Höyrykatkoksessa

Höyrykatkoksessa, often translated as steam cracking, is a fundamental petrochemical process used to break down hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more valuable ones. This is achieved by exposing the hydrocarbons to high temperatures, typically between 750 and 950 degrees Celsius, in the presence of steam. The steam acts as a diluent and heat transfer medium, preventing coke formation and promoting the desired chemical reactions.

The primary feedstock for steam cracking includes naphtha, ethane, propane, and gas oils. The process is carried out in a furnace containing a series of tubes. Hydrocarbons are fed into these tubes along with steam and rapidly heated. The high temperature causes the large hydrocarbon molecules to break apart, forming smaller olefins such as ethylene and propylene, as well as other byproducts like butadiene and aromatics.

Ethylene and propylene are the most significant products of steam cracking. They serve as crucial building blocks for a vast array of plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers, making steam cracking a cornerstone of the modern chemical industry. The specific products and their yields are influenced by the feedstock used, the operating temperature, and the residence time within the cracking furnace. Careful control of these parameters is essential for optimizing the process and maximizing the production of desired chemicals. The cracked products are then separated and purified through a series of downstream processes.