The present invention relates to a process for increasing the capacity for processing residua and obtaining higher yields of liquids having an average boiling point equal to or less than about 510 C. A residual feedstock is introduced with recycled product asphaltenes into a short vapor contact time thermal process unit wherein the vaporized product is sent to a fractionator zone to produce a 510 C.^- fraction and a 510 C.⁺ fraction. The 510 C.⁺ fraction is sent to a solvent extraction zone to produce an asphaltene-rich fraction that is recycled to the short vapor contact time thermal process unit.