reforming
v. C1 Advanced US //ɹɪˈfɔɹmɪŋ// UK //ɹɪfˈɔːmɪŋ// re·form·ing
v. to change the structure of molecules in a liquid, like oil, to make them more useful or higher quality.
v. to rearrange the molecular structure of a hydrocarbon to produce a more desirable isomer or a higher-octane fuel. Typically involves heat, pressure, and catalysts in industrial processing.
The factory is reforming oil to make better gasoline.
Catalytic reforming is a critical step in the refinery process to convert low-octane naphthas into high-octane liquid products.
By reforming the molecular chains of the crude feedstock, engineers can significantly increase the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons required for high-performance aviation fuels.
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically appears in industrial or chemical engineering contexts.