Abstract: A process for the preparation of a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide by autothermal reforming, comprising(i) partial oxidation of a gaseous hydrocarbon feed in a partial oxidation zone,(ii) passing the effluent of the partial oxidation zone to a reforming zone; and(iii) reforming in the presence of a reforming catalyst in the reforming zone to form a reformed product stream, wherein the partial oxidation is carried out at a H.sub.2 C/C molar feed ratio of less than 0.2, and, preferably reformed product stream has a temperature in the range from 1000.degree. to 1350.degree. C., or wherein the reformed product stream has a temperature in the range from 1100.degree. to 1300.degree. C., and, preferably the partial oxidation is carried out at a H.sub.2 O/C molar feed ratio of less than 0.5.

Abstract: Process for thermal cracking of residual hydrocarbon oils by(1) feeding the oil and a synthesis gas to a thermal cracking zone, the gas having a temperature sufficiently high to maintain the temperature in the cracking zone by direct heat exchange at 420.degree.-645.degree. C.;(2) separating the cracked products into (a) a gas, (b) at least one distillate fraction and (c) a cracked residue;(3) separating the cracked residue into a heavy hydrocarbon oil poor in asphaltenes and a heavy hydrocarbon oil rich in asphaltenes;(4) gasifying the oil rich in asphaltenes in the presence of oxygen and steam to produce synthesis gas; and(5) recycling synthesis gas from step 4 as feed to step 1.