Gradient Method Translation Using the Avantor® ACE® LC Translator

This knowledge note describes the translation of gradient liquid chromatography (LC) methods between different column formats using the Avantor® ACE® LC Translator. When converting methods from HPLC to UHPLC or between columns of different dimensions, main taining chromatographic selectivity, peak resolution, and overall performance can be challenging. The ACE LC Translator applies fundamental chromatographic principles to scale key parameters such as flow rate, injection volume, and gradient segment time while accounting for differences in column volume and system dwell volume. Through automated calculations based on the original method and target column specifications, the tool enables accurate and efficient method translation with minimal user input. An example demonstrating the translation of an HPLC method on a 150 × 4.6 mm column to a 50 × 3.0 mm UHPLC column illustrates how the approach preserves separation performance while improving efficiency.