Fluid Catalytic Cracking
Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) is a key process in petroleum refining that converts heavy crude oil fractions into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline and diesel. It uses a catalyst, typically made of zeolites, to facilitate the breaking down of large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. The process occurs in a fluidized bed reactor, where the catalyst particles are suspended in a stream of hot gas.
During FCC, the feedstock is heated and mixed with the catalyst, allowing chemical reactions to take place. The resulting products are then separated and purified. This method is efficient and helps maximize the yield of high-demand fuels, making it essential for modern oil refineries.