What is the Difference Between Hydrocracking and Hydrotreating?

Hydrocracking and hydrotreating are two distinct processes in petroleum oil refining that come under the category of hydroprocessing. Both processes take place in the presence of hydrogen gas, but they serve different purposes and have distinct differences:

1. Purpose: Hydrocracking is primarily used to convert high molecular weight hydrocarbons (e.g., VGO, vacuum/atmospheric residues) into more valuable lighter petroleum products like LPG, gasoline, kerosene, and diesel. In contrast, hydrotreating is used to remove impurities like sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, metals, and chloride from petroleum products such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.
2. Feedstock: Hydrocracking is applied to heavier, low-value oils, while hydrotreating is more commonly used for lighter feedstocks, such as naphtha.
3. Operating Conditions: Hydrocracking requires severe operating conditions, with higher temperature, higher pressure, greater hydrogen consumption, and more time spent in the hydrocracker reactor. On the other hand, hydrotreating uses milder conditions.
4. Functions: Hydrocracking involves both treating and cracking functions of petroleum feed, while hydrotreating focuses on treating functions.

In summary, hydrocracking is important for obtaining more valuable products from heavy hydrocarbons, while hydrotreating is crucial for removing contaminants from lighter feedstocks to produce high-quality end-products and protect refinery processing equipment.

Comparative Table: Hydrocracking vs Hydrotreating

Here is a table comparing the differences between hydrocracking and hydrotreating:

Hydrocracking and hydrotreating are both hydroprocessing methods used in the petroleum refining industry, but they serve different purposes. Hydrocracking is used for the conversion of heavy hydrocarbons into more valuable lighter petroleum products, while hydrotreating is used for the removal of impurities from petroleum products.