1.  fractionation(n = noun.process) fractional process - a process that uses heat to separate a substance into its components;
is a kind of industrial process
has particulars: destructive distillation, fractional distillation
Derived forms verb fractionate₂, verb fractionate₁

2.  fractionation(n = noun.act) - separation into portions;
is a kind of division
Derived form verb fractionate₁

1.  the act or process of separating a mixture into portions of different composition, as in distillation or fractional crystallization. [WordNet 1.5]

2.  Separation of crude oil into components of differing composition by fractional distillation. [PJC]