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A Chromatography column is a device used in the analysis, preparation or separation of biochemical compounds. The main purpose of a chromatography column is to retain the Stationary phase and to allow unrestricted flow-trough of the Mobile phase. Chromatography columns are required to withstand Pressure and harsh Chemicals and are manufactured from materials that also express low levels of leachables and extractables (Leaching (chemistry))and are durable. Traditional chromatography columns were made out of glass. Modern columns are mostly made of Borosilicate glass, Acrylic glass or Stainless steel. To prevent the stationary phase from leaking out of the column interior a polymer, stainless steel or ceramic net is usually applied. Depending on the application material- and size-requirements may change. While small-scale columns range from inner Diameters of 0.5 cm and withstand pressures of up to 130 MPa, industrial large scale columns reach diameters of up to 2 m and operate at considerable lower pressures (below 1 MPa). While it is favorable to view the packed bed of a column large scale columns are manufactured from steel due to its superior resilience. Chromatography columns can be used as stand-alone devices or in combination with manual or automated chromatography systems. Medium to large columns are almost exclusively operated together with automated systems to decrease the risk of process failure and loss of product.

small scale
Transitions between scales are always fluent. There is no sharp cut that defines the end of small- and the beginning of medium/pilot scale. However, chromatography columns with an inner diameter (ID) of up to 5 cm are generally considered small scale or laboratory scale columns. Small scale chromatography columns are mostly intended for Design of experiments (DoE); Proof of concept; Validation (drug manufacture) or Research and development experiments. Columns of this scale category are distinguished by their small dimensions in comparison to chromatography columns intended for larger scales as well as relatively high pressure tolerance and selection of materials in contact with the liquid phase. This is especially important for applications in the Biopharmaceutical industry which underlie close scrutiny by regulatory agencies (FDA; EMA,...). The main sought quality attributes here are Selectivity (biochemistry)and and