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VA-SOP-LC-009 · Standard operating procedure
Creating an HPLC gradient method in LCsolution (Simple Settings and LC Time Program)
SOP with screenshots: create a new LCsolution method — stop time, wavelength, oven, pump mode, flow and a gradient in the LC Time Program — and save it.
| SOP No. | VA-SOP-LC-009 |
|---|---|
| Revision | 00 |
| Effective date | 30 October 2026 |
| Review date | 30 October 2027 |
| Software | Shimadzu LCsolution 1.25 (Postrun Analysis), LC-2010 series HPLC |
1Purpose
To create a new instrument method in LCsolution with a binary low-pressure gradient.
2Scope
Applies to LCsolution 1.2x Instrument Parameters for LC-2010/LC-20 systems.
3Responsibility
- Analyst — performs the procedure and records results.
- QC reviewer — verifies the output against the acceptance criteria.
- Lab in-charge / system administrator — controls method and report-format files and user rights.
5Prerequisites and materials
- Instrument configured in System Configuration.
- Method details from the validated procedure (flow, wavelength, gradient, oven).
6Safety and precautions
- Work on a copy of data and method files until the change is approved.
- Never delete or overwrite raw data (.lcd) to obtain a passing result; every change must be traceable.
- Follow the laboratory's data-integrity and audit-trail SOP when LCsolution security is enabled.
7Procedure
-
7.1
New method file
File → New Method File (answer No to saving the old one if not needed).
Fig. 7.1 — New method file -
7.2
Simple Settings
Stop Time 10 min, Detector A 272 nm, End Time 10, Oven 30 °C.
Fig. 7.2 — Simple Settings -
7.3
Pump
Mode Low pressure gradient, Total flow 1.0 mL/min, Pump B 10 %.
Fig. 7.3 — Pump -
7.4
Time Program row 1
LC Time Program: 6.00 min · Pumps · Pump B Conc. · 90.
Fig. 7.4 — Time Program row 1 -
7.5
Hold and return
8.00 → 90 (hold) and 8.01 → 10 (re-equilibrate).
Fig. 7.5 — Hold and return -
7.6
Draw Curve
Click Draw Curve and check the profile before running.
Fig. 7.6 — Draw Curve -
7.7
Save
File → Save Method File As → VA_Caffeine_Gradient.lcm.
Fig. 7.7 — Save
8Acceptance criteria and interpretation
- Draw Curve shows the intended profile: 10 % B to 90 % B at 6 min, hold to 8 min, back to 10 % at 8.01 min.
- Method saved with a controlled name and opened without hardware warnings.
9Troubleshooting and common errors
| Symptom | Cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Gradient not applied | Pump mode left on Isocratic. Set Low/High Pressure Gradient before the Time Program. |
| Pressure alarm at start | Check Pmax/Pmin limits and degassing before the first injection. |
10References
- Shimadzu LCsolution Ver. 1.2x — Operation and Help documentation.
- USP <621> Chromatography.
- ICH Q2(R2) Validation of Analytical Procedures.
11Revision history
| Rev. | Date | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 30 October 2026 | First issue, written from the October 2026 screen recording. |
Frequently asked
How do I make a gradient method in LCsolution?
File → New Method File, set Simple Settings (stop time, wavelength, oven, pump mode, flow, initial %B), then add rows in LC Time Program for Pump B Conc. and check with Draw Curve.
Video version: LCsolution — Build an LC gradient method in 60 seconds (October 2026) — on our Instagram and YouTube.
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Vision Analytical is an independent service provider, not affiliated with Shimadzu Corporation or Waters Corporation. LCsolution and Empower are trademarks of their respective owners. Screenshots are from our own demonstration systems with demonstration data. Last updated 30 October 2026.