catalytic cracking
noun
1.
the reduction of the molecular weight of hydrocarbons by a catalyst, accomplished in a petroleum refinery by a type of chemical reactor
(catalytic cracker)
Compare
cracker
(def 8),
cracking
(def 1).
Examples from the web for
catalytic cracking
Refined petroleum products are derived from crude oils through processes such as
catalytic cracking
and fractional distillation.
catalytic cracking
produces blending components for high-octane gasoline.
Distillation, thermal and
catalytic cracking
, and reforming and alkylation are the workhorses of the industry.