Question

What is pyrolytic cracking, and why is the process applied to the kerosene fraction of petroleum?

Short answer

Pyrolytic cracking is a chemical process that breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones by heating them at high temperatures, typically without oxygen. It is applied to the kerosene fraction of petroleum to increase gasoline production, improve fuel properties, enhance the production of valuable petrochemicals like olefins, and reduce waste in the refining process. This makes the final product more efficient and suitable for various applications, while also yielding products useful in industries like plastics and synthetic rubber.

Step-by-step solution

Define Pyrolytic Cracking

Pyrolytic cracking is a chemical process where large, complex hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller, more useful molecules by heating them at high temperatures, typically in the absence of oxygen. This process is also known as thermal cracking or pyrolysis.

Discuss the Components of Petroleum and the Kerosene Fraction

Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon molecules, obtained from the earth's crust. It is composed of various fractions, each having different boiling points and molecular compositions. One such fraction is the kerosene fraction, which consists of hydrocarbon molecules of intermediate size (with 10-16 carbon atoms). Kerosene is commonly used as a fuel for jet engines, heaters, and stoves.

Explain the Benefits of Applying Pyrolytic Cracking to the Kerosene Fraction

There are several reasons why pyrolytic cracking is applied to the kerosene fraction of petroleum: 1. Increased gasoline production: Pyrolytic cracking helps convert some of the kerosene into gasoline, which is in higher demand and usually more valuable than kerosene. 2. Improved fuel properties: The process helps to improve fuel properties like volatility, ignition quality, and stability, making the final product more efficient and suitable for various applications. 3. Enhanced production of valuable petrochemicals: The process also yields certain valuable petrochemicals, such as olefins (ethylene, propylene, etc.), which are used as feedstocks in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and various other chemicals. 4. Waste reduction: Pyrolytic cracking aids in reducing the waste generated during the petroleum refining process, as it helps convert the less useful, more abundant heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable hydrocarbons, which have a myriad of industrial and commercial applications.