Studies on thermal cracking behavior of vacuum residues in Eureka process

► Thermal cracking of VR in Eureka process results in cracked oil, off-gas, and pitch. ► The quality of the products and yield distribution were investigated. ► Result analysis revealed that the thermal cracking follows first order kinetic. ► Significant increase in the saturate fraction was observed in the cracked oil. ► The stability and compatibility of cracked oils were evaluated.