Pour point depression and flow improvement of waxy crude oil using polyethylene glycol esters of cashew nut shell liquid

Abstract Wax crystallization and deposition is a major flow assurance problem in production transportation of waxy crude oil. Conventional improvers are mainly high molecular weight synthetic polymers, many which eco-toxic. Bio-based derived from natural products promising as inexpensive, eco-friendly alternatives to existing products. In this study, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) extracted waste shells Anacardium occidentale was esterified with polyethylene glycol (PEG). CNSL derivative reduced the pour point oil by 12 °C at 1000 ppm. The effects derivatives on wax crystal morphology micro-structure were studied cross-polarized microscopy. Micrographs processed analyzed ImageJ software. Addition resulted changes evidenced reduction average Feret diameter aspect ratio increase boundary fractal dimension, indicative formation increasing number smaller, rounder crystals. Effect additives properties determined using co-axial cylinder rotational viscometer. Dynamic viscosity shear rate 17 s −1 79.7–90.5%. CNSL-PEG esters show good prospects low-cost for production, storage pipeline