Laboratory evaluation of modified cashew nut shell liquid as oilfield wax inhibitors and flow improvers for waxy crude oils

Abstract

Biobased wax inhibitors and flow improvers have become attractive due to the need to cut production cost and migrate towards more eco-friendly oilfield chemicals. Natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) extracted from shells of Anacardium occidentale was chemically modified using diethanolamine and ethanolamine. Pour point of doped oil was reduced by -18 °C. Cross-polarized micrographs of crude oils analyzed using Image J software showed reduction in crystal size, aspect ratio and boundary fractal dimension. Wax area fraction decreased by 65% indicative of wax inhibition as smooth, rounded, morphologically uniform crystals formed. Shear stress and viscosity decreased by 45% and 49%, respectively.