STEAM CRACK Meaning and
Definition
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The term "steam crack" refers to a chemical process known as steam cracking or pyrolysis. In this process, hydrocarbon compounds, typically heavy gases or liquids derived from petroleum refining or natural gas processing, are heated to high temperatures in the presence of steam. These high temperatures range from 750 to 950 degrees Celsius (1382 to 1742 degrees Fahrenheit) and the steam acts as a diluent, helping to prevent premature combustion.
During the steam cracking process, the high temperatures and steam break down the hydrocarbon molecules into smaller fragments. This results in the formation of smaller, more useful hydrocarbon compounds, such as ethylene and propylene, that are used as building blocks for various industries including plastics, rubber, and chemicals. Steam cracking is considered a vital step in the petrochemical industry as it allows for the efficient production of these valuable building blocks.
The process is typically carried out in large-scale industrial facilities known as steam crackers, which consist of a series of interconnected furnaces and reactors. The cracked products are then separated and further processed to obtain the desired end products. Overall, steam cracking plays a crucial role in the production of a wide range of everyday products and materials we depend on.
Etymology of STEAM CRACK
The term "steam cracking" derives from the process itself, which involves cracking or breaking down hydrocarbon molecules using steam. The word "crack" is used to indicate the breaking apart of larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller fragments. This process is a fundamental part of the petrochemical industry, where various complex hydrocarbons are converted into smaller molecules, such as ethylene and propylene, which are then used as building blocks for the production of various chemicals and materials.
