Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from coal comprises treating comminuted coal at 380.degree. to 600.degree. C. and 260 to 450 bar with water in a high pressure reactor to form a charged supercritical gas phase and a coal residue. Simultaneously with the water treatment, hydrogenation with hydrogen takes place in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of NaOH, KOH, Na.sub.4 SiO.sub.4, NaBO.sub.4, or KOB.sub.2. Then, the gas phase is divided into several fractions by lowering its pressure and temperature. Energy and/or gas is generated from the coal residue.

Abstract: Method for the underground gasification of solid fuels in which an underground fuel deposit is initially opened up and then converted into a gaseous fuel by means of a gasification medium. The opening of the fuel deposit is effected by treatment with a gas which is in the supercritical state, which takes on the volatile organic substances of the solid fuel and the water contained in the solid fuel. The dissolved organic compounds and the water are separated from the charged supercritical gas phase above ground in at least two fractions by pressure reduction and/or a change in temperature.

Abstract: Method for obtaining aromatics and/or dyestuffs from bell peppers wherein red pepper is extracted with a solvent which is in a supercritical state and is gaseous under normal conditions. The extraction takes place at a pressure of >P.sub.k to 350 bar and a temperature of >T.sub.k to 70.degree. C. The extracted aromatics and/or dyestuffs are separated from the separated supercritical gas phase by lowering the density of the gas phase.