catalytic cracking


noun

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 10), cracking(def 1).

Words nearby catalytic cracking

British Dictionary definitions for catalytic cracker

catalytic cracker

noun

a unit in an oil refinery in which mineral oils with high boiling points are converted to fuels with lower boiling points by a catalytic process Often shortened to: cat cracker