Definition of "hydrocracking" [hydrocracking]

• A process by which the hydrocarbon molecules of petroleum are broken into simpler molecules, as of gasoline or kerosene, by the addition of hydrogen under high pressure and in the presence of a catalyst. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "First the bulky hydrocarbon chains are broken into smaller ones in a process called hydrocracking; upgraders may also remove carbon to produce the smaller chains along with coke."
• "Sulphco says ultrasound waves make it easier for oil to react with catalysts, removing the need for the very high temperatures and pressure that other processes, such as hydrocracking, use to break down the oil molecules."
• "Both Eni and UOP say that their slurry hydrocracking methods will collect contaminants for use in other processes, such as making cement and steel."