Hydrocracking is 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.

What is the purpose of hydrocracking?

Hydrocracking is usually performed on heavy gas oils and residues, to remove feed contaminants (nitrogen, sulfur, metals) and to convert them into lighter fractions including diesel gasoils.

What is the hydrocracking process?

Hydrocracking is a process to convert larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller molecules under high hydrogen pressure and elevated temperature. It is commonly applied to upgrade the heavier fractions of the crude oils to produce higher value transportation fuels.