Expanding Bio-Chromatography Capabilities with YMC’s Comprehensive Glass Column Range

Chromatography and process scientists in biotech, pharma, and academia require columns that perform reliably across scales and conditions. YMC’s glass column range spanning lab-scale ECO and ECO^PLUS columns, high-temperature (HT) columns, and pilot-scale YMC Pilot and Pilot^PLUS, addresses these needs with engineered precision. These columns combine broad chemical compatibility, biocompatible flow paths, robust pressure/temperature performance, and user-oriented features such as adjustable pistons, quick-lock closures, and advanced sealing mechanisms. Below we highlight each column line and their advantages for applications from antibody purification to oligonucleotide separation.

Laboratory-Scale Glass Columns (ECO, ECOPLUS & HT Series)

YMC’s lab-scale columns cover inner diameters (ID) of 5–80 mm and lengths up to 1000 mm, supporting everything from method development to preparative purification. Table 1 summarizes key specifications of the lab-scale column lines: 

Table 1 – Lab-Scale YMC Glass Columns (ECO, ECO^PLUS and HT)

YMC ECO^PLUS Columns (High-Performance Lab Columns)

Building on the ECO design, the ECO^PLUS series meets the highest criteria for laboratory use. Engineered for higher pressure applications (semi-preparative to preparative HPLC), these columns support up to 80 bar in smaller IDs. Diameters range from 5 mm (analytical) to 50 mm, enabling seamless scale-up within the same hardware line. ECO^PLUS columns also come in AB and SR versions, covering all chromatographic modes. For example, AB versions suit ion-exchange or size-exclusion of proteins, while SR versions handle RP-HPLC of peptides or oligonucleotides requiring organic eluents.

To ensure durability, ECO^PLUS employs an innovative quick-lock bayonet closure for rapid assembly and secure sealing. Sealing mechanisms differ by version: SR uses Teflon chevron seals (except smallest sizes) for solvent resistance, while AB employs elastomer O-rings for biocompatibility. Pistons are easily adjusted or removed, minimizing downtime. Multiple piston length combinations (short/short, short/long, long/long) allow reconfiguration for diverse tasks.

This versatility, combined with fully porous frits and optimized flow adapters, delivers high efficiency and uniform flow distribution. In practice, 50 mm ECO^PLUS columns have been used for antibody polishing and high-pressure RP peptide purification, benefiting from increased flow rates and throughput.

YMC HT High-Temperature Columns

For applications requiring elevated temperatures, YMC offers the HT series, a specialized extension of the lab-scale columns. HT columns operate from cold-room conditions up to 70 °C, whereas standard glass columns are typically limited to ~40 °C. They feature a double-walled borosilicate tempering jacket through which heated or cooled fluid circulates, providing precise bed temperature control. Like ECO/ECO^PLUS, they remain fully compatible with aqueous buffers and organic solvents, with all wetted parts are metal-free for biocompatibility. Even at 60–70 °C, the squeezed O-ring piston seal prevents leaks, ensuring trouble free operation at elevated temperature.

High-temperature operation improves solubility and mass transfer of biomolecules and polymers and disrupts secondary structures during nucleic acid or oligonucleotide purification. For instance, oligonucleotide RP purifications are often performed at ~60 °C to reduce secondary structure and sharpen peaks; 25 mm HT columns have been applied successfully for therapeutic oligonucleotides under such conditions. Other uses include protein or enzyme separations requiring elevated temperatures for activity or stability, as well as BioLC methods exploring temperature gradients.

Despite these advanced capabilities, HT columns retain easy handling with ECO^PLUS -style quick-lock closures, adjustable pistons, and fully porous frits for uniform flow. These products are “the first choice for temperature-sensitive applications,” combining precise thermal control, solvent compatibility, and durable construction

Pilot-Scale Glass Columns (YMC Pilot & Pilot^PLUS) 

Scaling to pilot and production requires columns that handle larger bed volumes and flow rates while remaining safe and user-friendly. YMC offers two solutions: the flexible Pilot series for general use and the advanced Pilot^PLUS series with enhanced handling as the new standard. Covering IDs from 70–300 mm and bed lengths up to ~800 mm, they support manufacturing-scale purification of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and small molecules. Table 2 compares the pilot column offerings: 

Table 2 – Pilot-Scale YMC Glass Columns (Pilot vs Pilot^PLUS)

YMC Pilot Columns (Flexible Line for Scale-Up)

The YMC Pilot series is a well-established workhorse for pilot- and production-scale bio chromatography. These columns are offered in four standard diameters from 100 to 300 mm, with two standard glass lengths (500 or 850 mm) to cover a wide range of bed volumes. Custom dimensions are also available, recognizing that process development often requires bespoke volumes. Pressure ratings scale with size: a 100 mm ID Pilot is rated to 10 bar, while the largest 300 mm ID is rated to 3 bar. This range reflects practical operating limits, as larger columns typically run at lower pressures to protect media and due to higher hydraulic forces on pistons.

Pilot columns are available in two material versions; AB (aqueous buffer) version is fully biocompatible, with no metal in contact; all wetted parts are glass, PEEK, PTFE, PVDF, or EPDM. This makes AB versions ideal for sensitive biomolecules such as antibodies, enzymes, and vaccines where metal contamination must be avoided. The SR (solvent-resistant) version, incorporates PTFE, stainless steel, and Kalrez^® in the flow path to withstand aggressive solvents. This configuration is recommended for reversed-phase (RP) or normal-phase (NP) processes using alcohols, acetonitrile, or chloroform. Together, the two versions ensure full compatibility across chromatographic modes - from IEX, SEC, HIC, and affinity separations in aqueous systems to silica-gel NP and RP purifications using strong organic solvents.

Several engineering details distinguish the Pilot line. A reliable squeezed O-ring piston seal provides a leak-tight connection under pressure, while remaining easily accessible for quick replacement. The piston itself can be adjusted to fine-tune bed compression, essential for achieving optimal performance. Flow distribution is achieved with a fixed plate and fully porous frit mounted in the piston, ensuring mobile phase is distributed evenly across the bed and preventing channelling. This uniform flow translates to excellent chromatographic efficiency and resolution, confirmed by consistently high plate counts during factory qualification. Packing is further simplified with packing adapters: when extra headspace is required - for example, to form a 750 mm SEC bed - the adapter can be attached for slurry packing and removed afterward, leaving a stable, homogeneous bed.

Ease of use at scale is another strength. Large columns are heavy and awkward to handle, so YMC provides dedicated column stands with levelled bases, rotatable racks, or wheeled options. For example, a rotatable stand allows a single operator to invert a 300 mm column for unpacking or cleaning. Optional heating/cooling jackets extend functionality to temperature-controlled runs, valuable for enzyme reactions or temperature-dependent elutions. For industrial environments with flammable solvents, ATEX-compliant versions are available, using conductive materials to safely ground the column and prevent static discharge. These design options underscore the Pilot line’s flexibility and adaptability to diverse process requirements.

In practical use, YMC Pilot columns have demonstrated versatility across biomolecule and small-molecule workflows. A 200 mm AB column, for instance, can be packed with Protein A resin to purify monoclonal antibodies from cell culture harvest. The process - load, wash, and low-pH elution- is supported by the column’s inert glass and polymer construction, ensuring a gentle, contamination-free separation. The same hardware, in SR configuration, can instead be applied to multi-kilogram purification of an API using RP media and strong solvents. In both cases, uniform flow and reliable bed compression deliver sharp peaks and minimal band broadening.

Equally important, Pilot columns are designed for repacking and low downtime. Beds can be unpacked, cleaned, and repacked quickly, or entire columns swapped out for spares to maintain throughput. This practical flexibility is a key reason YMC Pilot columns remain a trusted standard in bioprocess development and manufacturing.

YMC PilotPLUS Columns (New Standard for Pilot Scale)

The YMC Pilot^PLUS line was introduced as “the new standard for your pilot scale applications,” designed to make pilot-scale chromatography safer and easier to handle. Pilot^PLUS columns have diameters from 70 to 200 mm, overlapping with the smaller end of the Pilot range but incorporating significant innovations. By default, the flow path is completely metal-free, making every column biocompatible and ideal for sensitive BioLC applications. Proteins, peptides, antibodies, and oligonucleotides retain their native 3D structures better in a metal-free environment, avoiding the risk of trace metal contamination. While a solvent-resistant configuration can be supplied if required, the standard focus is on biocompatibility using polymeric materials.

Several unique engineering features distinguish Pilot^PLUS. A slanted glass edge and integrated drain valve transform the piston-insertion process. In conventional large columns, pistons often trap air bubbles, disturbing the slurry. PilotPLUS allows the piston to be introduced at an angle while liquid and air escape through the drain, ensuring bubble-free insertion. This enables smoother packing, minimizes bed disturbance, and yields more uniform beds - reducing trial-and-error when working with costly media.

Sealing and adjustment are also streamlined as the piston employs a sliding gasket that seals immediately upon insertion, eliminating dead volume and removing the need for constant tightening. The gasket moves with the piston under low friction, allowing smooth height adjustment, while markings guide the user during setup. A novel frit/seal module further simplifies maintenance: frit and gasket are removed together as one unit, without tools. This makes inspection, cleaning, or replacement fast and reliable, ensuring each repack uses a clean frit and intact seal. The frit’s optimized design improves flow distribution, delivering even sample spread and reproducible performance.

Another operator-friendly feature is the removable column body as the glass tube can be unlocked with three bolts and lifted from the stand for quick inversion and unpacking. Instead of laborious flow-unpacking, media can be emptied directly, saving time and effort. Handles on the stand allow safe lifting, and versions with wheels or fixed-level supports are available for flexible use in GMP environments. These products are designed around ergonomics and efficiency, as well as reduced downtime during cleaning and repacking.

Pilot^PLUS matches Pilot columns in pressure limits for comparable sizes (e.g., 100 mm ID rated to 10 bar, 200 mm to 5 bar). The addition of a 70 mm ID option extends the range, supporting pressures up to 16 bar for early pilot or intermediate scale (~1–3 L beds) where finer resins or higher pressures are required. High flow rates and throughput are supported by the robust build, while an infilling assistance tool accelerates slurry transfer without introducing air. This minimizes delays between slurry loading and piston insertion, allowing efficient, one-step bed packing.

In practice, Pilot^PLUS has been praised for reducing the learning curve of large-column operation. One chromatography specialist noted that packing a 140 mm unit was “a smooth procedure due to significant advantages,” referring to the safe handling and time-saving features. For biopharmaceutical manufacturing, where frequent repacking is standard, Pilot^PLUS ensures consistent performance across cycles. By combining bubble-free packing, minimal dead volume, and fast cleaning, it helps maintain throughput and compliance - making it a preferred choice for modern pilot-scale BioLC.

A major benefit of utilising YMC’s glass columns, is the range of options and services available to support these columns: 

• Heating/Cooling Jackets: Lab-scale HT columns feature glass tempering jackets for operation up to 70 °C. Pilot columns can also be supplied with jackets on request, supporting temperature-sensitive processes such as enzyme reactions or improving solubility of viscous feeds.
• ATEX-Compliant Versions: For explosion-proof environments, YMC offers electrically conductive ATEX glass columns with anti-static materials and grounding to eliminate ignition risks. These custom builds ensure safe use with large volumes of organic solvents in compliance with regulations.
• Packing Adapters & Accessories: A full range of adapters, spare pistons, frit kits, O-rings, and stands is available. Packing adapters (5–300 mm IDs) add extra volume for slurry packing and are removed afterwards. Handling loops and brackets ease piston lifting. These accessories help achieve reliable, spill-free packing and extend column lifecycle.
• Pre-Packed Column Services: YMC can pre-pack or refill glass columns (5–80 mm standard, larger sizes on request) with any chosen stationary phase. Maintenance such as frit and O-ring replacement is included. Users receive ready-to-use, performance-guaranteed columns with media from YMC or other suppliers.
• Training & Technical Support: YMC offers seminars covering packing theory, hands-on practice, efficiency testing, and troubleshooting. Technical support assists with column selection, packing, and maintenance, ensuring correct and consistent use in regulated environments.

The YMC Glass Columns range provides a complete solution for chromatography from lab to pilot scale. At the bench, ECO and ECO^PLUS columns deliver versatility in pressure handling, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. HT columns extend capability with precise temperature control up to 70 °C, supporting applications such as oligonucleotide purification. At larger scale, the Pilot and Pilot^PLUS series offer robust, user-friendly hardware for production, with innovations that simplify packing, cleaning, and maintenance.

Across the portfolio, compatibility with both biomolecules and solvents is ensured through AB/SR versions or inherently metal-free designs. This allows scientists to run virtually any chromatographic mode—from ion exchange and SEC to affinity, HIC, or reversed-phase - without compromising performance. Optimized flow distribution frits, adjustable pistons, and reliable sealing systems ensure uniformly packed beds and reproducible separations.

Equally important, YMC emphasizes practical usability: quick-lock closures, drainable pistons, and removable glass bodies minimize downtime and make large-scale handling more efficient. Combined with options for pre-packed columns, training, and expert support, YMC helps users accelerate projects and maintain consistent results.

By selecting the right column line - ECO, ECO^PLUS, HT, Pilot, or Pilot^PLUS - scientists can achieve high-quality separations with confidence, from milligram-scale research to biopharmaceutical manufacturing.