The term hydroconversion is used to signify processes by which molecules in petroleum feedstocks are split or saturated with hydrogen gas while tumbling boiling ranges and impurities content from petroleum fractions. Hydroprocessing is a broad term that includes hydrocracking, hydrotreating, and hydrorefining. To meet the gradual changes in petroleum stipulate, in particular a reduced demand for heavy fuel oil, advanced technologies for residue hydroprocessing are now extremely necessary. A refining process is needed for treating heavy petroleum fractions (atmospheric or vacuum oil residue) in the presence of catalysts and hydrogen at high pressure. In this article the different technologies for residua processing: thermal, catalytic fixed and ebullated types of hydroconversion are reviewed and discussed. A possibility of combining the advantages of these technologies together with suitable catalyst with enhanced and controlled cracking activity is also analyzed. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.