What is fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and why is it important?

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is a key conversion process that cracks heavy gas oil into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline and LPG. Uses zeolite catalyst in a fluidized bed. Reaction at 480-540C, near atmospheric pressure. Products: cracked naphtha (gasoline component), LPG (propylene for petrochemicals), light cycle oil (diesel blending), heavy cycle oil, and coke (deposited on catalyst). Catalyst continuously circulates between reactor and regenerator where coke is burned off. FCC is important because it converts low-value heavy fractions to high-value gasoline and petrochemical feedstocks. Refinery profitability often depends heavily on FCC performance.