(n.) Heavy Oil. The process of splitting a large heavy hydrocarbon molecule into smaller, lighter components. The process involves very high temperature and pressure and can involve a chemical catalyst to improve the process efficiency
Schlumberger Ltd. (The World's Leading Supplier Of Technology, Integrated Project Management And Information Solutions to Customers Working in The Oil and Gas Industry Worldwide), Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary Cedex, France 2014. http://www.glossary.oilfield.slb.com/en/Terms/sym/ a.aspx, (Ergo - Brit) {766}