## 2 Experimental Design
### Sorption System Design  
Based on qualitative observations, the uptake of counter-ions in a continuous column system is favoured by various factors, including: a strong preference of the zeolite for the HMI counter-ions in solution, low concentration of HMI counter-ions, small and uniform particle size, high volume capacity and low degree of cross-linking, elevated temperature and low flow rate, as well as a high column height or aspect ratio [18] (p. 427). With this is mind, the apparatus development considers an extensive material and equipment selection process, with numerous stages of optimization in order to maintain flow continuity and repeatability. The final design was adopted in consideration of the following factors:  
* Zeolite Compaction Technique \(\bigcirc\) Regulated Layers of Dry Mass \(\bigcirc\) Systematic Tampered Compaction
* Column Dimensions \(\bigcirc\) Modular Design \(\bigcirc\) Internal Diameter (1 in) \(\bigcirc\) Sorption Column Height (1 ft)
* Flow Configuration \(\bigcirc\) Upflow Distribution \(\bigcirc\) Dual-Column Series Connection \(\bigcirc\) Methodical Flow Rate Variability
* Pump Type \(\bigcirc\) Diaphragm Metering  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Sample ID** & **Analyte** & **Int (Corr)** & **RSD (Corr Int)** & **Conc (Calib) (mg/L)** \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{M-X} & Cu 327.393 & 188,070.71 & 0.27 & 34.26 \\  & Fe 258.204 & 79,641.94 & 0.39 & 19.18 \\  & Ni 231.604 & 41,071.22 & 0.50 & 29.81 \\  & Pb 220.353 & 32,330.16 & 0.52 & 105.28 \\  & Zn 206.200 & 55,015.91 & 0.38 & 32.31 \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{M-Y} & Cu 327.393 & 186,885.03 & 0.74 & 34.04 \\  & Fe 238.204 & 79,083.95 & 0.90 & 19.04 \\  & Ni 231.604 & 40,721.53 & 0.48 & 29.55 \\  & Pb 220.353 & 31,973.87 & 0.31 & 104.12 \\  & Zn 206.200 & 54,758.60 & 1.09 & 32.16 \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{M-Z} & Cu 327.393 & 202,742.71 & 0.91 & 36.93 \\  & Fe 238.204 & 85,771.53 & 1.02 & 20.65 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Ni 231.604 & 44,652.28 & 3.73 & 32.41 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Pb 220.353 & 35,199.76 & 3.77 & 114.63 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Zn 206.200 & 60,176.84 & 4.12 & 35.34 \\ \hline \multirow{8}{*}{MM} & Cu 327.393 & 192,776.82 & 0.63 & 35.11 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Fe 238.204 & 81,419.80 & 0.80 & 19.60 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Ni 231.604 & 41,667.28 & 0.38 & 30.24 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Pb 220.353 & 32,738.45 & 0.40 & 106.61 \\ \cline{1-1}  & Zn 206.200 & 56,170.16 & 0.94 & 32.99 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 2: Inductively Coupled Plasma—Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) generated multi-component stock concentration.  
* Sampling Method
* Automated Mode Controls
* Customized Sampling Chambers
* Modes' Interchange in Five (5)-minute Intervals
* Analysis Period
* Three (3)-hour Contact Period  
Based on these critical parameters, the sorption system design is finalized. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the constructed prototype, detailing the flow paths through the system. The fundamental components include:  
* HMI Multi-Component Influent Stock
* Metering Pump
* Silicon Tubing and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Connections
* Check Valves
* Automatable Solenoid Valves (symbol S)
* Packed Fixed-Bed Sorption Columns
* Custom Sampling Chambers
* Sampling Ports
* Effluent Collection Basin