A Critical Review of Osmosis-Associated Imbibition in Unconventional Formations

In petroleum engineering, imbibition is one of the most important elements for hydraulic fracturing and water flooding processes, when extraneous fluids are introduced to reservoir. However, in unconventional shale formations, osmosis has been often overlooked, but it can influence process between working fluid contacting formation rocks. The main objective this study understand effects fluid–rock interactions osmosis-associated formations. This paper summarizes previous studies on including shale, tight carbonate, sandstone Various key factors their processes discussed. Then, causes role osmotic forces summarized based recent field observations laboratory measurements. Moreover, some numerical simulation approaches model compared. Finally, a discussion practical implications included.