Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus comprising (FIG. 3):a substantially vertical reactor (1),means (2) for introducing solid particles into the upper part of the reactor,means (4) for withdrawing solid particles from the lower part of the reactor,at least one funnel defining a flared zone (25), whose apex is turned downwardly, andmeans (7 and 8) for introducing a fluid charge, formed of a liquid and a gas, into the lower part of the reactor under the funnel (25).The apparatus is characterized by the presence of a charge injection device, comprising:at least one substantially vertical leg or pipe (24) passing through the funnel, anda cap (26) covering the upper end of pipe (24), the lower part (or fringe) of the cap comprising several indentations or a series of indentations arranged over the major part of its perimeter.

Abstract: Process for deasphalting an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon charge wherein said charge, admixed with a first fraction of light paraffinic hydrocarbon solvent, is passed through an elongate zone inclined by 2.degree. to 15.degree. to a horizontal line while a second fraction of light paraffinic hydrocarbon solvent is introduced at one or more points of the lower half of said elongate zone, downwardly in an angle from 10.degree. to 80.degree. with the main axis thereof oriented in the direction of flow of the mixture, and wherein the upper phase of deasphalted oil and the lower asphalt phase are separately withdrawn, the light hydrocarbon being separated from each of these phases.

Abstract: Heavy asphaltenic oils are converted to lighter fractions by(a) Deasphalting the asphaltenic oil with an aliphatic C.sub.5 -C.sub.7 hydrocarbon,(b) Maintaining the oil with hydrogen at 440.degree.-530.degree. C. and 40-140 bars in a non-catalytic conversion zone, and(c) Feeding the product of step (b) to a catalytic conversion zone at 320.degree.-430.degree. C. and 40-140 bars, the catalyst in said zone comprising at least one molybdenum and/or tungsten compound and at least one nickel and/or cobalt compound.