Retention apparatus for membrane chromatography units

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a rear force beam (150).

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more casing component (166) therein, and optionally wherein at least one said casing component (166) comprises an interlock mechanism.

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, having a weight/mass without any membrane chromatography units (110a, 110a′, 110b) therein of less than 100 kg, less than 70 kg, preferably less than 50 kg, more preferably less than 40 kg, e.g. from about 5 or 10 kg to about 40 kg, or from about 15 to about 35 kg.

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, having a size/volume footprint from about 500 to about 700 mm (length), from about 200 to about 500 mm (depth) and from about 300 to about 500 mm (height).

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the press mechanism (130) is operable to:

• i) exert a force of up to about 25 kN;
• and/or ii) to pressurise at least one membrane chromatography unit (110a, 110a′, 110b) therein to a pressure of greater than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 bar, from about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 bar to about 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 bar, from about 8 to 10 bar, or up to about 10 bar.

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the press mechanism (130) is hand-operable.

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one handle (154), attachment point, eyelet, or the like.

The retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more wheels, skids or the like.

A tie rod clamp assembly (156, 256) for use in the retention apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, comprising:

• a first tie rod clamp portion (172, 272) rotatably coupled to a second tie rod clamp portion (174, 274);
• and
• at least one pivotable clasp mechanism (176, 276) for inhibiting rotational movement of the first tie rod clamp portion (172, 272) with respect to the second tie rod clamp portion (174, 274) about a first pivot attachment (180, 280).