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Scope of Application

Supported Models

ÄKTA Pilot automated chromatography system designed for scale-up studies, process development, and GMP production in biotechnology.

AKTA Pilot – Flexibility to Support Scale-Up

The AKTA pilot™ is an automated, scalable chromatography system designed by Cytiva to support the transition from the laboratory to pilot-scale and biopharmaceutical production. With flow rates of up to 600 mL/min in gradient mode (up to 1,200 mL/min in isocratic mode) and an operating pressure of up to 20 bar, it enables reliable process transfer without method disruption. Its modular design and low-pulsation piston pumps ensure precise and reproducible gradients with every run. Compliant with GMP requirements, it integrates seamlessly into regulated environments thanks to control via UNICORN™ software and full data traceability (21 CFR Part 11). Its robustness and low-maintenance design make it well-suited for continuous production operations. BPM TechCare provides preventive and corrective maintenance for your AKTA pilot in Switzerland to ensure the continuity of your purification processes.

Unprecedented modularity

The AKTA Pilot 600 stands out for its modular design. With two versions of functional blocks (600 S and 600 R), you can tailor the system to your current needs while retaining the flexibility to add features as your purification projects evolve.

Technical Specifications

Feature ÄKTA™ pilot 600 Model Details
Flow rate range 0.1 to 600 mL/min
Operating pressure Up to 2 MPa (20 bar / 290 psi)
Control Software UNICORN™ (version 7 or later)
Dimensions 535 x 715 x 630 mm
Materials USP Class VI compliant and free of bovine-derived components (TSE/BSE)
Detection UV-Vis (3 simultaneous wavelengths), Conductivity, pH

Optimized for regulated environments

Developed by Cytiva, this system is the ideal bridge to clinical production. It uses UNICORN™ software, ensuring full traceability and data integrity in compliance with 21 CFR Part 11.

Wide flow range

Allows the use of both small laboratory columns and pilot-scale columns.

Compact design

Ideal for cleanrooms where space is at a premium.

Easy to clean

Durable materials and a design optimized for CIP (Cleaning-In-Place) procedures.

Quick Setup

Ready to use with intuitive valve and sensor configuration.

Why invest in the AKTA Pilot 600?

Scale-up Expertise: "The transition from the laboratory to the pilot phase is often a critical step. The AKTA Pilot 600 eliminates the uncertainties of scaling up by using the same design principles as large-scale production systems."

Increased Productivity

Reduce process development time with advanced automation.

Data Security

Simplified user and electronic signature management for the audit trail.

Global Support

Take advantage of Cytiva's maintenance and validation network to ensure the long-term reliability of your equipment.

BPM TechCare, your AKTA-certified expert in Switzerland

Maximize the lifespan of your chromatography system with our specialized AKTA maintenance service. Whether you need assistance with a critical installation, thorough preventive maintenance, or rapid troubleshooting, our team ensures the longevity and performance of your Cytiva equipment.

We provide maintenance and repair services for your AKTA Pilot equipment in Switzerland

Unlike general-purpose service providers, BPMTechCare has in-depth knowledge of the Cytiva (GE Healthcare) ecosystem.
+ Hardware expertise: Maintenance of pumps, selection valves, and UV/conductivity sensors.
+ Software expertise: Support for various versions of the UNICORN™ software, which is crucial for the continuity of your scale-up protocols.

Preventive Maintenance

Replacement of seal kits and line filters, and a complete inspection of the hydraulic system.

Qualification & Compliance (IQ/OQ)

Comprehensive documentation for your quality audits and certifications.

Emergency Repair

Rapid diagnosis and replacement of critical components (injection valves, UV monitor, P9-B pump).

UNICORN Software Support

Updates, method configuration, and bug fixes.

Is your equipment not working properly? Are you seeing a software error message?

Contact us today to schedule service for your AKTA Pilot

Why choose our technical service in Switzerland?

Ensure the reliability of your protein purification processes with our specialized maintenance service for the AKTA Pilot. Based in Switzerland, we offer on-site technical support to guarantee the accuracy of your chromatography results and the longevity of your FPLC system.

Local Services

Rapid on-site service in Lausanne, Zurich, Basel, or Geneva

Certified Genuine Parts

Use only certified components to maintain the warranty

FPLC Expertise

Specialists dedicated to Cytiva systems (formerly GE Healthcare)

Customized Maintenance Contracts

À la carte plans or annual maintenance contracts

The Benefits of Preventive Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your AKTA Pilot is about more than just preventing breakdowns. It is a strategic investment for your laboratory:

Complete reproducibility

Avoid baseline fluctuations and phantom spikes caused by wear on the capillaries or valves

Cost Reduction

Regular maintenance costs $30%$ less than a major repair following a system failure

Extended service life

A well-maintained system can operate efficiently for more than 10 years

We recommend a complete inspection every 1,000 operating hours or at least once a year to prevent salt crystallization in the pump heads.

Our Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Maintaining an AKTA Pilot chromatography system is a critical task that often raises many technical, logistical, and regulatory questions. Whether you are a lab manager, production engineer, or maintenance technician, you must ensure the continuity of your purification processes without compromising quality. At BPMTechCare, we believe in complete transparency: that’s why we’ve compiled here the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of your equipment.

When you choose BPMTechCare, you’re choosing agility and specialized expertise. You’ll benefit from a dedicated point of contact, more competitive rates, and a flexible approach that prioritizes repairing and optimizing your existing equipment over systematic replacement.
During a typical preventive maintenance service, we routinely replace the pump head maintenance kits (seals, check valves) and in-line filters, and we check the condition of the UV lamps as well as the tightness of the selection valves.
Our expertise goes beyond hardware. We assist you with the configuration, updating, and troubleshooting of your UNICORN™ software. We ensure seamless communication between the software and hardware to safeguard your purification data.
Yes. Each service call results in a detailed report that includes the tests performed, the parts replaced, and technical observations. This documentation is designed to meet the traceability and quality requirements of regulated environments.
Absolutely. We understand the critical impact that a system failure can have on a scale-up project. BPMTechCare strives to provide rapid response times to diagnose and repair your system, thereby minimizing your downtime.
Yes. Unlike some manufacturers who discontinue support for older models (End of Life), we continue to service and repair older generations of ÄKTA Pilot. We help you extend the lifespan of your equipment while ensuring its reliability.

To ensure optimal performance and avoid unplanned production downtime, we recommend annual preventive maintenance. In high-intensity environments (24/7 operation), a semi-annual inspection may be necessary to replace wear parts such as pump seals and filters.