Abstract: The process comprises contacting a heavy hydrocarbon stream under suitable conditions and in the presence of hydrogen with a catalyst comprising a hydrogenating component selected from the group consisting of (1) molybdenum, chromium, and a small amount of cobalt, (2) their oxides, (3) their sulfides, and (4) mixtures thereof deposed on a large-pore, catalytically active alumina. The molybdenum is present in an amount within the range of about 5 wt.% to about 15 wt.%, calculated as MoO.sub.3 and based upon total catalyst weight, the chromium is present in an amount within the range of about 5 wt.% to about 20 wt.%, calculated as Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and based upon the total catalyst weight, and the cobalt is present in an amount within the range of about 0.1 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, calculated as CoO and based upon the total catalyst weight. The catalyst possesses a pore volume within the range of about 0.4 cc/gm to about 0.8 cc/gm, a surface area within the range of about 150 m.sup.2 /gm to about 300 m.sup.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading hydrocarbons from oil shale by contacting the oil shale solids in the presence of an acidic or oxidative catalytic substance with a water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from at least 705.degree. F., the critical temperature of water, to about 900.degree. F., in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen, wherein the water has a density of at least 0.15 gram per milliliter. Examples of such acidic or oxidative catalytic substance are molecular oxygen, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading hydrocarbons from tar sands by contacting the tar sands with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree. F. to about 900.degree. F. in the absence of an externally supplied catalyst and hydrogen, and wherein the density of the water in said fluid is at least 0.10 gram per milliliter.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a hydrocarbon fraction by contacting the hydrocarbon fraction with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree. F. to about 900.degree. F. in the absence of an externally supplied catalyst and hydrogen and of pretreatment of the hydrocarbon fraction.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading products from solid coal by contacting the coal with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree. F. to about 900.degree. F. in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen or other reducing gas and in the presence of a sulfur-resistant catalyst.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading products from solid coal by contacting the coal with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree.F. to about 900.degree.F. in the absence of an externally supplied catalyst and hydrogen or other reducing gas.The density of water in the water-containing fluid is at least 0.10 grams per milliliter, and sufficient water is present to serve as an effective solvent for the recovered liquids and gases.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading products from solid coal by contacting the coal with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree.F. to about 900.degree.F. in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen or other reducing gas and in the presence of a sulfur- and nitrogen-resistant catalyst. The density of water in the water-containing fluid is at least 0.10 grams per milliliter, and sufficient water is present to serve as an effective solvent for the recovered liquids and gases.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a hydrocarbon fraction and for generating hydrogen in situ by contacting the hydrocarbon fraction with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree. to about 900.degree.F. in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen and of pretreatment of the hydrocarbon fraction and in the presence of a catalyst system containing a sulfur- and nitrogen-resistant catalyst.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a hydrocarbon fraction by contacting the hydrocarbon fraction with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree.F. to about 900.degree.F. in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen and of pretreatment of the hydrocarbon fraction and in the presence of a sulfur-resistant catalyst.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading hydrocarbons from oil shale and tar sands by contacting the oil shale or tar sands with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree.F. to about 900.degree.F. in the absence of externally supplied hydrogen and in the presence of a sulfur-resistant catalyst and wherein the density of the water in said fluid is at least 0.10 gram per milliliter.

Abstract: A process for recovering and upgrading hydrocarbons from oil shale and tar sands by contacting the oil shale or tar sands with a dense-water-containing fluid at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree.F. to about 900.degree.F. in the absence of supplied hydrogen and in the presence of a sulfur- and nitrogen-resistant catalyst and wherein the density of the water in said fluid is at least 0.10 gram per milliliter.