This report is an assessment of the thermodynamic data available and data needs for the processing of heavy petroleum, shale oil, tar sands, and coal liquids. It has been produced in partial fulfillment of the plan for thermodynamics research outlined in the NIPER FY86 Annual Research Plan. The assessment contains two background chapters on Energy Outlook and Future Refinery Needs as an overall introduction to the subject matter. Two chapters on economics follow: one on the previous economic impact of thermodynamics on the petroleum industry and the second on the possible economic impact of thermodynamics on the processing of alternate crudes. Chapters 5 through 9 detail the thermodynamic properties needed, their present status and future needs, including some details of compound types and problems to be solved for processing heavy petroleum, shale oil, tar sands, and coal liquids. After a chapter detailing the relationships between thermodynamics, kinetics, and catalysis, the final two chapters in the assessment are devoted to details of previous assessments of the need for thermodynamic measurements in this general field and a listing of the active laboratories making this type of measurements. This report does not cover thermodynamic data needs for (1) coal gasification, and (2) enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The former has been the topic of a recent similar report by the Gas Research Institute (GRI). The latter is the research topic of a separate group within NIPER that would be more competent to make a review of data available and future needs for EOR via thermodynamics research. 2 figs., 15 tabs.