Process for converting carbon-based energy carrier material

A process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of:

• a) sensitizing the carbon-based energy carrier material to produce a sensitized material, wherein the carbon-based energy carrier material is a solid biomass;
• b) contacting the sensitized material with a particulate catalyst material, wherein the step of contacting is carried out in a fluidized bed;
• c) converting the sensitized material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase, in the presence of a reductive gas and wherein the reductive gas comprises iso-butane, naphthene, a volatile organic acid, or combination thereof;
• d) separating at least a portion of the reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after the reaction products are formed;
• and
• e), optionally quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.