Translating Methods with the GC Method Translator

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent GC Method Translator

Issue

Detailed instructions on translating methods using the GC Method Translator.

Background

For ideal use of cases and applications with the GC Method Translator, see the article Using the GC Method Translator.

Requirements

Users can download the GC Method Translator software through any of the following ways:

1. From the GC and GC/MS User Manuals and Tools DVD > Method Developer Tools.
2. From the Agilent.com website > Support and Resources > GC Calculators and Method Translator Software.
3. From the GC Method Editor on the current Agilent GC software products.

Steps to Follow

When viewing the GC Method Translator screen

• If needed, expand or maximize the window to display all available parameter boxes.
• Enter parameter values by:
  • using the slidebar,
  • manually typing the value in the field box, or
  • clicking the up and down arrows next to the field box.
• Select the lock icon to disable modification of a particular parameter. These parameters will stay the same for the original method and the translated (calculated) method.
• By default, the GC Method Translator uses the units of measure defined in the data system method (kPa, psi, or bar).

To use the GC Method Translator

1. Choose the appropriate method translation Mode. See Method Translation Modes for information on choosing the best translation mode for the method and chromatography goals.
2. For both the original and calculated methods, choose the Outlet Pressure (default is 1 atm) and Carrier Gas type from the respective drop-down menus (Item 2, Figure 1).
3. Set the Original Method and Calculated Method gas types using the Gas drop-down list for each (Item 3, Figure 1).
4. If applicable, enter the temperature ramp parameters into the table for both the original and calculated methods (Item 4, Figure 1).
   • Select Isothermal or Ramps. If selecting Ramps, modify the number of ramps as appropriate (up to 20 ramps).
   • Double-click in each cell to modify. Enter the numeric value appropriate for the original method.
   • The tool will calculate the Final Time given the entered parameters.
5. Enter the values in the Original Method Parameters column for the column dimensions, phase ratio, and flow parameters into the remaining fields as necessary (Step 5, Figure 1).
   • The values on parameter fields will depend on users' desired method translation mode and chromatography goals.
   • Enabling the lock to the right of each parameter will keep the same parameter value for the calculated method.
6. The values in the Calculated Method Parameters column will adjust according to the chosen parameters and translation mode (Item, Figure 1).
7. Check the Translated Column Capacity field. If the capacity is greatly different from the Original Column Capacity value, users may need to adjust the injection volume Item 7, Figure 1).
8. If needed:
   • Select Apply to Method to close the Method Translator and apply the current calculated parameters directly into the current data system method.
   • In the data system, be sure to save the modified method (typically using a new name).

Figure 1. GC Method Translator Window
1. Method Translation menu: Speed gain, Translate, Best Efficiency, 2. Outlet Pressure gauge, 3. Original Method and Calculated Method gas type, drop-down menu,
4. Temperature ramp parameters menu Isothermal or Ramps, 5. Original Method Parameter columns for: column dimension, phase ratio, and flow parameter,
6. Calculate Method Parameter columns, 7. Translated Column Capacity field.

Buttons:

Figure 2. Method menu options 

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent GC: GC-MULTI-2190e - GC Calculators: An Introduction e-learning course available from Agilent Education