Method and apparatus for converting organic material

A reaction process for converting an organic material contained in a fluid into hydrocarbon fuels wherein the predominant product of said conversion reaction process comprises hydrocarbon oils and which reaction process includes the sequential and separate use of a homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst system comprising the following steps:

• (i) pressurizing an organic material comprised in a fluid which has been determined or adjusted to comprise a pH within the range of over 7 to 14 to a pressure exceeding 225 bar;
• (ii) adjusting the temperature of said pressurized organic material containing fluid to a temperature greater than 200 degrees C. to 230 degrees C. wherein step (i) and (ii) are performed in the presence of a fluid comprising at least one homogeneous catalyst, said homogeneous catalyst comprising at least one group IA element for a time sufficient to allow for a first catalytic conversion reaction process to commence;
• (iii) adjusting the temperature of the resultant pressurized organic material to a temperature ranging from about 275 degrees C. to about 374 degrees C. after the first catalyzed conversion reaction process of step (ii) has commenced;
• (iv) contacting said temperature adjusted pressurized organic material containing fluid resulting from step (iii) with at least one heterogeneous catalyst comprising at least one group IVB element and/or alpha-alumina for a time sufficient to allow for a second catalyzed conversion reaction process to commence wherein the predominant product resulting from said second catalyzed conversion reaction process comprises hydrocarbon oils which may be used in the production of hydrocarbon fuels;
• and wherein as both conversion reactions are effected the pH of the organic material containing fluid is maintained within the range of over 7 to 14.