Overview of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU)
Also known as a Cat Cracker, the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) is a piece of refining equipment used to convert the heavy portion of crude oil feedstock into lighter petroleum products, including liquified petroleum gas and gasoline.
FCCUs use a chemical process known as cracking to break down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller molecules by exposing them to a catalyst and extreme heat. Common catalysts include zeolite, bauxite, silica-alumina, and aluminum hydrosilicate. Once the FCCU process is complete, product is then sent to a hydrocracker for further processing.
Since they were introduced in the 1940s, FCCUs have improved the efficiency and output of countless refineries and have become essential to the industry.
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