ETHANE CRACKING

Next, the ethane must be converted into ethylene. This is called "cracking", and the reaction takes place in a thermal catalytic cracker. The reaction is shown to the right.

There are actually two competing reactions which take place in the reactor. The reactioned must be monitored closely, and usually only approximately 65% of the ethane is converted into ethene.

If you would like to look at thermal crackers in more detail, click here: