The polyether glycol derived from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) inhibited the formation of methane hydrate. The polymer proved to be more efficient than the polyvinyl pyrrolidone-poly(N-vinyl) caprolactam (PVP-PVCap) co-polymer under tested conditions (CH4, 1470 psi and 4 ºC), being the latter one of the best commercially available hydrate inhibitors.
methane hydrate; flow assurance; kinetic inhibitor