THERMAL CRACKING Meaning and
Definition
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Thermal cracking is a process of breaking down complex hydrocarbon molecules into simpler ones by means of heat or high temperatures. It is a type of chemical reaction that primarily occurs in refineries during the refining of crude oil.
In thermal cracking, the hydrocarbon molecules are subjected to intense heat within a cracking unit or a furnace. The high temperatures cause the long-chain hydrocarbons to undergo thermal decomposition, resulting in the formation of shorter-chain molecules. The process typically involves temperatures ranging from 450 to 750 degrees Celsius and pressures around atmospheric levels.
The main objective of thermal cracking is to convert heavier, less valuable hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable ones. This includes breaking down large and complex hydrocarbon molecules, such as heavy gas oils or residual oils, into smaller molecules like gasoline, diesel, or other useful products. The process can be further classified into two main types: visbreaking and coking.
Thermal cracking plays a crucial role in the petroleum industry as it enables the production of a wide range of valuable fuels and petrochemicals from crude oil. It helps meet the increasing demand for lighter products and improves the overall quality and value of the refined petroleum. However, it requires careful control and optimization, as the process can generate undesired byproducts and emissions that may be harmful to the environment.
Etymology of THERMAL CRACKING
The word "thermal cracking" consists of two parts: "thermal" and "cracking".
1. Thermal: The term "thermal" comes from the Greek word "thermē", meaning "heat". It has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe anything related to heat or temperature.
2. Cracking: The word "cracking" stems from the Old English word "cracian", which means "to resound or make a sharp noise". In the context of "thermal cracking", it refers to the process of breaking down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones through the application of heat.
The combination of these two words results in "thermal cracking", which denotes a chemical process that involves the use of heat to break down complex hydrocarbon molecules into simpler ones.
