Cracking in the petroleum industry is a process where large, heavy hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller, more useful molecules.
Key Points
- Purpose:
- To convert heavy oils or long-chain hydrocarbons (like those in crude oil) into lighter products such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene.
- Helps meet the demand for fuels and chemicals.
- How it works:
- The large hydrocarbon molecules are split into smaller molecules.
- This can be done using heat, pressure, and sometimes catalysts.
- Types of cracking:
- Thermal cracking – uses high temperature (and sometimes high pressure) to break bonds.
- Catalytic cracking – uses a catalyst and moderate heat to make the process more efficient.
- Products of cracking:
- Smaller alkanes – useful as fuels.
- Alkenes – used in making plastics and chemicals.
In short:
Cracking is like cutting long hydrocarbon chains into shorter, more useful chains, making petroleum products more valuable and versatile.