Recovery of CH4 from coal mine model gas mixture (CH4/N2) by hydrate crystallization in the presence of cyclopentane

► Cyclopentane is confirmed to be an effective promoter for CH4 separation. ► The hydrate equilibrium data in the presence of cyclopentane are reported. ► The effect of cyclopentane concentration on methane recovery is investigated. ► Nitrogen competes with methane to enter hydrate crystals at a higher overpressure.