hydrocracking

American  

[hahy-druh-krak-ing] / ˈhaɪ drəˌkræk ɪŋ /

noun

1. the cracking crack of petroleum or the like in the presence of hydrogen.

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hydrocracking Scientific  

/ hī′drə-krăk′ĭng /

1. 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.

2. See also cracking

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Etymology

Origin of hydrocracking

First recorded in 1935–40; hydro- ² + cracking

Example Sentences

While hydrocracking is common in oil and gas refining, applying it to plastic waste has proven difficult.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2026

Tungsten carbide was not only far less expensive than platinum catalysts, but it was also more than 10 times as efficient in hydrocracking plastic waste.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2026

ZPC also operates over 20 million tonnes per year hydrocracking facilities, also the largest in China, allowing the firm to make premium quality diesel and gasoline that meet the highest National 6 standards, Liu added.

From Reuters • Nov. 10, 2021

In the past two years, Peking has signed contracts worth nearly $2 billion, as much as one-third of its total technology bought abroad, to build four ethylene plants and three hydrocracking units.

From Time Magazine Archive