Ensyn is focused on unlocking the value of abundant heavy petroleum resources, as well as other undervalued carbon-based feedstocks, using its proprietary RTPÔ technology. The development of RTPÔ began early in the 1980's and within 8 years was scaled up to commercial operations for the conversion of wood and other "biomass" to fuels and chemicals. There are presently 5 commercial RTPÔ biomass plants in operation - the largest is equivalent to between 350 and 1000 bbls heavy oil per day, depending on the resid content of the heavy oil or bitumen. Since the equipment has been commercialized broadly for biomass conversion, its use in petroleum upgrading is simply regarded as another application of a proven technology.
In 1997, the Ensyn recognized the tremendous potential for the application of its RTPÔ technology to the upgrading of heavy oil and bitumen, and initiated a concerted development program in this area. An RTPÔ petroleum pilot plant was constructed in 1998, and since then over 80 RTPÔ pilot runs have been carried out in collaboration with several petroleum companies. In many cases, these companies funded pilot plant runs on their crudes, as well as assays and evaluations of the products.
The first commercial demonstration facility, dedicated exclusively for petroleum upgrading, is currently under construction in Katy, Texas, and is scheduled for completion by December, 2002. This project, which will demonstrate the processing of between 250 and 1000 barrels per day, depending on the resid content of the heavy oil, is being conducted via a joint venture between Ensyn and ITS Engineered Systems, Inc.
Ensyn and its strategic partners believe that the application of Ensyn's RTPÔ technology to heavy oil upgrading represents a significant technical and economic breakthrough compared to existing commercial alternatives.
The CHOA presentation today consists of two presentations that are relevant to the commercial "roll out" of Ensyn's RTPÔ partial upgrading technology. Mr. Stewart Gossen, Vice President of Enbridge, will review the strategic value of partial upgrading, such as Ensyn's RTPÔ process, to the western Canadian oil industry. Ensyn and Enbridge have formed an alliance to faciliate the commercial development of RTPÔ in western Canada. Dr. Ronald Robinson, Chairman of the Petroleum Engineering Dept., Texas A&M (and a Director of Ensyn) will address the issues associated with turning a viable technology into a business venture.
