Contichrom® TWIN 500 HPLC
The Contichrom® TWIN 500 HPLC is an industrial high-pressure chromatography system engineered for commercial-scale manufacturing of synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, and small molecules. Operating at 80 bar with proprietary YMC fast-acting valves — the only valve technology capable of rapid switching at high pressure — the TWIN HPLC enables MCSGP continuous polishing with AutoPeak® to eliminate the yield-purity trade-off. Achieve +10–50% absolute yield increase at target purity and up to 70% less solvent consumption compared to batch HPLC. Class I Division 2 certified (ATEX Zone 2 optional) for safe operation with organic solvents, with SS 316L or Hastelloy flow paths for reversed-phase and ion exchange chromatography. The TWIN 500 has flow rates from 0.08 – 8.33 L/min.
- Contichrom® TWIN 300 HPLC
- Contichrom® TWIN 500 HPLC
- Contichrom® TWIN 1000 HPLC
- Contichrom® TWIN 2000 HPLC
Overview
Production-Scale High-Pressure Chromatography for Synthetic Molecules
The Contichrom® TWIN HPLC has an 80-bar operating pressure for production-scale purification of synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, and small molecules.
- Twin-column continuous polishing (MCSGP with AutoPeak®)
- 80-bar operating pressure for modern RP and IEX resins
- Class I, Division 2 / ATEX Zone 2 for organic solvents
- SS 316L (reversed phase) or Hastelloy (ion exchange) flow paths
- YMC fast-acting high-pressure valves for rapid MCSGP switching
One System, Multiple Processes
A single platform — no hardware changes between modes:
| Mode | Technology |
|---|---|
| Batch | Single-column batch purification |
| 2D Integrated Batch | Two orthogonal steps, one automated process |
| Continuous polishing | MCSGP with AutoPeak® |
| Impurity enrichment | N-Rich® with AutoPeak® |
- AutoPeak® dynamic control ensures consistent quality
- Enables continuous 24/7 manufacturing operation
Comprehensive Application Range
Production-scale purification for synthetic molecules:
| Application | MCSGP | 2D Integrated Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Peptides | ✓ | ✓ |
| Oligonucleotides | ✓ | ✓ |
| Small Molecules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nutraceuticals | ✓ | ✓ |
- SS 316L flow path for reversed-phase purification
- Hastelloy flow path for cation/anion exchange chromatography
MCSGP: Continuous Polishing at Production Scale
MCSGP with AutoPeak® resolves the purity-yield trade-off that limits batch chromatography:
- Impure side-fractions automatically recycled and re-separated on the second column
- +10–50% absolute yield increase at target purity
- Up to 70% reduction in solvent consumption
- Eliminates re-chromatography and reduces QC burden
- Enables downscaling of upstream synthesis batches
- AutoPeak® ensures consistent quality via continuous 24/7 operation
AutoPeak® - Dynamic Process Control
AutoPeak® adjusts collection windows during MCSGP using real-time UV triggers:
- Compensates for process drift, column aging, and feed variability
- Delivers consistent purity and yield without operator intervention
- Minimizes scope for user error during extended production runs
- Enables robust, continuous 24/7 manufacturing
- Makes the process more economical and reliable at commercial scale
High Pressure, Production-Scale Design
Built for demanding high-pressure chromatography applications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 80 bar (8 MPa / 1160 psi) |
| Flow Rate | 0.5–36 L/min (model dependent) |
| Column ID Range | 10–100 cm (model dependent) |
| Flow Path | SS 316L (RP) or Hastelloy (IEX) |
- LEWA ecoflow triplex pumps deliver pulse-free flow at production scale
- Gradient accuracy ≤1% variation across the 10–90% range
- Supports modern high-performance RP, AIEX, and CIEX resins
Hazardous Location Compliance
Designed for safe operation with flammable organic solvents:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| North American | Class I, Division 2 |
| European (Optional) | ATEX Zone 2 |
| Electrical Panels | NEMA 4X rated, UL approved |
- Essential for reversed-phase purification with organic mobile phases
- Valve exhausts vented directly to the processing room
- Industrial-grade safety design throughout
Industrial Control Software
Production-ready automation with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance:
- Recipe Management — Multiple stored recipes with access control and modification audit trail
- AutoPeak® — Dynamic process control for MCSGP continuous operation
- Data Storage — Microsoft SQL Server database with full audit trail
- Historical Trending — YMC Server Historian with graphical display
- Batch Reports — YMC Server Reports, auto-generated
- Remote Access — HMS Ewon module for troubleshooting and training
Scalable from Lab to Production
Part of the Contichrom® platform with established transfer protocols:
| System | Flow Rate | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Contichrom® CUBE | 0.1–100 mL/min | Method development |
| Contichrom® PILOT 300X | Up to 300 mL/min | Pilot / clinical |
| Contichrom® TWIN HPLC | Up to 36 L/min | Commercial production |
- Develop on CUBE, pilot on PILOT 300X, produce on TWIN HPLC
- Consistent AutoPeak® control principles across all systems
- Bachem uses production-scale Contichrom MCSGP for commercial peptide APIs
Designed for GMP Compliance
Built for pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements:
- Developed under the GAMP 5 framework
- 21 CFR Part 11 compliant software with audit trail
- Comprehensive Turnover Package (TOP) with full documentation
- USP Class VI materials and FDA-approved seals
- UL-approved panels, CE marking including PED compliance
TOP includes: Material test reports, pressure test reports, passivation reports, weld documentation, as-built drawings.
Production-Grade Hardware You Can Count On
A complete skid-mounted system for GMP manufacturing:
- 4× pumps — LEWA ecoflow triplex with rupture detection
- Dual UV Detectors — 4-Channel Adjustable wavelength (200-600 nm), 0.5 mm path length
- 4× Coriolis flow meters — ±0.5% accuracy
- YMC valves — Fast-acting HP switching for MCSGP
- Pressure, conductivity, pH, temperature & air sensors — Full system monitoring
- 24″ HMI — Industrial touchscreen with FactoryTalk View SE
How it works
Robust Hardware Engineered for GMP Production-Scale Chromatography
The TWIN HPLC is a complete skid-mounted unit for GMP manufacturing:
- Single-skid or split-skid configurations depending on model
- Industrial (non-sanitary) design optimized for synthetic molecule purification
- Two column positions for MCSGP and independent batch operation
- Compatible with classified environments (4–25 °C ambient)
- Every component rated for 80-bar automated high-pressure switching
Four LEWA Ecoflow Triplex Pumps
Four industrial triplex diaphragm pumps for high-pressure precision:
| Pump | Role |
|---|---|
| Pump A | Gradient component A / Feed |
| Pump B | Gradient component B |
| Pump C | Wash / Regeneration |
| Pump D | Auxiliary / Interconnection flow |
- Triplex configuration for nearly pulse-free flow
- Sandwich diaphragm with rupture detection alarm
- Automatic stroke adjustment for optimal performance
- Gradient accuracy: ≤1% variation (10–90% range)
Inlet & Outlet Valve Selection
Pneumatic valve assemblies provide automated buffer, sample, and fraction management:
| Valve Group | Configuration | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet (Pumps A & C) | 4–6 port valves | Buffer/solvent selection |
| Inlet (Pumps B & D) | 4 port valves | Buffer/solvent selection |
| Outlet | 5+ valves | Product, waste, parallel, drain |
- Fully automated selection eliminates manual switching
- Supports complex multi-step methods for continuous and batch operation
Pneumatic Valve Network
Air-operated ball and diaphragm valves form the fluidic control core:
- Inlet Selection Valves — Multiple ports per pump for automated buffer/solvent switching
- YMC HP Valves — Rapid actuation under full pressure for column interconnection and side-fraction routing during MCSGP elution
- Fractionation Valves — 5+ product/waste outlets for flexible fraction collection
- Sanitary ball valves standard; diaphragm valves available as option
Dual Wavelength UV Detectors
Two post-column UV sensors for real-time process monitoring:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 4-channel, multi-wavelength DAD, 200–600 nm |
| Path length | 0.5 mm path (exchangeable for 0.1, 0.3, or 1 mm) |
- Positioned at the outlet of each column for independent monitoring
- Provides the real-time UV signals that drive AutoPeak® dynamic control
In-Line Process Sensors
Comprehensive real-time monitoring:
| Sensor | Quantity | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Coriolis Flow Meters | 4 | ±0.5% accuracy |
| pH | Post-column (×2) | On waste and collection outlets, 0–13 pH, ±0.15 unit |
| Conductivity | Post-column (×2) | On waste and collection outlets, 0–200 mS/cm, ±1% of measured value |
| Pressure | Multiple | Column inlet/outlet, 0–100 bar, ±1% FS |
| Temperature | Per column | 0–100 °C, ±0.25 °C |
| Air (ultrasonic) | 1+ | Feed line detection |
- Coriolis meters monitor and control all four pump flow rates
- Pressure sensors enable system and differential pressure monitoring
Column Management
Flexible column configurations for production scale:
- 2 column positions for MCSGP twin-column operation
- 80 bar maximum column pressure
- Column ID range: 10–100 cm (depending on model)
- Single-column batch mode available when continuous operation is not required
Hazardous Location Safety
Industrial safety design for organic solvent operation:
- NEMA 4X rated electrical panels, UL approved
- Class I, Division 2 certified for North American hazardous locations
- ATEX Zone 2 certification available as option for European installations
- Valve exhausts vented directly to the processing room
- Fail-safe design — system fails safely and recovers with minimal contamination risk
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
System control via industrial PC running FactoryTalk View SE:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Touchscreen | 24″ Siemens IFP 2400, panel-mounted |
| Industrial PC | 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 11 Professional |
- Real-time process visualization and trending
- Recipe management with access control and batch reporting
Flow Path Materials
Choose between two flow path options based on chromatography mode:
| Application | Flow Path Material | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Reversed Phase (RP) | SS 316L | Chemical compatibility with organic solvents |
| Ion Exchange (AIEX/CIEX) | Hastelloy | Corrosion resistance for salt/acid/base eluents |
- Industrial design — optimized for synthetic molecule manufacturing
- Full traceability with MTRs and certificates of compliance
- Product contact tubing: Ra ≤ 0.5 µm (20 µin)
PLC-Based Control System
Industrial automation platform:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| PLC Platform | Rockwell CompactLogix 5069 |
| HMI Runtime | FactoryTalk View SE 15.0 |
| Process Control | MCSGP with AutoPeak® |
| Database | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Std. |
| Historian | YMC Server Historian |
| Reports | YMC Server Reports (auto-generated) |
| Remote Access | HMS Ewon COSY131 |
Optional Hardware
| Option | Specification |
|---|---|
| Filter Housings | LP inlet and HP pre-column filtration |
| Product Cooling | Post-column heat exchanger (with/without TCU) |
| Pre-Column Heating | Eluent temperature control (with/without TCU) |
| Additional Valves | Extra inlet and fraction collection valves |
| ATEX Zone 2 | European hazardous location certification |
| Sanitary Flow Path Upgrade | Electropolished ID (≤ 20 Ra) for all product contact surfaces |
| Diaphragm Valves | In lieu of standard ball valves for inlet and outlet |
| Software Customizations | Handshake with upstream/downstream equipment, additional control loops, external valve/equipment control |
Process Capabilities
Continuous Polishing for Synthetic Molecule Manufacturing
The TWIN HPLC is engineered for high-pressure twin-column processes:
- MCSGP with AutoPeak® — Continuous polishing
- N-Rich® with AutoPeak® — Impurity enrichment
- 2D Integrated Batch — Multi-step automated purification
- Batch — Single-column gradient and isocratic operation
- All accessible from a single platform at 80 bar
- YMC valves enable rapid switching that makes MCSGP possible at high pressure
MCSGP with AutoPeak® — Continuous Polishing
Twin-column continuous polishing that eliminates the purity-yield trade-off:
- Impure side-fractions automatically identified and recycled to the second column
- Near-complete recovery at target purity — no re-chromatography
- AutoPeak® dynamically adjusts collection windows via real-time UV
- YMC valves switch rapidly during elution at full 80-bar pressure
- Continuous, automated operation for 24/7 manufacturing
Target: Gradient polishing separations (RP, IEX) Molecules: Synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, small molecules, nutraceuticals
MCSGP — Performance Gains
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Yield | 30–60% higher (up to 3× vs. batch) |
| Solvent consumption | Up to 70% reduction |
| Re-chromatography | Eliminated |
| Column size | Shorter columns — improved productivity |
| Synthesis batch size | Downscaling possible via higher yields |
| Process control | AutoPeak® enables continuous 24/7 operation |
2D Integrated Batch — Multi-Step Automation
Couple two orthogonal chromatography steps in a single automated process:
- Product from column 1 transfers directly to column 2 with in-line dilution
- No intermediate hold tanks or manual handling
- Example: RP polishing (Dim 1) → AIEX polishing (Dim 2)
- Reduces process time, QC burden, and facility footprint
Molecules: Synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, small molecules, nutraceuticals
N-Rich with AutoPeak® — Impurity Enrichment
Automated twin-column cyclic process for isolating low-abundance compounds:
- Fresh feed added each cycle while depleting unwanted products
- Target compounds continuously recycled and accumulated on-column
- Up to 80× faster than traditional pooled HPLC approaches
- AutoPeak® compensates for retention shifts across many cycles
- Drastically reduces manual handling and project time
Target Molecules: Low-abundance compounds
N-Rich — Performance Gains
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Processing speed | Up to 80× faster than pooled HPLC |
| Manual handling | Drastically reduced |
| Purity | Significantly higher than semi-prep batch |
| Project time | Dramatically shortened |
| Process control | AutoPeak® ensures consistency across all cycles |
Four stages: Design → Enrichment → Depletion → Elution.
Batch Chromatography
Single-column batch purification:
| Mode | Applications |
|---|---|
| Isocratic | Size exclusion, desalting |
| Gradient | RP, IEX, mixed-mode polishing |
- Maximum 80-bar operating pressure supports high-performance resins
- Linear or step gradients with ≤1% variation (10–90%)
- Multiple fraction collection outlets (5+)
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
Certifications
- UL and Class I, Division 2 (North America)
- CE marking available including PED compliance (Europe)
- ATEX Zone 2 certification (optional)
- Developed under GAMP 5 framework
- Complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations
Standards & Directives
- ASME-BPE for all stainless steel product contact welds
- FDA-approved USP Class VI materials and seals
- UL-approved electrical panels
- CE marking with PED compliance (if required)
Materials & Documentation
- SS 316L or Hastelloy flow paths — selected based on chromatography mode
- Full traceability with MTRs and certificates of compliance
- Product contact tubing: Ra ≤ 0.5 µm (20 µin)
- Turnover Package (TOP) with comprehensive QA/QC documentation
TOP includes: MTRs, certificates of compliance, pressure test reports, passivation reports, weld documentation, as-built drawings (PDF and native CAD).
Specifications
System Models
| Parameter | TWIN 300 | TWIN 500 | TWIN 1000 | TWIN 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 0.03 – 3.33 L/min | 0.08 – 8.33 L/min | 0.15 – 18.9 L/min | 0.5 – 36 L/min |
| Column ID | 10–20 cm | 20–45 cm | 30–60 cm | 60–100 cm |
| Max Pressure | 80 bar | 80 bar | 80 bar | 80 bar |
| Best For | Small-scale | Mid-scale | Large-scale | Maximum capacity |
General Specifications
| Maximum Pressure | 80 bar (8 MPa / 1160 psi) |
| Gradient Accuracy | ≤1% variation (10–90% range) |
| Operating Temperature | 4–25 °C ambient (process up to 65 °C) |
| Hazardous Rating | Class I, Division 2 (ATEX Zone 2 optional) |
| Electrical Panels | NEMA 4X rated, UL approved |
| Flow Path Materials | SS 316L (RP) or Hastelloy (IEX) |
| Control System | Rockwell CompactLogix PLC |
| Processes | Batch, 2D Integrated Batch, MCSGP |
Physical Specifications
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWIN 300 | 2184 mm | 1270 mm | 2032 mm | 2494 kg |
| TWIN 500 | 2997 mm | 1651 mm | 1981 mm | 3055 kg |
| TWIN 1000 (Pump) | 3600 mm | 1400 mm | 2300 mm | 4455 kg |
| TWIN 1000 (Process) | 1400 mm | 900 mm | 2000 mm | 1364 kg |
| TWIN 2000 (Pump) | 3810 mm | 1525 mm | 2300 mm | 4763 kg |
| TWIN 2000 (Process) | 1473 mm | 1016 mm | 2000 mm | 1543 kg |
Pumps (LEWA ecoflow)
| Configuration | 4× triplex diaphragm pumps |
| Diaphragm | Sandwich PTFE with rupture detection |
| Materials | USP Class VI certified, FDA approved |
| Features | Automatic stroke adjustment, continue on alert |
Detectors & Sensors
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| UV Detection | 4-channel, multi-wavelength DAD, 200–600 nm, 0.5 mm path (exchangeable for 0.1, 0.3, or 1 mm) |
| Flow Meters (×4) | Coriolis, ±0.5% accuracy |
| pH (×2) | Post-column on waste and collection outlets, 0–13, ±0.15 unit |
| Conductivity (×2) | Post-column on waste and collection outlets, 0–200 mS/cm, ±1% of measured value |
| Pressure | Multiple sensors (inlet/outlet/system), 0–100 bar, ±1% FS |
| Temperature | Column outlet monitoring, 0–100 °C, ±0.25 °C |
| Air Sensors | Ultrasonic on feed lines |
Valves & Flow Path
| Valve Actuation | YMC fast-acting valves |
| Inlet Valves | 4–6 per pump group |
| Column Connections | 2 positions (80 bar) |
| Outlets | 5+ product/waste/drain |
| Product Contact Tubing | 316L SS, Ra ≤ 0.5 µm (20 µin) |
| Seals | PTFE, USP Class VI, FDA approved |
Software & Automation
| PLC Platform | Rockwell CompactLogix 5069 |
| HMI Runtime | FactoryTalk View SE 15.0 |
| Database | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Std. |
| Historian | YMC Server Historian |
| Reports | YMC Server Reports (auto-generated) |
| Remote Access | HMS Ewon COSY131 |
| Process Control | MCSGP with AutoPeak® |
| Data Integrity | 21 CFR Part 11, audit trail, electronic signatures |
User Interface
| HMI | 24″ Siemens IFP 2400, panel-mounted |
| Industrial PC | 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 11 Professional |
Optional Modules
| Option | Specification |
|---|---|
| Filter Housings | LP inlet and HP pre-column filtration |
| Product Cooling | Post-column heat exchanger (with/without TCU) |
| Pre-Column Heating | Eluent temperature control (with/without TCU) |
| Additional Valves | Extra inlet and fraction collection valves |
| ATEX Zone 2 | European hazardous location certification |
| Sanitary Flow Path Upgrade | Electropolished ID (≤ 20 Ra) for all product contact surfaces |
| Diaphragm Valves | In lieu of standard ball valves for inlet and outlet |
| Software Customizations | Handshake with upstream/downstream equipment, additional control loops, external valve/equipment control |
Resources
- All Media Types
- Webinars & Videos
- Application Notes
Reducing Solvent Consumption for Large-Scale Peptide API Manufacturing
Bachem white paper about "Reducing Solvent Consumption for Large-Scale Peptide API Manufacturing" using MCSGP
Continuous Chromatography of Peptides
Bachem webinar about the "Continuous Chromatography of Peptides" using MCSGP
