HPLC to UPLC Calculator

HPLC to UPLC Conversion Formula:

\[ \text{UPLC Flow} = \text{HPLC Flow} \times \left( \frac{\text{Particle Size}_{\text{UPLC}}}{\text{Particle Size}_{\text{HPLC}}} \right) \]

UPLC Flow:

Retention Time Scale:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is HPLC to UPLC Conversion?

The HPLC to UPLC conversion calculator helps chromatographers transition methods from traditional High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) by calculating appropriate flow rates and retention time scaling factors based on particle size differences.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses two key formulas:

\[ \text{UPLC Flow} = \text{HPLC Flow} \times \left( \frac{\text{Particle Size}_{\text{UPLC}}}{\text{Particle Size}_{\text{HPLC}}} \right) \] \[ \text{Retention Time Scale} = \left( \frac{\text{Particle Size}_{\text{HPLC}}}{\text{Particle Size}_{\text{UPLC}}} \right)^2 \]

Where:

\( \text{HPLC Flow} \) — Original HPLC flow rate (mL/min)
\( \text{Particle Size}_{\text{HPLC}} \) — HPLC column particle size (typically 5 µm)
\( \text{Particle Size}_{\text{UPLC}} \) — UPLC column particle size (typically 1.7 µm)
\( \text{UPLC Flow} \) — Calculated UPLC flow rate (mL/min)
\( \text{Retention Time Scale} \) — Factor for retention time adjustment

Explanation: The flow rate conversion maintains linear velocity, while the retention time scale accounts for the squared relationship with particle size.

3. Importance of Flow Conversion

Details: Proper flow conversion ensures method transfer between HPLC and UPLC systems maintains chromatographic performance, resolution, and separation efficiency while taking advantage of UPLC's faster analysis times and higher sensitivity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the original HPLC flow rate in mL/min, HPLC particle size (typically 5 µm), and UPLC particle size (typically 1.7 µm). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert HPLC methods to UPLC?
A: UPLC offers faster analysis times, higher resolution, better sensitivity, and reduced solvent consumption compared to traditional HPLC.

Q2: What are typical particle sizes for HPLC and UPLC?
A: HPLC typically uses 5 µm particles, while UPLC uses sub-2 µm particles, commonly 1.7 µm or 1.8 µm.

Q3: Does this conversion work for all methods?
A: This provides a good starting point, but method optimization may be needed for specific applications and column chemistries.

Q4: What about pressure considerations?
A: UPLC systems operate at much higher pressures (up to 15,000 psi) compared to HPLC (typically 6,000 psi), so ensure your system can handle the calculated flow rates.

Q5: How does particle size affect retention time?
A: Smaller particles provide more theoretical plates, allowing faster flow rates while maintaining resolution, hence the squared relationship in retention time scaling.