV-triggered loading control for CaptureSMB®) provide process robustness by adapting in real time to retention time shifts, column aging, and feed variability — enabling extended, unattended operation.

Process economics: How continuous chromatography improves productivity (2–4× for CaptureSMB®), yield (10–50% absolute increase for MCSGP), resin utilization, buffer consumption, and Process Mass Intensity (PMI). Discussion of when continuous makes sense vs. when batch is sufficient.

Theory sessions are not abstract lectures — we illustrate every concept with real chromatograms and process data, and connect the theory directly to the Contichrom® hardware and ChromIQ® software your team will use.

Process-specific training covers both the conceptual workflow and the practical steps in ChromIQ® 9, with hands-on method design and — for on-site sessions — live process runs.

CaptureSMB® with AutomAb® Continuous twin-column capture for affinity and bind-elute steps. Training covers breakthrough curve measurement and fitting, CaptureSMB Wizard method generation, AutomAb® dynamic loading control configuration, cycle monitoring, and performance evaluation. Typical applications: Protein A capture of mAbs, affinity chromatography for recombinant proteins, hormones, and vaccines.

MCSGP with AutoPeak® Continuous twin-column polishing with automated side-cut recycling. Training covers batch reference run analysis, MCSGP Wizard zone definition (drag-and-drop on the chromatogram), AutoPeak® trigger configuration, interconnected and parallel phase mechanics, and steady-state confirmation via cycle overlay. Typical applications: charge variant fractionation (IEX), oligonucleotide purification (AEX), peptide polishing (RP).

N-Rich® with AutoPeak® Automated cyclic enrichment and purification of low-abundance compounds. Training covers enrichment strategy selection (targeted vs. broad), N-Rich® Wizard zone definition, cycle-to-cycle accumulation mechanics, final elution and fractionation design. Typical applications: impurity isolation for characterization studies (ICH requirements), analytical reference standard production.

2D/3D Integrated Batch Linking multiple orthogonal chromatography steps (e.g. Protein A capture → IEX polishing → desalting) into a single automated run using the twin-column setup. Training covers ChromaCraft™ method design for multi-step processes, in-line dilution configuration, and product transfer triggers.

Batch Chromatography Standard single-column batch methods on the Contichrom® platform, including isocratic and gradient modes. Covered as part of the ChromaCraft™ software training, or as a standalone refresher.

For teams preparing to move a continuous chromatography process toward production, we offer training and consulting on the steps between method development and manufacturing readiness.

Process modeling How to use modeling approaches to predict continuous chromatography performance from batch reference data. This includes breakthrough curve modeling for CaptureSMB and the use of batch chromatogram data to estimate MCSGP yield, purity, and productivity before running the continuous process. Modeling accelerates process development by reducing the number of experimental runs needed and supports process understanding for regulatory submissions.

YMC ChromaCon also offers dedicated process modeling services covering batch, MCSGP, and CaptureSMB chromatography — where we build, calibrate, and run the mechanistic models for you. Training covers the principles; the modeling service delivers the results.

Scale-up Practical guidance on transferring methods developed on the Contichrom® CUBE to the PILOT 300X (300 mL/min, 100 bar) and TWIN production systems (LPLC and HPLC, 1–40 L/min). Training covers column dimension scaling rules, flow rate and linear velocity calculations, gradient volume adjustments, and system configuration differences between development and production platforms. We discuss common scale-up challenges and how to address them, drawing on YMC ChromaCon’s experience supporting technology transfers across scales.

Validation considerations An overview of the key considerations for validating a continuous chromatography process, including how cyclic steady state is defined and demonstrated, how AutoPeak® and AutomAb® dynamic process control contribute to process robustness, and what regulators typically expect when reviewing continuous downstream processes. This content is advisory — it provides a framework for your validation strategy rather than a prescriptive protocol, since validation requirements are process- and product-specific.

This depends entirely on your objectives. A focused workshop on a single topic (e.g. MCSGP process design, ChromIQ® software) typically runs one full day. A comprehensive program covering hardware, software, theory, and multiple processes typically spans 2–3 days. Consulting engagements are scoped individually — from a focused half-day session to a multi-day engagement.

Yes. Multi-day programs don’t need to be consecutive. For remote sessions, we often recommend shorter blocks (2–3 hours each) spread across several days to maintain focus and allow time for questions between sessions.

We recommend contacting us at least 3–4 weeks before your preferred dates, though we can sometimes accommodate shorter lead times. On-site sessions in Zurich depend on lab and equipment availability.

Absolutely. A common approach is to start with an on-site program (hands-on hardware and process training), then follow up with remote webinars on specific topics after the team has had time to work with the system independently.

Training is structured learning — building your team’s skills and knowledge on the Contichrom® platform. Consulting is expert advisory — addressing a specific technical question or challenge (e.g. “how do we scale this MCSGP method to the PILOT?” or “what should our validation strategy look like?”). Both can be combined in a single engagement.

Yes. You can request a session focused entirely on CaptureSMB®, or exclusively on ChromIQ® software, or any other combination. We cover what’s useful to you — nothing more.

Yes. If you provide analytical data, chromatograms, or process parameters in advance, we can build exercises and examples around your actual application. This is especially valuable for process-specific workshops and consulting engagements.

We handle this regularly. The program can include introductory content for newer team members alongside more advanced topics (e.g. AutoPeak® tuning, Expert Mode method editing, process modeling) for experienced chromatographers. We can also split the group into parallel tracks for portions of the training.

Yes. A certificate is provided to all attendees upon request.

Training programs and consulting engagements are quoted per engagement based on scope, duration, format, and number of participants. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll provide a tailored proposal. There are no standard catalogue prices — every program is customized.

Training at your facility is included as standard with a system rental or purchase. Supplemental training and consultation can also be arranged at any time – training sessions can be done via webinar or on-site at YMC ChromaCon in Zurich or at the customer site. please contact us to discuss the best option for you.

Hands-on training is most effective with 2–4 participants (comprehensive programs) or 2–6 participants (focused workshops). Consulting sessions typically involve 1–4 people from the project team. We recommend keeping groups small enough for meaningful interaction and hands-on time.

Let us know your team’s background (process development scientists, chromatography operators, project managers, etc.), which processes and topics are most relevant, your current system configuration (if you already have a Contichrom®), and — if available — any analytical data or chromatograms from your own work. The more context you provide, the more relevant the program.

YMC ChromaCon’s training programs and consulting engagements are available to customers across Europe. Customers outside Europe should contact their local YMC ChromaCon distributor, who may offer training and consulting services in their region.

If you’re still evaluating and don’t need structured training yet, start with a no-charge demo. Demos cover the same hardware, software, and process overview content — without the hands-on depth and exercises of a training program.