Abstract: A process of the conversion of a heavy hydrocarbon into a lighter hydrocarbon utilizing a soluble transition metal salt and synthesis gas which includes soot particles and other impurities is disclosed. The inclusion of solid particles, such as soot, carbon black, silica fines has been found to decrease the formation of sediment during the reaction process.

Abstract: A process for the upgrading a heavy oil to a lighter oil having a higher API gravity than the heavy oil is disclosed. The process includes reacting an emulsion of the heavy oil with water in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrogen containing gas to give a reaction product from which the light oil is recovered. The process may also include the gasification of the heavy oil residue and the hydrocarbon containing water portions of the above reaction product for use in the upgrading process. The catalyst is preferably soluble in either oil or water portion of the emulsion and includes a transition metal containing compound, the metal being selected from Group V, Group VI, Group VIII of the Periodic Table or mixtures of these metals.