Abstract: A process for the steam hydroconversion of light hydrocarbon feed stocks relatively deficient in hydrogen and high in sulfur, which process comprises passing the feed and steam into a steam hydroconversion zone over a dual-function catalyst comprising molybdenum on a high surface area alumina base or on an iron oxide-chromium oxide base, said catalyst having been reduced and sulfided prior to use. A portion of the hydrocarbon is steam reformed to produce hydrogen in the reaction zone which is then used in situ to hydrogenate the olefins and aromatics in the feed and also removes sulfur therefrom, all processes occurring in the same reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for hydrotreating middle distillate fraction petroleum feed stocks wherein hydrogen requirements for the hydrotreater are reduced by first passing the feed stock and steam to a steam hydroconversion zone over a dual function catalyst comprising molybdenum on a chromium supported on ferric oxide support or on a high surface area alumina support. In the steam hydroconversion zone a portion of the feed reacts with the steam to produce hydrogen via a steam reforming reaction. This hydrogen is used in situ to saturate a substantial portion of the olefins and remove some of the sulfur compounds present in the feed stock, thereby partially refining same. The partially refined feed is then passed to a hydrotreating zone for further treatment with greatly reduced hydrogen requirements in said hydrotreating zone.

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks, such as atmospheric and vacuum residua, heavy crude oils and the like, are converted to predominantly liquid hydrocarbon products by contacting said feedstocks in the presence of hydrogen with a regenerable alkali metal carbonate molten medium containing a glass-forming oxide, such as boron oxide, at a temperature in the range of from above about the melting point of said molten medium to about 1000.degree.F. and at elevated pressures. Preferably, the regenerable molten medium comprises an oxide of boron in combination with a mixture of sodium and lithium carbonate or a mixture of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and lithium carbonate. The carbonaceous materials (coke) which are formed in the molten medium during the above-described conversion process are gasified by contacting said carbonaceous materials with a gaseous stream containing oxygen, steam, or carbon dioxide at temperatures of from above about the melting point of said medium to about 2000.degree.F.