Bacterial agents can extract copper ions from low-grade copper slate rock more effectively, cheaper, and more sustainably than conventional methods. Traditional R&D workflows jump from microfluidic testing to 4-meter tall columns that cost 100ks to run with months of residence time. As such, there is a need for an intermediate alternative for higher experimental throughput.

The scope of this project consisted of designing 6 columns appropriately scaled to resemble the larger industrial scale columns. The columns are operated by continuously pumping a media solution through a payload of rocks. Six columns were constructed to enable high-throughput concurrent experimentation run in parallel. Care had to be taken to select materials taht could withstand highly acidic media.