Contichrom® CUBE 30

The Foxy R1 is a compact, single-rack automated fraction collector for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Controlled entirely through ChromIQ software, it automates product fraction collection from the CUBE’s product outlet — delivering reproducible, fully documented results across batch purification, multi-cycle MCSGP continuous chromatography, and extended steady-state campaigns. Its small footprint and compatibility with the optional cooling cabinet make it well suited for protein purification, peptide isolation, and other bioprocessing workflows where bench space or cold fraction collection is a priority.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Full ChromIQ software integration — Rack type, tube count, maximum fill volume, arm movement pattern, and end-of-rack behavior are all configured within ChromIQ’s Fractionation window. No separate programming of the fraction collector is required.
• Advanced fractionation table editor — Define trigger-based collection using any of the CUBE’s online detector signals — UV absorbance (single or multiple wavelengths, either column position), conductivity, or pH. Fraction sizes can be specified in time (seconds or minutes), volume (mL), or column volumes (CV).
• Threshold-based peak detection for heartcut collection — Trigger collection based on signal thresholds with slope detection (rising or falling). This enables precise heartcut collection of target peaks — starting when a UV signal exceeds a defined absorbance and stopping on the descending side — minimizing non-target collection and concentrating product into fewer vessels.
• Built for continuous chromatography workflows — Configurable end-of-rack behavior (return to position 1 with or without volume reset, stop collecting, or freeze the run) supports long multi-cycle campaigns. Filled tubes can be replaced mid-run via the Tube List window in ChromIQ with manual volume resets, enabling uninterrupted operation beyond rack capacity.
• Automatic overfill protection — The collector automatically advances to the next position when a set maximum volume is reached, preventing spills during signal-triggered collection where fraction volumes are not predetermined. A configurable warning level alerts you as vessels approach their limit.
• Broad range of interchangeable collection racks — Accepts lift-out racks (ordered separately) for centrifuge tubes (1.5 mL, 15 mL, 50 mL), various tube diameters (12–28 mm), 96-well microplates, and ETFE funnel racks for directing flow into external vessels of virtually any size. Up to 9 bottles (max 250 mL, Schott Duran Youtility) fit directly on the drip tray. See individual rack listings for details.
• Cooling cabinet compatible — Fits inside the optional cooling cabinet for temperature-controlled fraction collection and cold feed storage, protecting thermally sensitive biologics and proteins during purification.
• Biocompatible wetted materials — Chemically resistant fluid path suitable for aqueous buffers and organic solvents: PEEK and FFKM in the diverter valve, ETFE ferrules, PTFE valve tubing, vinyl drain tube, PEEK drop former with glass sleeve outlet. Racks are stainless steel and polypropylene.
• Real-time rack visualization in ChromIQ — The Tube List window provides a live graphical view of each vessel position and its current fill volume, with manual controls to advance, home, or reset positions.

Specifications

What’s Included

Foxy R1 fraction collector unit, one collection rack (specify type when ordering), communication cable, and power supply.

Related Accessories

Collection racks are available separately for a full range of vessel types — see individual rack listings for capacities and ordering details.

The Foxy R1 is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. All fraction collection is configured and controlled through ChromIQ software.

The Foxy R2 is a dual-rack automated fraction collector for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Controlled entirely through ChromIQ software, it doubles the collection capacity of the single-rack Foxy R1 — making it the preferred choice for extended continuous chromatography campaigns, high-throughput process development, and large-volume protein or peptide purification. The two rack positions can be equipped with different rack types simultaneously, and the R2 exclusively supports a dedicated 480 mL bottle rack set for high-volume product pooling not available on the R1.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Dual-rack capacity with mixed rack types — The Foxy R2 accommodates two interchangeable lift-out racks, each of which can be a different type. This allows, for example, fine fractionation into small tubes on one rack and pooled collection into larger vessels on the other — all within the same experiment. Both rack types are selected independently in ChromIQ.
• Full ChromIQ software integration — Rack types, tube count, maximum fill volume, arm movement pattern, and end-of-rack behavior are all configured within ChromIQ’s Fractionation window. No separate programming of the fraction collector is required.
• Advanced fractionation table editor — Define trigger-based collection using any of the CUBE’s online detector signals — UV absorbance (single or multiple wavelengths, either column position), conductivity, or pH. Fraction sizes can be specified in time (seconds or minutes), volume (mL), or column volumes (CV).
• Threshold-based peak detection for heartcut collection — Trigger collection based on signal thresholds with slope detection (rising or falling). This enables precise heartcut collection of target peaks — starting when a UV signal exceeds a defined absorbance and stopping on the descending side — minimizing non-target collection and concentrating product into fewer vessels.
• Built for extended continuous chromatography workflows — Configurable end-of-rack behavior (return to position 1 with or without volume reset, stop collecting, or freeze the run) supports long multi-cycle campaigns. Filled tubes can be replaced mid-run via the Tube List window in ChromIQ with manual volume resets, enabling uninterrupted operation beyond rack capacity. The doubled capacity of the R2 significantly reduces the frequency of manual tube replacement during overnight runs and extended steady-state validations.
• Automatic overfill protection — The collector automatically advances to the next position when a set maximum volume is reached, preventing spills during signal-triggered collection where fraction volumes are not predetermined. A configurable warning level alerts you as vessels approach their limit.
• Broadest range of interchangeable collection racks — Accepts the same lift-out racks as the Foxy R1 (ordered separately) for centrifuge tubes (1.5 mL, 15 mL, 50 mL), various tube diameters (12–28 mm), 96-well microplates, and ETFE funnel racks for directing flow into external vessels of virtually any size. Additionally, the Foxy R2 supports a dedicated rack set for 480 mL bottles (2 × 9 = 18 bottles total), which is not available for the R1. Up to 250 mL bottles (Schott Duran Youtility) also fit directly on the drip tray. See individual rack listings for details.
• Biocompatible wetted materials — Chemically resistant fluid path suitable for aqueous buffers and organic solvents: PEEK and FFKM in the diverter valve, ETFE ferrules, PTFE valve tubing, vinyl drain tube, PEEK drop former with glass sleeve outlet. Racks are stainless steel and polypropylene.
• Real-time rack visualization in ChromIQ — The Tube List window provides a live graphical view of each vessel position across both racks and their current fill volumes, with manual controls to advance, home, or reset positions.

Specifications

What’s Included

Foxy R2 fraction collector unit, two collection racks (specify types when ordering), communication cable, and power supply.

Related Accessories

Collection racks are available separately for a full range of vessel types, including the R2-exclusive 480 mL bottle rack set. See individual rack listings for capacities and ordering details.

The Foxy R2 is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. All fraction collection is configured and controlled through ChromIQ software.

All racks listed below are interchangeable lift-out racks for the Foxy R1 and Foxy R2 fraction collectors used with the Contichrom CUBE system. Racks are constructed from stainless steel and polypropylene unless otherwise noted. The rack type must be selected in ChromIQ before starting an experiment to ensure correct arm positioning and volume tracking. Tubes and plates are not included unless stated.

Holds up to 36 standard 50 mL centrifuge tubes (conical falcon-type). Well suited for preparative-scale fraction collection where larger individual fraction volumes are expected — for example, collecting product pools from multi-cycle continuous chromatography runs, steady-state validation campaigns, or scaled-up batch purifications. ChromIQ’s automatic overfill protection will advance to the next position if the set maximum volume per tube is reached, allowing safe operation even when fraction volumes are variable.

Holds up to 72 standard 15 mL centrifuge tubes (18 mm diameter). A versatile rack for preparative fractionation at moderate volumes — commonly used for collecting product fractions during process development, optimization runs, or small-scale continuous chromatography campaigns where individual fraction analysis is required. The 72-position capacity provides a good balance between fraction volume and the number of fractions that can be collected without intervention.

Holds up to 100 tubes of 16 mm outer diameter. Offers a middle ground between the high position count of the 13 mm rack and the larger tube volume of the 25 mm rack — useful for fractionation workflows where moderate tube volumes and a high number of fractions are both required.

Holds up to 144 tubes of 13 mm outer diameter — the highest position count available for the Foxy fraction collectors. Suited for high-resolution analytical fractionation where a large number of small-volume fractions is needed across a chromatographic run, such as detailed peak mapping, impurity profiling, or fraction screening. Also compatible with 12 mm diameter tubes.

Holds up to 60 standard 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes. Ideal for analytical-scale fractionation where small fraction volumes are needed — for example, during method development, peak purity analysis, or when collecting fractions for downstream assays such as ELISA, SDS-PAGE, or mass spectrometry. The high position count relative to fraction volume makes this rack well suited for fine fractionation of narrow peaks.

Holds up to 36 tubes of 25 mm outer diameter. Accommodates larger test tubes or vials for preparative fraction collection at intermediate volumes. Suitable for applications where more volume per fraction is needed than the 16 mm or 18 mm racks allow, but standard 50 mL centrifuge tubes are not required.

Holds up to 36 vials of 28 mm outer diameter, designed primarily for standard 20 mL scintillation vials. Useful when fractions must be collected directly into scintillation vials for radioactivity counting or other scintillation-based assays without a secondary transfer step.

Holds up to two standard 96-well microplates side by side, providing 192 collection positions per rack. Designed for high-throughput fraction collection directly into microplate format — well suited for screening campaigns, fraction activity assays, or any workflow where collected fractions will proceed directly to plate-based analysis (e.g. ELISA, cell-based assays, plate reader measurements). Fractions are dispensed well by well, and the collection pattern can be configured in ChromIQ to match standard well order.

A dedicated two-rack set for the Foxy R2, holding a total of 18 large-format 480 mL glass bottles (9 per rack). Designed for high-volume fraction collection during production-scale or extended continuous chromatography runs where large product pools must be collected per cycle or switch. This rack set occupies both rack positions on the Foxy R2 and is not compatible with the Foxy R1.

Bottles not included — order 480 mL bottles separately (pack of 40).

Replacement or additional glass bottles for use with the Foxy R2 rack set for 480 mL bottles. Each bottle holds up to 480 mL and is designed to fit securely in the dedicated R2 bottle rack. Supplied in a pack of 40.

Features 36 ETFE (Tefzel™) funnels that direct the collected flow into external vessels positioned below the rack. This enables collection into virtually any container size — from standard laboratory bottles to large carboys — making it the go-to option for large-volume fraction collection or when custom vessel formats are required. The chemically resistant ETFE funnels are compatible with both aqueous buffers and organic solvents. Particularly useful for production-scale continuous chromatography campaigns where product pool volumes exceed what standard tube racks can accommodate.

The cooling cabinet is a refrigerated enclosure for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system, designed to keep collected fractions, feed material, and buffers at a controlled low temperature throughout a chromatographic run. It houses the Foxy R1 fraction collector inside a temperature-regulated environment — protecting thermally sensitive biologics, proteins, peptides, and other temperature-labile compounds from degradation during purification.

The cabinet sits directly to the right of the Contichrom CUBE with insulated passthrough holes for tubing and communication cables, so the Foxy R1 operates inside the cooled enclosure exactly as it would on the open bench. This makes it straightforward to add cold fraction collection to an existing CUBE setup without changes to the chromatography method or ChromIQ software configuration.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Cold fraction collection for the Foxy R1 — The cabinet interior accommodates the Foxy R1 fraction collector with full arm range of motion. The collector is powered via one of four internal EU-type power sockets, with tubing and the communication cable routed through insulated access holes. Not compatible with the Foxy R2 due to its larger footprint.
• Adjustable temperature setpoint — Internal controls and display allow you to set and monitor the cabinet temperature, providing consistent cooling for extended multi-cycle continuous chromatography runs, overnight campaigns, and long steady-state validations.
• Simultaneous cooling of fractions, feed, and buffers — Three removable trays provide flexible internal storage: one for the fraction collector and two for feed bottles, buffer bottles, spare racks, or filled tubes. Feed can be kept cold during processing by placing the feed bottle next to the fraction collector and routing the feed line through the access hole.
• Integrated infrastructure — Four internal power sockets (EU type E), two insulated side-mounted access holes with caps and foam plugs, interior light with separate switch, and a right-hinged glass door for easy access from the standard CUBE placement position.
• Compact placement — Positioned to the right of the Contichrom CUBE, requiring approximately 75 cm of bench or floor space. Setup requires two persons.

Specifications

Important Notes

• Not compatible with the Foxy R2 fraction collector.
• Not suitable for explosive or flammable eluents — the interior is not explosion-proof.
• Regular defrosting is recommended depending on ambient humidity and frequency of door opening.
• For regions with 100–120 V / 60 Hz mains power (e.g. USA), a voltage-frequency converter is required and supplied by the local YMC distributor.

What’s Included

Cooling cabinet unit, three removable trays, access hole caps, foam insulation plugs, and spillover tube fittings.

The cooling cabinet is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system with the Foxy R1 fraction collector.

The CT 2.1 column thermostat kit adds precise, software-controlled column temperature regulation to the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. The kit consists of two CT 2.1 column thermostats — one per column position — plus two eluent preheating cartridges. Each thermostat uses a Peltier element with fan-supported two-way air circulation for both heating and active cooling across a 5–80 °C range, with ± 0.1 °C stability. Temperature is set and monitored through ChromIQ and can be changed automatically mid-run — for example, between process and cleaning steps in a continuous chromatography method.

Consistent column temperature is particularly important in continuous chromatography, where varying flow rates produce time-varying temperature profiles that can cause peak splitting. The included preheating cartridges pre-temper the mobile phase before it enters the column, ensuring a homogeneous temperature distribution across the packed bed.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Two thermostats, one per column position — Each independently controlled from a single Column Thermostat window in ChromIQ. Different temperature setpoints for the left and right column are supported.
• Peltier-based heating and active cooling (5–80 °C) — Heating/cooling rate of ~2 °C/min, temperature accuracy of ± 0.2 °C, and stability of ± 0.1 °C. Supports linear and non-linear temperature gradients during method execution.
• Eluent preheating cartridges included — One stainless steel cartridge per thermostat mounts inside the heating chamber and adds less than 0.5 mL of hold-up volume. Should be removed from the flow path during high-flow-rate operations (e.g. system flushing) to avoid excess backpressure.
• ChromIQ integration with automatic and manual control — Temperature can be adjusted manually before a run or programmatically through method commands. In continuous methods, temperature changes can be specified per switch.
• Gas-phase leak detection — Each thermostat detects even small, fully evaporated leaks and automatically pauses the run via ChromIQ to prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere.
• User-definable safety temperature limit — If exceeded during operation, the system enters Freeze mode to protect columns and samples.
• Suitable for analytical and semi-preparative columns — Designed for columns up to 1 cm I.D. and 30 cm length, at flow rates up to 5 mL/min. For larger columns or higher flow rates, see the Eluent Heater.

Specifications

Important Notes

• Not recommended for operation in a cold room.
• Not suitable for use in potentially explosive environments without appropriate protective equipment.
• For columns > 1 cm I.D. or flow rates > 5 mL/min, the Eluent Heater is recommended instead.

What’s Included

Two CT 2.1 column thermostats, two stainless steel eluent preheating cartridges, and LAN communication cables.

The CT 2.1 column thermostat kit is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Temperature control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The Eluent Heater is a high-power eluent preheating and column heating system for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Designed for preparative-scale applications with flow rates from 5 to 100 mL/min and temperatures from room temperature to 80 °C, it complements the CT 2.1 column thermostat kit, which covers the analytical-scale range up to 5 mL/min. The unit provides two independent heating channels with Pt100 temperature sensing and rear-mounted connections for column heating jackets — pre-tempering the mobile phase and heating the column wall simultaneously for uniform thermal conditions throughout the separation.

At preparative scale, the thermal capacity of the mobile phase far exceeds that of the column housing and resin, making eluent preheating the dominant factor in maintaining a homogeneous temperature profile. This is especially critical in continuous chromatography, where varying flow rates between process steps amplify temperature gradients and can cause peak splitting.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Two independent heating channels — Standard configuration: two heating channels (eluent + column jacket) and two Pt100 temperature measurement channels, one set per column position. Supports up to 8 channels total for advanced configurations, with up to 4 operable via the built-in touchscreen.
• Column heating jackets — Two rear-mounted ports connect column-dimension-specific jackets that wrap the column body, providing direct wall heating alongside eluent preheating. Jackets are ordered separately — column diameter is the primary sizing factor. Contact your local Contichrom distributor for a quote.
• Preparative flow rates up to 100 mL/min, 400 bar max. pressure — Suitable for columns with ≥ 1 cm I.D. and no maximum column length. Compatible with both the Contichrom CUBE 30 and CUBE 100.
• ChromIQ integration with automatic and manual control — Temperature per column position is set through the Column Thermostat window. In continuous methods, temperature changes can be specified per switch — for example, raising the temperature for a cleaning step.
• Touchscreen interface — Displays real-time temperature readings and setpoints per channel, with controls for network configuration and service access.
• Built-in safety protection — Hardware temperature protection switch (110 °C) provides overheat protection independent of software. A user-definable safety limit in ChromIQ triggers Freeze mode during operation. Auto switch-off timer available for unattended completion of runs.
• High-grade stainless steel flow path — Wetted materials are stainless steel DIN 1.4404 / AISI 316L, with titanium available on request. Capillary connections are 1/16″ with 1.0 mm I.D. (UNF 10-32 female thread). Control accuracy is ± 0.5% typical, with end-user calibration of all sensors and controllers supported.
• No active cooling — Cool-down depends on natural heat dissipation and room temperature. Allow lead time when lowering setpoints.

Specifications

Important Notes

• Column heating jackets are ordered separately based on column dimensions.
• Keep tubing between heater outlet and column inlet as short as possible to minimize heat loss.
• Not recommended for operation in a cold room.
• Not suitable for use in potentially explosive environments without appropriate protective equipment.
• Ensure sufficient electrical power supply is available.
• For columns < 1 cm I.D. or flow rates < 5 mL/min, the CT 2.1 column thermostat kit is recommended instead.

What’s Included

Eluent Heater unit with two heating flow paths, LAN cable, and power cable. Column heating jackets are ordered separately based on column dimensions.

The Eluent Heater is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Temperature control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The column bypass valve kit adds automated column bypass functionality to the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. The kit consists of two two-position valves — one per column position — that allow the flow path to be routed either through the column or around it via a short bypass loop. This enables high-flow-rate line purging, system flushing, and cleaning steps without exposing the columns to potentially damaging flow rates, pressures, or chemically incompatible solvents.

Column bypass is especially valuable in continuous chromatography workflows where recycling lines accumulate material between cycles and need to be flushed, and where cleaning or storage protocols require solvents that should not contact the packed bed. The valves are also a prerequisite for the P1 buffer selection valve kit — when switching between chemically different eluent systems, bypass ensures that new buffers can be flushed to each column position without passing through the column or leaving incompatible solvent in inaccessible flow paths.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Two independent two-position valves — VCB1 (left column) and VCB2 (right column) each switch between “Column” and “Bypass” position. In bypass mode, the flow is routed through a short loop connecting ports 6 and 1, completely excluding the column from the flow path.
• Automatic control via ChromaCraft Batch — Column bypass can be programmed into specific phases of a method using ChromaCraft Batch, for example to bypass both columns during a high-flow-rate cleaning step or to purge recycling lines between MCSGP cycles without loading impurities onto the column.
• Manual control via ChromIQ — The valve positions can be switched manually through an interactive diagram in the Settings > External Hardware tab, or through the Manual Control window for ad-hoc line purging and column mounting operations.
• Required for P1 buffer selection valves — When using the buffer selection valve kit (VP1A/VP1B) for multi-buffer eluent screening or Integrated Batch processes, the column bypass valves must be installed to safely flush different eluent systems without risking column damage from chemical incompatibilities.
• Biocompatible PEEK wetted materials — Both the stator and rotor are PEEK, providing broad chemical compatibility with aqueous buffers, organic solvents, and common chromatography cleaning solutions.
• Simple positioning and LAN connectivity — The two valves are placed side by side between the CUBE outlet valves and the UV detectors. They connect to the system network via LAN and are configured in ChromIQ using the Firmware Wizard with fixed IP addresses.
• User-serviceable rotor replacement — Rotors can be replaced with a standard Torx T20 screwdriver. It is recommended to replace both rotors at the same time.

Specifications

Important Notes

• Required when the P1 buffer selection valve kit is installed.
• Compatible with all other external valve accessories (column selection valve, injection valve, P2 inline adjustment valve) and both heating options (CT 2.1 column thermostats and Eluent Heater).

What’s Included

Two two-position column bypass valves, bypass loop tubing, LAN cables, and fitting accessories.

The column bypass valve kit is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Valve control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The P1 buffer selection valve kit extends the Contichrom CUBE’s gradient pump (P1) with automated eluent selection, giving P1A and P1B the same multi-buffer switching capability that pumps P2 and P3 already have as standard. The kit consists of two multi-position valves — VP1A for the P1A pump head and VP1B for P1B — each providing up to 8 selectable inlet positions on the low-pressure (suction) side. This enables gradient eluent screening during process development and multi-step Integrated Batch workflows that combine different chromatography modes (e.g. reversed phase followed by anion exchange) in a single automated run.

The valves require the column bypass valve kit (VCB1/VCB2) to be installed. When switching between chemically different eluent systems on P1, the bypass valves allow new buffers to be flushed through the lines without passing through the columns, preventing damage from chemical incompatibilities and clearing residual solvent from otherwise inaccessible flow paths.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Up to 8 eluent inlets per pump head — Each valve selects from up to 8 buffer or solvent bottles on the suction side of the gradient pump. Five ports are tubed as standard; additional ports can be connected with 1/8″ OD tubing and the included colored fittings.
• Automatic control via ChromaCraft Batch — VP1A and VP1B inlet positions can be programmed per method phase using ChromaCraft Batch, in exactly the same way as the built-in P2 and P3 buffer selection valves. This supports automated eluent screening across multiple gradient conditions and multi-dimensional Integrated Batch processes.
• Manual control and tank assignment in ChromIQ — When installed, P1A and P1B appear in the Tank Assignment tab alongside P2 and P3, allowing you to define and label buffer bottles for each inlet position. Valves can also be switched manually for pump purging operations.
• Enables eluent system screening — Systematically test different gradient buffer combinations on P1 without manual replumbing. Ideal for process development where identifying the optimal eluent system is a critical early step.
• Enables Integrated Batch (2D/3D) processes — Run consecutive gradient polishing steps using different chromatography modes within a single automated method. For example, a reversed-phase step followed by an ion-exchange step using a completely different eluent system — all controlled through ChromIQ.
• Biocompatible PEEK wetted materials — Both the stator and rotor are PEEK, providing broad chemical compatibility with aqueous buffers, organic solvents, acids, and bases commonly used across different chromatography modes.
• Stacked placement alongside the CUBE — VP1A and VP1B are stacked on top of each other to the right of the CUBE module. They do not interfere with the flow path or positioning of other external valve accessories.

Specifications

Important Notes

• The column bypass valve kit must be installed before or together with the buffer selection valve kit.
• Unused inlet positions should remain submerged in a compatible solution (e.g. storage solution) to prevent air from entering the lines.
• Compatible with all other external valve accessories and both heating options.

What’s Included

Two multi-position buffer selection valves (VP1A + VP1B), color-coded inlet tubing for 5 ports per valve, fittings, tube labels, tubing guide bracket, and LAN cables.

The P1 buffer selection valve kit is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Valve control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The injection valve kit adds loop-based sample injection to the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system, allowing small or precious sample volumes to be applied to the column without passing through a pump. The kit consists of a single two-position valve (LOAD / INJECT) that can be connected to either pump P1 or pump P3, plus a set of five interchangeable standard sample loops (0.5, 2, 5, 10, and 20 mL). The valve also supports dynamic loading loops such as the Cytiva Superloop for larger volumes or multiple sequential injections.

Loop-based injection is particularly useful for column testing protocols, analytical method qualification, and applications involving sensitive biomolecules where passing the sample through pump heads could compromise molecular integrity. For standard loops, the sample is manually loaded via a dedicated loading port, then injected into the flow path by switching the valve position — either manually through ChromIQ or automatically as part of a ChromaCraft Batch method.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Two-position valve (LOAD / INJECT) — In LOAD position, the flow path bypasses the sample loop while sample is loaded manually through the loading port. In INJECT position, the pump pushes mobile phase through the loop and onto the column. Valve position is displayed with color-coded flow paths in the ChromIQ Injection Valve window.
• Five interchangeable standard sample loops included — 0.5, 2, 5, 10, and 20 mL nominal volumes. For reproducible partial-fill injections, load up to 50% of the nominal loop volume (linear regime). For full-loop injections, load at least 3× the nominal volume to ensure complete displacement.
• Dynamic loop support for larger volumes and multiple injections — Connect a Cytiva Superloop or equivalent dynamic loading loop for repeated sample applications within a single method. ChromIQ automatically distinguishes between standard and dynamic loops based on a configurable volume threshold, and can freeze a run when a dynamic loop runs empty.
• Connectable to pump P1 or P3 — The associated pump is selected in the ChromIQ settings. ChromaCraft Batch then shows the “Inject” option only in method steps using that pump. Pump P2 is not recommended.
• Automatic and manual control — Valve position can be switched manually from the Injection Valve window in ChromIQ, or programmed into methods via ChromaCraft Batch for automated injection sequences.
• Biocompatible PEEK wetted materials — Both the stator and rotor are PEEK, providing broad chemical compatibility for aqueous and organic mobile phases.
• User-serviceable rotor replacement — Rotor can be replaced with a standard Torx T20 screwdriver.

Specifications

Important Notes

• Not compatible with continuous mode chromatography. Designed for batch and Integrated Batch workflows.
• When using standard loops, flush with at least 3× the loop volume to fully evacuate sample content onto the column.
• Ensure no air bubbles are present in dynamic loops before injection — compressed air leads to reduced applied sample volume.
• A dummy loop should be connected between ports 3 and 6 when no sample loop is installed.
• Compatible with all other external valve accessories and both heating options.

What’s Included

One two-position injection valve, five standard sample loops (0.5, 2, 5, 10, 20 mL), dummy loop, fittings, and LAN cable.

The injection valve kit is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Valve control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The column selection valve adds automated multi-column switching to the left column position of the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. The single multi-position valve mounts up to four columns on the left position — bringing the total number of mountable columns on the CUBE to five (four left + one right). This enables systematic column screening during process development and three-dimensional Integrated Batch workflows that require multiple stationary phases on a single column position.

Column screening is a critical early step in process development: testing different resins, ligands, or column dimensions under identical conditions to identify the best separation performance before committing to a process. The column selection valve automates this by switching between columns within a single method, eliminating manual replumbing between runs. For 3D Integrated Batch processes, the valve allows columns for the first and third chromatographic dimension to share the left column position, with dimension switching controlled automatically through ChromIQ.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Up to four columns on the left column position — Each column connects via a dedicated inlet/outlet port pair (xI/xO) on the valve. Combined with the standard right column position, the CUBE can hold up to five columns simultaneously.
• Automated column switching via ChromaCraft Batch — Column position (1–4) can be programmed per method phase, enabling fully automated screening runs that cycle through multiple columns without operator intervention.
• Manual control via ChromIQ — Column position can be set manually through a dedicated Column Selection Valve window (enter position 1–4 and press SET), or through the Column Mounting Tool in the Flowsheet tab for column equilibration and testing.
• Enables 3D Integrated Batch processes — Mount the columns for the first and third chromatographic dimension on the left position, with the second dimension on the right. Dimension switching is managed automatically within the method.
• Chemically resistant PAEK wetted materials — The stator is carbon-fortified PAEK and the rotor is a PAEK/PTFE composite, providing high chemical resistance and mechanical durability for demanding process development applications.
• User-serviceable rotor replacement — Rotor can be replaced with a 3/32″ hex driver. Five hex screws are tightened in a star pattern to ensure even contact pressure.

Specifications

Important Notes

• When combined with column thermostats (CT 2.1 kit), only two columns can be heated — one per thermostat, including the right column position. The remaining columns on the selection valve operate at ambient temperature.
• When combined with the Eluent Heater, the same two-column heating limit applies (two heating channels).
• Compatible with all other external valve accessories and both heating options.

What’s Included

One multi-position column selection valve, fittings, and LAN cable.

The column selection valve is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Valve control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The P2 inline adjustment valve — referred to as VOILA (Valve for Outlet Inline Adjustment) in ChromIQ — enables real-time conditioning of column outlet streams on the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. By redirecting pump P2 to deliver an adjustment solution directly into the column outlet flow path, the valve protects sensitive products from degradation between the detectors and the fraction collector or recycling lines. This is critical for molecules that are unstable under elution conditions, such as antibodies eluted at low pH from Protein A columns or peptides that gel and aggregate at high eluate concentrations.

The valve is positioned between the automatic drain valve V6 and manifold MF2, with T-pieces (TOILA-1 and TOILA-2) connecting to the outlet stream of each column position. Because the adjustment stream is added after the UV and conductivity detectors, it does not interfere with online-signal-based control features such as AutoPeak and AutomAb — the measured signals remain unaffected while the collected product is conditioned.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Inline neutralization and solubility adjustment of product eluate — The primary application is preventing product degradation between elution and collection. Examples include neutralizing antibody eluate from Protein A chromatography to prevent aggregation, and generating high-solubility conditions for GLP-1 agonists or other peptides that tend to gel at typical eluate concentrations. This is superior to pre-filling neutralization solution in fraction tubes because it enables signal-based product collection with precisely dosed adjustment solution.
• Three valve positions for flexible flow path routing — Position 1 (“normal”): regular P2 flow path to MF2 for standard use. Position 2 (“column1”): inline adjustment of the left column outlet stream via T-piece TOILA-1. Position 3 (“column2”): inline adjustment of the right column outlet stream via T-piece TOILA-2.
• Conditioning of recycling streams in MCSGP — During the Weak and Strong Recycling phases of MCSGP, VOILA can route the adjustment solution to condition recycling streams between columns. This can be combined with product outlet conditioning within the same method.
• Purging of fraction collector and recycling lines — VOILA provides an alternative flow path to flush the Product Outlet line and recycling lines without passing through the eluting column, even when column bypass valves are not installed. This prevents residual material from one cycle contaminating the next.
• No interference with online signal-based control — Because the adjustment stream enters after the detector modules, UV and conductivity measurements remain unaffected. AutoPeak and AutomAb continue to operate normally during inline adjustment.
• Programmed through the Method Editor — VOILA position changes are controlled through method commands in the Method Editor (not ChromaCraft Batch). Multiple flow path features — outlet conditioning, recycling stream adjustment, and line purging — can be combined within a single MCSGP method.
• Diamond-like carbon (DLC) stator for chemical durability — The stator is DLC-coated and the rotor is PEEK, providing high chemical resistance to aggressive eluents, cleaning solutions, and the adjustment solutions used for neutralization or solubility control. User-serviceable rotor replacement with a Torx T20 screwdriver.

Specifications

Important Notes

• VOILA is not programmable through ChromaCraft Batch or any process wizard. All position changes must be added manually as method lines in the Method Editor.
• When using VOILA for both outlet stream and recycling stream conditioning within the same method, be aware of the additional dead volume between VOILA and the T-pieces (TOILA-1/TOILA-2) if different solutions are used for each type of adjustment.
• Compatible with all other external valve accessories and both heating options.

What’s Included

One multi-position inline adjustment valve (VOILA), two T-pieces (TOILA-1, TOILA-2), fittings, and LAN cable.

The P2 inline adjustment valve is supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system. Valve control is configured and managed through ChromIQ software.

The Accessory and Storage Rack (ASRA) is an integrated storage unit for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system, combining a drainage platform at the bottom with adjustable shelving and organizational brackets above. The CUBE mounts on the right-hand side of the ASRA platform, while the left side provides dedicated positions for external accessories — up to six multiposition valves, two UV detectors, column thermostats or an eluent heater or a fraction collector, and chromatography columns — consolidating a fully equipped system into a single organized footprint. A pull-out drip drawer with drainage tubing, rear cable management compartment, and built-in power distribution for up to 14 outlets complete the installation.

Key Features & Capabilities

• Drainage platform with CUBE mounting — The ASRA base serves as a drainage platform on which the CUBE sits at the right-hand side. The integrated base contains spills and eliminates the need for separate bench mounting.
• Dedicated accessory positions — Organized placement for up to 6 multiposition valves, 2 external UV detectors (dedicated shelf), 2 column thermostats or 1 eluent heater or 1 fraction collector (left section), and the injection valve or P2 inline adjustment valve. Positioning guides keep accessories aligned and accessible.
• Adjustable shelving with removable tray inserts — Shelves mount on a slotted rail system and can be repositioned as the system configuration evolves. Tray inserts are removable for cleaning.
• Column mounting positions — Slotted side rails provide multiple mounting positions for column holders, supporting vertical column mounting at various sizes. Column holder brackets are available separately.
• Top shelf with raised edges — Secure surface for buffer, solvent, or wash solution bottles. Raised edges prevent sliding and contain minor spills.
• Pull-out drip drawer — A slide-out drawer captures liquid from leaks, spills, or condensation. Integrated drainage tubing routes collected liquid to a waste outlet.
• Cable management and power distribution — A rear compartment houses network switches (e.g. 8-port switch for systems with more than 4 accessories) and country-specific power strips with up to 12–14 outlets. A dedicated cable routing gap separates tubing from cables.

Specifications

What’s Included

ASRA storage unit with integrated drainage platform, adjustable shelves with removable tray inserts, pull-out drip drawer with drainage tubing, cable management covers, and mounting hardware.

Related Accessories

Compatible with all Contichrom CUBE external accessories: column bypass valve, P1 buffer selection valve, injection valve, column selection valve, P2 inline adjustment valve (VOILA), CT 2.1 column thermostats, external UV detectors, and Foxy R1/R2 fraction collectors.

The Accessory and Storage Rack (ASRA) is designed and supplied by YMC ChromaCon as an integrated storage accessory for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system.

Replacement spare parts and optional components for the Contichrom CUBE continuous chromatography system, including deuterium UV lamps, column mounting hardware, and preparative UV flow cells. All parts are compatible with the Contichrom CUBE 30 and CUBE 100 unless noted otherwise. Contact your local Contichrom distributor for ordering or if the part you need is not listed.

Replacement deuterium lamps for the external UV detectors used with the Contichrom CUBE. UV lamps are rated for approximately 2,000 hours of operation and are user-replaceable.

Replacement PEEK preparative flow cells for the 4-channel multi-wavelength UV detector on the Contichrom CUBE, available in four path lengths. The standard configuration ships with a 0.5 mm flow cell. Shorter path lengths (0.1 and 0.3 mm) are recommended for high-concentration applications to avoid detector saturation; the 1 mm path length increases sensitivity for dilute samples.

Replacement pH electrode for inline pH monitoring on the Contichrom CUBE. The pH probe measures pH 0–14 and is located at the system outlet behind the backpressure regulator, typically in the product outlet line. The glass electrode mounts into a PEEK flow cell via a screw ring. Store the electrode in pH storage solution when not in use for a week or longer.

Replacement column clamps for mounting chromatography columns on the Contichrom CUBE or the ASRA accessory storage rack. The column clamp accommodates columns from 10 to 20 mm OD and mounts to the column holder bracket on the CUBE or to the slotted side rails of the ASRA. Included with the CUBE 30.

Replacement column holders for mounting larger chromatography columns on the Contichrom CUBE or the ASRA accessory storage rack. The column holder supports columns from 10 to 50 mm OD and clicks into the double rails of the column holder bracket. Included with the CUBE 100.