Porous Media Research Articles

Soret and radiation influence on magneto Casson fluid flow over a non-linear inclined sheet in a Forchheimer porous medium with viscous dissipation

Soret and radiation influence on magneto Casson fluid flow over a non-linear inclined sheet in a Forchheimer porous medium with viscous dissipation

Unveiling trends in migration of iron-based nanoparticles in saturated porous media

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles are routinely used for environmental remediation, but their transport dynamics in different settings remain unclear, hindering optimization. This study introduces a novel approach to predicting nZVI transport in saturated porous model environment. The method employs advanced long column devices for real-time monitoring via controlled magnetic susceptibility measurements. Numerical modeling with a modified version of the MNMs 2023 software was then used to predict nZVI and its derivatives mobility in field-like conditions, offering insights into the radius of influence (ROI) and shape factor (SF) of their distribution. A standard nZVI precursor was compared with its four major commercial derivatives: nitrided, polyacrylic acid-coated, oxide-passivated, and sulfidated nZVI. All these iron-based nanoparticles exhibited identical particle sizes, morphologies, surface areas, and phase compositions, isolating surface properties, dominated by charge, as the sole variable affecting their mobility. The study revealed optimal transport when the surface charge of nZVI and its derivatives was strongly negative, while rapid aggregation of nZVI derivatives due magnetic attraction reduced their mobility. Modeling predictions based on column scale-up, indicated that detectable concentrations of 20 g L⁻1 were found at distances ranging from 0.4 to 1.1 m from the injection well. Slightly sulfidated nZVI traveled farther than the nZVI precursor and ensured more homogenous particle distribution around the well. Organically modified nZVI migrated the longest distances but showed particle accumulation close to the injection point. The findings suggest that minimal sulfidation combined with organic modification of nZVI surfaces may effectively enhance radial and vertical nZVI distribution in aquifers. Such improvements increase the commercial viability of modified nZVI, reduce their adverse impacts, and boosts their practical applications in real-world scenarios.

Hierarchical meta-porous materials as sound absorbers

The absorption of sound has great significance in many scientific and engineering applications, from room acoustics to noise mitigation. In this context, porous materials have emerged as a viable solution towards high absorption performance and lightweight designs. However, their performance is somewhat limited in the low-frequency regime. Inspired by the concept of recursive patterns over multiple length scales, typical of many natural materials, here, we propose a hierarchical organization of multilayered porous media and investigate their performance in terms of sound absorption. Two types of designs are considered: a hierarchical periodic (HP) and a hierarchical gradient (HG). In both cases, it is found that in some frequency ranges the introduction of multiple levels of hierarchy simultaneously allows for: (i) an increase in the level of absorption compared with the corresponding bulk block of porous material (or to the previous hierarchical levels (HLs)), and (ii) a reduction in the quantity of porous material required. Another advantage of using this approach is on the fabrication, since only one porous material is required. The performances are examined for both normal and oblique incidences, as well as for different values of the static air-flow resistivity. The methodological approach is based on the transfer-matrix method, optimization algorithms such as the metaheuristic greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP), finite-element calculations and measurements performed in an impedance tube.

Fast and Smart State Characterization of Large-Format Lithium-Ion Batteries via Phased-Array Ultrasonic Sensing Technology.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, making accurate state transition monitoring a key research topic. This paper presents a characterization method for large-format LIBs based on phased-array ultrasonic technology (PAUT). A finite element model of a large-format aluminum shell lithium-ion battery is developed on the basis of ultrasonic wave propagation in multilayer porous media. Simulations and comparative analyses of phased array ultrasonic imaging are conducted for various operating conditions and abnormal gas generation. A 40 Ah ternary lithium battery (NCMB) is tested at a 0.5C charge-discharge rate, with the state of charge (SOC) and ultrasonic data extracted. The relationship between ultrasonic signals and phased array images is established through simulation and experimental comparisons. To estimate the SOC, a fully connected neural network (FCNN) model is designed and trained, achieving an error of less than 4%. Additionally, phased array imaging, which is conducted every 5 s during overcharging and overdischarging, reveals that gas bubbles form at 0.9 V and increase significantly at 0.2 V. This research provides a new method for battery state characterization.

Representative elementary volume (REV) and flow-dependent solute transport in homogenous porous media

Representative elementary volume (REV) and flow-dependent solute transport in homogenous porous media

Nonlinear diffusion mechanism of porous media and countercurrent imbibition distance of fracturing fluids

Fracturing fluids countercurrent imbibition is a significant method to enhance recovery during hydraulic fracturing and soaking in shale reservoirs. Most investigations have primarily focused on the fracturing fluids imbibition recovery. In this work, an on-line computed tomography device was employed for the first time to conduct experiments on the imbibition distance of fracturing fluids, quantifying the imbibition distance of fracturing fluids, establishing the model of fracturing fluids imbibition, and clarifying the mechanism of countercurrent imbibition for fracturing fluids. The findings demonstrated that the imbibition distance was 2.625 cm for high mass fraction fracturing fluid and 2.375 cm for low mass fraction fluid. For formation water with viscoelastic fracturing fluids, the imbibition distances were 1.125 and 0.875 cm. Compared to the permeability of 0.082 × 10−3 μm2, the imbibition distance increased by 2.625 times at 0.217 × 10−3μm2 and by 3.25 times at 0.760 × 10−3μm2. At injection pressures of 20 and 15 MPa, the imbibition distance increased by 1.7 and 1.61 times, compared to 5 MPa. Parameter sensitivity analysis demonstrated that crude oil and fracturing fluids viscosity were negatively correlated with imbibition distance. Low interfacial tension boosts imbibition power, extending the imbibition distance. High interfacial tension raises flow resistance, shortening the imbibition distance. Reducing the contact angle improves hydrophilicity and capillary force, extending the imbibition distance. When the permeability is below 1 × 10−3μm2, the imbibition distance increases significantly with rising permeability. When the permeability exceeds 1 × 10−3μm2, the rate of increase diminishes. The investigation in this paper provides guidance for the efficient development of shale oil.

Transient Dynamics of a Porous Sphere in a Linear Fluid

This article describes the unsteady translational motion of a porous sphere with slip-surface in a quiescent viscous fluid. Apart from its radius a and density ρs , the particle is characterized by its permeability parameter γ , slip-length l and effective viscosity-ratio ϵ for interior flow. The Reynolds number for the system is assumed to be small leading to negligible convective contribution, though the transient inertia for both the liquid and the solid is comparable to viscous forces. The resulting linearized but unsteady flow-equations for both inside and outside the porous domain are solved in time-invariant frequency domain by satisfying appropriate boundary conditions. The analysis ultimately renders frequency-dependent hydrodynamic friction for the suspended body. The frictional coefficient is computed under both low and high frequency limit for different values of γ, l and ϵ so that the findings can be compared to known results with impermeable surface. Moreover, the parametric exploration shows that the sphere acts like a no-slip body even with non-zero l if aγ ≫ 1/√ϵ . Scaling arguments from a novel boundary layer theory for flow inside porous media near interfaces explain this rather unexpected observation. Also, computed fluid resistance is incorporated in equation of motion for the particle to determine its time-dependent velocity response to a force impulse. This transient response shows wide variability with ρs, γ, l and ϵ insinuating the significance of the presented study. Consequently, the paper concludes that slip and permeability should be viewed as crucial features of submicron particles if unexpected variability is to be explained in nano-scale phenomena like nano-fluidic heat conduction or viral transmission. Thus, the theory and findings in this paper will be immensely useful in modeling of nano-particle dynamics.

Rainfall-induced microplastic fate and transport in unsaturated dutch soils

Microplastic pollution has become a growing concern in terrestrial ecosystems, with significant implications for environmental and human health. Understanding the fate and transport of microplastics in soil environment is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. This study investigates the dynamics of microplastic (Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and starch-based biodegradable plastic) transport in unsaturated soils under varying rainfall intensities and soil types, aiming to elucidate the factors influencing their behavior. Effluent samples were analyzed to measure microplastic transport, with microplastic balance analysis ensuring experimental accuracy. The setup replicated real-world flow conditions, providing insights into microplastic transport in unsaturated porous media. Microplastic balance analysis revealed high recovery factors (between 64 % and 104 %), indicating the reliability of the experimental approach. Microplastic transport varied significantly between sandy loam and loamy sand soils, with loamy sand soils exhibiting higher wash-off rates due to their unique properties. LDPE microplastics showed a higher tendency to detach from soil columns compared to PBAT and starch-based particles. Higher rainfall intensity in loamy sand soil columns resulted in an increased washout of LDPE, PBAT, and starch-based particles by 92 %, 144 %, and 85 %, respectively, compared to low rainfall intensity. In sandy loam soil, increased rainfall intensity resulted in a significantly higher washout of LDPE, PBAT, and starch-based particles with percentages of 93 %, 69 %, and 45 %, respectively. This underscores the important role of water flow in mobilizing microplastics within the soil matrix.

Two-phase regularized phase-field density gradient Navier–Stokes based flow model: Tuning for microfluidic and digital core applications

Here we present a regularized phase-field Navier–Stokes two-phase flow model with density gradient theory for interface treatment. The usage of regularization allows us for faster computations — for some particular simulation cases the time step could be increased x9 times. The computations are stable and spurious layers are suppressed with the help of nonlinear surface energy model. To verify the model we test rigorously against major classic problems: (1) droplet on a flat wall with given contact angle, (2) analytical solution for capillary rise, (3) hydrodynamical focusing within a micro-channel, (4) displacement in a pore doublet. As the application example, we simulate two-phase flow displacement within an X-ray microtomography scan of oil-bearing rock and demonstrate computation of relative permeabilities. We believe that developed model will be useful in numerous research applications: porous media design with desired physical properties, digital core technology applications to obtain flow properties of rocks and enhance hydrocarbon recovery, hydrological applications to study unsaturated flow in soils. Finally, we discuss potential improvements of the model as related to computational efficiency.

Model-based optimization strategies for direct hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to dimethyl ether

This study discusses model-based optimization strategies for CO2 hydrogenation to dimethyl ether (DME) over a CuZnZr (CZZ) and ferrite (FER) mixed catalyst system in a packed-bed reactor configuration. A two-dimensional axisymmetric, nonisothermal packed-bed reactor model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 software. The model solves two-dimensional (radial and axial) heat and mass transport equations in the packed-bed and integrates intraparticle diffusion and heat transfer in a 1D approach. This powerful feature differs from a traditional porous media approach and takes into account any heat and mass transfer limitations that may exist. Analysis shows that the heat transfer limitations are negligible, but strong internal mass transfer limitations were observed at 10 ≤ WHSV ≤ 90 h−1 on the FER catalyst and at 240 °C. The optimum catalyst composition (i.e., mixing ratio) varies depending on the operating regime. The FER catalyst weight in the mixture can be as low as 5 wt.%, but the ideal composition depends on the internal mass transfer limitation and its relationship with the operating regime (i.e., weight hourly space velocity, temperature). A catalyst composition of 80 wt.% CZZ and 20 wt.% FER was suggested; this composition can provide high CO2 conversion and DME production rates at a wide range of temperatures and flow rates.

Innovative xanthan gum-based nanocomposites for asphaltene precipitation prevention in shale and carbonate rocks

Asphaltene deposition in porous media creates many challenges in porous media. This study synthesizes ZnO/SiO2/xanthan nanocomposites (NCs) to adsorb asphaltene and reduce its effect on the shale and carbonate rocks. NCs structure is analyzed using SEM, EDX, BET, and FTIR tests. Also, the rocks' surface is analyzed by an atomic force microscopy (AFM) test after 48 and 96 h of contact with 20 ppm NCs and 20 mg asphaltene. Core flooding tests are performed on shale rocks using 20 ppm NCs at 5500, 4000, and 2500 psi at 48 h. Using AFM in calcite and dolomite formations and selecting core flooding tests based on that are new scenarios that followed in this paper. FTIR results confirm asphaltene adsorption on NCs's surface by changing 854 and 962 cm−1 peaks. AFM tests confirmed asphaltene adsorption on NCs surface, too. Average roughness, root mean square roughness, peak to valley roughness, and average size of the shale were higher than the carbonate sheets. At 20 ppm NCs in shale reservoirs, permeability reduction in porous media was increased up to 39.5 %, and asphaltene precipitation decreased from 8.95 and 20.06 wt% to 2.25 and 10.25 wt%, which shows our suggested scenarios were efficient.

Sensitivity study of heat transfer in a Jeffrey ferro-hybrid nanofluid bioconvective squeezing flow with inclined MHD and higher-order chemical reaction: entropy analysis

Abstract The present investigation concentrates on analyzing heat transfer and entropy formation in a time-reliant bioconvective flow of a blood-based Jeffrey hybrid nanofluid via a squeezing channel that is suctioned or injected at the lower plate. Cu nanoparticles and Fe3O4 ferro-nanoparticles are suspended in base-fluid blood. Adding ferro-nanoparticles to a flow process allows for better control of the external magnetic field and improved heat transmission. Noble integration of an aligned magnetic field, Joule's heating, thermal radiation, and higher-order chemical reactions is taken into account in the flow in a porous media. An appropriate choice of similarity variables leads to the non-dimensionalization of the governing equations, that are subsequently solved by the homotopy analysis method (HAM), yielding a semi-analytical solution. An innovative feature of this research is the optimization of heat transfer by the application of the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the most influential parameter. The study's findings indicate that increased suction reduces both velocity and temperature distributions in both the nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid models. In terms of thermal performance, the Blood/Fe3O4 - Cu hybrid nanofluid surpasses the Blood/Fe3O4 nanofluid. The rate of thermal energy transfer is highly sensitive to variations in the Eckert number, while thermal radiation has a relatively lesser impact. Moreover, elevated levels of the magnetic parameter, Eckert number, and nanoparticle concentration lead to augmented entropy formation. This mathematical model is effective for analyzing drug transport mechanisms throughout the human body and presents extensive potential applications in the fields of biology and healthcare.

Transport and competitive interfacial adsorption of PFOA and PFOS in unsaturated porous media: Experiments and modeling

Among emerging contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have captured public attention based upon their environmental ubiquity and potential risks to human health. Due to their typical surface release conditions and amphiphilic properties, PFAS tend to sorb to soil and accumulate at the air-water interface within the vadose zone. These processes can result in substantial plume attenuation. Although there is a growing body of literature on vadose zone transport, few studies have explored PFAS mixture transport, particularly under conditions where nonlinear sorption processes are important. The present study aims to advance our understanding of PFAS transport in variably saturated porous media through integration of experiments and mathematical modeling. Experiments include batch studies to quantify sorption to the solid phase, interfacial tension (IFT) measurements to estimate adsorption at the air-water interface (AWI), and column studies with F-70 Ottawa sand at 100 % and ca. 50 % water saturation to explore transport mechanisms. Employed PFAS solutions encompass individual solutes and binary mixtures of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) at concentration levels spanning four orders of magnitude to assess competitive and nonlinear sorption at the AWI. Observations demonstrate that concentration levels and competitive effects substantially influence PFAS transport in unsaturated systems. In the presence of PFOS, PFOA experienced less retention than would be anticipated based on single-solute behavior, and effluent breakthrough curves exhibited chromatographic peaking. The presented mathematical model for simultaneous flow and transport of PFAS was able to capture experimental observations with a consistent set of parameters and minimal curve fitting. These results demonstrate the robustness of the model formulation that included rate-limited interfacial mass transfer, an extended Langmuir-Szyszkowski model for adsorption at the AWI, and a scaled Leverett thermodynamic model to predict the AWI specific area. Overall, the results of this work underscore the importance of the AWI in PFAS transport and highlight the relevance of competition effects in adsorption formulations.

Analysis of the Vertical Dynamic Response of SDCM Piles in Coastal Areas

The stiffened deep cement mixing (SDCM) pile, as a new type of rigid–flexible composite pile, significantly enhances the vertical bearing capacity of traditional precast piles, thus holding broad application prospects in the substructure construction of nearshore bridges and marine energy structures. This paper investigates the vertical dynamic response of SDCM piles through theoretical derivation and parameter analysis. Firstly, based on elastic dynamics theory and the three-phase porous media model, vertical vibration control equations for both SDCM piles and fractional-order viscoelastic unsaturated soils are established. Secondly, theoretical derivations yield exact analytical solutions for the surrounding dynamic impedance, top dynamic stiffness, and dynamic damping of the SDCM pile. Finally, through numerical examples and parameter studies, the impact mechanisms of physical parameters in the SDCM pile–unsaturated soil dynamic coupling system on the top dynamic stiffness and dynamic damping of the SDCM pile are analyzed. The research results presented in this paper indicate that reducing the radius of the rigid core pile while increasing the thickness of the exterior pile has a positive effect on enhancing its vibration resistance. Additionally, increasing the length of SDCM piles contributes to improved vibration performance. However, an increase in the elastic modulus of the cement–soil exterior pile is detrimental to the vibration resistance of the rigid composite pile. On the other hand, an increase in the elastic modulus of the concrete core pile only enhances its ability to resist vibration under low-frequency load excitation. Furthermore, enlarging the soil saturation, decreasing the intrinsic permeability, and enlarging the soil relaxation shear modulus have a significant positive impact on improving the vibration resistance of SDCM piles. In contrast, changes in porosity have a negligible effect on the ability to resist vertical vibrations of SDCM piles.

Hydrate management strategies for CO2 injection into depleted gas reservoirs

Sequestering CO2 in depleted gas reservoirs using carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies has emerged as a viable strategy for mitigating global carbon emissions. However, CO2 hydrate formation during injection processes is challenging and poses a risk to the operational integrity and efficiency of sequestration projects. This study investigated CO2 hydrate formation dynamics within silica gel environments that closely mimicked the median pore size of natural sandstone reservoirs, particularly targeting depleted gas fields in the East Sea of Korea. Integrating kinetic insights into experimental hydrate formation assessments and molecular dynamics simulations provided a comprehensive understanding of the CO2 hydrate formation mechanisms, as well as the formation dynamics and stability of the CO2 hydrates. For example, the hydrate formation kinetics were significantly reduced in the small pores, suggesting the feasibility of implementing more economical hydrate inhibitor injection strategies during CO2 injection. Moreover, this study evaluated the inhibitory effects of NaCl and methanol on CO2 hydrate stability by accurately measuring the three-phase (H-Lw-V) equilibria and employing silica gels (6 nm pore size). The presence of methanol and amorphous silica significantly impacted hydrate formation, with methanol potentially influencing the local structure around the hydrate phase and silica hindering hydrate growth through dynamic interactions with CO2 molecules. In addition, we elucidated the complex interplay between CO2, water, and methanol (hydrate inhibitor) within the constrained environments of porous media, offering strategic insights for the development of effective CO2 injection and sequestration strategies. Integrating molecular-level observations with real-world geological modeling presents a novel methodology for enhancing the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of carbon capture and storage operations. The findings of this study provide critical insights into hydrate phase behavior, highlighting the importance of precise equilibrium determination under simulated reservoir conditions to effectively anticipate and mitigate hydrate formation challenges.

Solution of the problem with a small parameter in suspension filtration in a porous medium

Relevance. The necessity to calculate the changes in filtration properties during injection of suspensions for subsequent forecasting of technological parameters of wells. This calculation is complicated by the presence of different-scale effects, since the penetration depth of dispersed particles is orders of magnitude smaller than the characteristic dimensions of the formation. These effects have not been studied in detail before. Aim. To analyze the effect of a small parameter on the behavior of flow characteristics using a mathematical model of suspension filtration in a porous medium. Objects. Colmatation coefficient, filtration coefficient, distribution of concentration of dispersed particles in the formation, porosity, mathematical model of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium. Methods. Numerical modeling, explicit finite-difference scheme, solution of a problem with a small parameter, introduction of dimensionless parameters, method of characteristics. Results and conclusions. It is shown that the processes of conformance control and colmatation of a porous medium are described within the framework of a unified system of equations of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium. It is identified that the concentration of retained particles is a small parameter that allows reducing the complete system of equations of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium to a simplified form, in which the solution can be obtained analytically using the method of characteristics. The authors compared the solutions of the complete and simplified systems of equations of deep-bed suspension migration into a porous medium, indicating their compliance with an error of less than 4 %. They obtained the distributions of the concentration of dispersed particles and porosity in the reservoir during colmatation, showing that over time the colmatation front propagates at a constant rate. It is shown that the colmatation coefficient is a small parameter that significantly determines the nature of oil displacement by water, and a decrease in the colmatation coefficient leads to a decrease in the rate of colmatation and the appearance and growth of the size of the stabilized zone near the displacement front.

Performance Evaluation of Directional Porous Oil Storage Medium Fabricated by PTFE and Naphthalene

Porous oil storage media is the core of self-lubricating rolling functional components. The internal pore directivity of porous oil storage media is different，and it reduces the utilization rate of lubricating oil. In this paper, a new fabrication method of porous oil storage media with directional pores is carried out, and the properties of the porous media, such as hardness, density, porosity, oil storage rate and oil retention rate are evaluated. The experimental results show that the fabrication pressure has a linear positive effect relationship with the hardness of the porous media, and has no significant effect on the density, porosity, oil storage rate and oil retention rate. The mass fraction of pore former has a linear negative effect relationship with the hardness and density of the porous media, and a linear positive effect relationship with the porosity the greater the mass fraction of pore former, the greater the initial oil seepage rate of oil rejection. The internal pores of the porous media have a fibrous structure of the karst cave type, and the internal pores are interconnected and have good orientation. This study aims to provide a lubricating theoretical reference for the fabrication of porous oil storage media.

Investigating the Influence of Square Size Vanes on Heat Transfer in porous media: An In-depth Nusselt distribution

Abstract This research provides an extensive analysis with various γ on natural convection, thermal entropy generation, fluid flow, and temperature distribution in the porous cavity. On the thermal performance, the studying impact effective factors entailing geometrical parameters, Ha, Da, Pr, γ, and ε are analyzed meticulously. The finite element method (FEM) is carried out to analyze fluid flow and heat distribution in the present porous media. The innovation of this research is considered key parameters constitute Ha, Da, Pr, γ, and ε for substantial assesses average Nusselt number in porous media with different square size vanes at the corners and effect variable cooled size at the corners of the square porous cavity for an in-depth analysis of the thermal performance. In validation, the calculation of the results was adapted accurately to the finite element method's fluid flow, temperature distribution, and average Nusselt number. Numerical results revealed that various γ affected widely in the generation of entropy. Also, square-size vanes at the corners of the porous cavity markedly influenced fluid flow trend hot and cold temperature distribution. The Hartman number is the most important influence on the average Nusselt number, which observed a sharp increase in the average Nusselt number. Moreover, as the Darcy number grew, the average Nusselt number rose apart from in γ = 1 in porous media with size vanes 0.2.

Influences of Irreversibility in Transport of Peristaltic of Hybrid Nanomaterial through a Porous Medium in an Inclined Channel

The purpose of this work is to determine transferred heat features and irreversible transport peristaltic of nanomaterial fluid through a porous medium with an inclined symmetric channel. Expression of the basic velocity, pressure gradient, temperature, and stream function profiles within the boundary layer are plotted and discussed in detail via various values of the distinct parameters. Nanoparticles of hybrid nanomaterial impacts are also used. In the present article, water is used as a base liquid while nanoparticle contain polystyrene and graphene oxide. Over time, it is observed that there are distinct factors and effects such as magnetic field and porosity parameters. Mathematica software is used for estimating the exact solutions of axial velocity and temperature profiles. Additionally, the resolution of equations are considered under the small Reynolds number and large wavelength approximation. Results with plotting graph access via MATHEMATICA (11) are listed.

Experimental Visualization and Modeling of the Transport Behaviors of Monofilament Microplastic Fibers Through an Idealized Porous Media

AbstractMicroplastic fibers (MPF) are the largest fraction of microplastics in the environment by mass. The endpoints of these contaminants' movement is generally known at large‐scale (i.e., their origins and where they end up), but the mechanics of how they get to those sinks remains poorly understood. The objective of this work was to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving MPF migration through terrestrial systems by directly imaging their motion through idealized representations of porous media. Monofilament line with 0.3 mm diameter was passed through a bench‐scale, pseudo‐2d flow cell to capture trajectories of MPFs of three different lengths and trajectories of passive micro‐bead tracers were also captured. Video processing and automated image analysis converted the video of the experiments into a database of trajectories, allowing comparison of the experimental data to various numerical models. Simple advection‐dispersion models were adequate for modeling the passive tracer but did not provide a good description of MPF transport. A physics‐based, distributed model was able to generate realistic trajectories through the domain, but the speeds of the fibers in the initial simulation were too fast, despite working well for the passive tracer. Adding a delay (waiting time) process resulted in good description of the trajectories and travel times. The specifics of the delay process could not be deduced from these experiments, but its overall impact on transport provides mechanistic insights. These direct observation of the trajectories and speeds of MPFs moving through porous media show that MPFs likely have strong interactions with their surroundings.