Chromatography Column Frame for Safe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining and packing chromatography columns require heavy lifting equipment, posing safety risks, increasing costs, and consuming time, while also necessitating significant floor space and complex procedures, especially in clean environments like GMP facilities.
Innovation Solution
A chromatography column frame and method that eliminates the need for heavy lifting gear by using a frame with adjustable legs, a holder means, and a support arrangement to facilitate safe and efficient disassembly and reassembly of column components, allowing for easier maintenance and packing without the need for cranes or hoists.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heavy lifting equipment such as cranes or hoists is used to dismantle and maintain chromatography columns, then the column components can be separated and maintained, but operator safety is compromised and the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The chromatography column is divided into separable components (column body, end caps, distributor plate, filters) that can be independently removed and maintained. The frame structure allows each component to be accessed and serviced separately without requiring heavy lifting equipment, thereby improving both ease of maintenance and operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized maintenance frame acts as an intermediary structure that supports the chromatography column components during maintenance operations. This frame provides a stable working platform and supports component weights, eliminating the need for external heavy lifting equipment while maintaining operator safety.
2Ease of operation
If heavy lifting equipment is used for column maintenance, then components can be handled, but the cost and time required for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance frame is prepared in advance with all necessary support structures, connection points, and working platforms in place before maintenance begins. This preliminary setup allows maintenance personnel to immediately begin component removal and servicing without the time-consuming setup and teardown of heavy lifting equipment, thereby reducing overall maintenance time while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If heavy lifting equipment is used for column maintenance, then components can be separated, but the floor space required and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance frame is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various chromatography column configurations and sizes. It integrates multiple functions including structural support, component positioning, alignment guidance, and workspace provision into a single system, thereby simplifying the maintenance procedure and reducing the need for multiple specialized equipment pieces, which reduces both complexity and floor space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a chromatography column frame (101 ) comprising at least two legs (102), a support arrangement (104) connected to said at least two legs (102), and a holder means (106) connected to said support arrangement (104). Said holder means (106) is arranged to releasably hold an adaptor rod (138) of a chromatography column (128), so that the adaptor rod (138) is prevented to move in a horizontal direction and so the adaptor rod (138) is allowed to move in a vertical direction. The invention also relates to method of conducting maintenance on and packing of a chromatography column (128).