Cracking (petrochemical)

Cracking in the petrochemical industry refers to the process of breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules from crude oil into smaller, more valuable products like gasoline, diesel, and other chemicals. This is achieved by applying heat, pressure, or using catalysts to facilitate the breakdown. There are two main types: thermal cracking, which uses high temperatures, and catalytic cracking, which employs catalysts to enhance the reaction. The resulting smaller molecules can then be further processed or refined for various uses, making cracking a crucial step in producing fuels and raw materials for the chemical industry.