Abstract: A desirably upgraded charge stock for catalytic cracking containing a relatively large proportion of heavy hydrocarbons boiling above about 800.degree. F., is produced by first subjecting a raw feedstock boiling predominantly above 600.degree. F. and containing a substantial proportion of material boiling above 800.degree. F., to catalytic hydrofining followed by catalytic hydrocracking at high pressures in the presence of a Group VIB and/or Group VIII metal-promoted, crystalline zeolite hydrocracking catalyst. The hydrocracking catalyst and conditions are chosen so as to achieve selective conversion of material boiling between about 600.degree. and 800.degree. F. to lower boiling materials with a relatively minor conversion of the 800.degree. F+ material. The resulting product boiling above 400.degree. F is rich in 800.degree. F+ material, and constitutes an excellent catalytic cracking charge stock.

Abstract: In a continuous, solids upflow, gas downflow shale retorting process carried out at superatmospheric pressures, hydrostatic sealing means are provided at the shale inlet and retorted shale outlet ends of the retort, thereby avoiding the need for mechanical sealing means, lock vessels, etc. The raw shale is fed into the retort through a standing reservoir of product oil, or preferably a light fraction thereof, and the retorted shale is discharged from the retort through a water quenching zone and seal, in the lower portion of which is maintained a sufficient hydrostatic head of water to prevent the discharge therethrough of retort gases. Steam generated in the quench zone, containing some entrained hydrocarbonaceous matter, is treated in a multistage cooling and condensing manner for gas cleanup and for recovery of heat and an oil-free water condensate for recycle to the water sealing and quench zones.