Abstract: A clarification system and method of using for plasmid DNA that is centrifugation-free. The system is comprised of a coarse filter, about 50 to about 200 microns pore size, followed by a prefilter of about 1 to about 2 micron pore size and then a final filter of about 0.22 micron. Preferably, the prefilter and final filter are combined into one filter housing to reduce system hold up volume and enhance recovery of the plasmid DNA. The method allows for continuous as well as batch operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow distributor and integral bed support for a chromatography column. The flow distributor has an outlet extending through it and a bottom face across which is secured a bed support. The bottom face has a series of ribs extending radially outward from a center portion of the face. The bed support is secured to the flow distributor about its outer periphery and this amount of available surface area of the flow distributor and/or face that is used to secure the bed support is less than about 10%. A distribution disk is arranged over the inlet and extends across from about 1 to about 30% of the flow distributor's surface area, ending just short of the inner edge of the ribs closest to the center point of the flow distributor face. This disk is mounted on two or more legs so as to be of substantially the same height as the ribs. The disk projects the fluid flow in a 360° radial distribution without any noticeable partitioning.

Abstract: A clarification system and method of using for plasmid DNA that is centrifugation-free. The system is comprised of a coarse filter, about 50 to about 200 microns pore size, followed by a prefilter of about 1 to about 2 micron pore size and then a final filter of about 0.22 micron. Preferably, the prefilter and final filter are combined into one filter housing to reduce system hold up volume and enhance recovery of the plasmid DNA. The method allows for continuous as well as batch operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow distributor and integral bed support for a chromatography column. The flow distributor has an outlet extending through it and a bottom face across which is secured a bed support. The bottom face has a series of ribs extending radially outward from a center portion of the face. The bed support is secured to the flow distributor about its outer periphery and this amount of available surface area of the flow distributor and/or face that is used to secure the bed support is less than about 10%. A distribution disk is arranged over the inlet and extends across from about 1 to about 30% of the flow distributor's surface area, ending just short of the inner edge of the ribs closest to the center point of the flow distributor face. This disk is mounted on two or more legs so as to be of substantially the same height as the ribs. The disk projects the fluid flow in a 360° radial distribution without any noticeable partitioning.

Abstract: A process is provided for selectively removing protein aggregates and virus particles from a protein solution in a two-step filtration process. In a first step, a protein solution is filtered by tangential flow filtration through a cellulosic ultrafiltrate membrane at a transmembrane pressure of between about 1 and about 10 psi to produce a first permeate and a retentate stream. Water or aqueous buffer is added to the retentate stream to form an essentially constant volume retentate stream. The first permeate is filtered through a second ultrafiltration membrane to retain virus particles at a retention level of at least 3 LRV and to allow passage therethrough of a protein aggregate free and virus free protein solution.

Abstract: A solid component of a solid composition admixed with an aqueous medium is recovered by clarification and extraction in a common apparatus. An organic solvent for the solid component is admixed with the solid composition in the presence of the aqueous medium and the organic solvent is clarified in the apparatus by filtration with a filter which is not degraded by the organic solvent.