How Cracking works
Long chain molecules are converted into short chain hydrocarbons
Thermal decomposition
Condition for Cracking
Catalyst
Temperature
Catalyst: silica or aluminium Oxide
Temperature: 600-700 degrees
Why is cracking required after fractional distillation of crude oil:
Reactivity
Apart from burning fractions are fairly inert. Cracking forms molecules with double bonds (more reactive) instead of single carbon-carbon bonds
Order of Crude oil fractions
Refinery gasses Gasoline Kerosene Disel Oil Fuel oil Bitumen
Why is cracking required after the fractional distillation of crude oil
Demand
More long chain molecules that can be used directly
Not enough enough small chain hydrocarbons