Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon oil, a substantial portion of which boils above 524.degree. C., is subjected to hydrocracking with a fractionated heavy oil recycle stream containing active additive particles. In the process, a slurry feed of (1) fresh heavy hydrocarbon oil feedstock and a heavy hydrocarbon recycle and (2) from about 0.01-4% by weight (based on fresh feedstock) of iron sulphate additive particles having sizes less than 45 .mu.m, is passed upwardly through a confined vertical hydrocracking zone. A mixed effluent is removed from the top of the hydrocracking zone, which is then passed through a hot separator vessel. From the bottom of the separator is withdrawn a liquid heavy hydrocarbon stream comprising heavy hydrocarbons and particles of the iron sulphate additive converted mainly to an iron sulphide phase. This separated liquid heavy hydrocarbon stream is fractionated to obtain a heavy oil which boils above 450.degree. C., containing the additive particles.

Abstract: Several procedures are provided for the thermal rearrangement of a water emulsion, of or a mixture with water, of a feedstock selected from the group consisting of tar sand bitumen, heavy oil, refinery residue and a heavy waste oil stream, the feedstock containing a naturally-occurring, finely-divided mineral material. The essence of such procedures involves contacting the water emulsion or the water mixture with a gas selected from the group consisting of synthesis gas and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount, i.e., from about 0.3% to about 15% of a bifunctional catalyst that facilitates the water gas shift reaction and also promotes the hydrogenation and stabilization of cracking reaction products. The bifunctional catalyst includes the naturally-occurring, finely-divided mineral material which is contained in the feedstock. The process is conducted under such conditions of pressure and temperature that the water gas shift reaction occurs.

Abstract: Several procedures are provided herein which reduce the viscosity and density of heavy oils to make them amenable for transportation by pipeline from the field to refineries for further processing. The procedure involves contacting a water emulsion of a heavy oil with carbon monoxide at a pressure range and a temperature range such that a water gas shift reaction takes place to convert the steam and carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Simultaneously, a thermal rearrangement takes place, thereby reducing the viscosity and density of the oil without any significant thermal cracking. Under one scheme, at a low temperature range, e.g. below about 400.degree. C., there is substantailly no cracking and minimal molecular changes. Under another scheme, at a higher temperature range, e.g. up to about 460.degree. C., significant cracking and molecular changes take place.