Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : SLH Corp. (SYNM) - From natural gas to crude oil -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TokyoMex who wrote (76)	3/14/1998 11:58:00 AM
From: Bambamtoy	Respond to of 281

Great work on RNTK. I would like to share with you an exiting story unfolding also in Denver,Co. It is GWTR {.07x.09}. EPS due any day,fast growth mode,is working on acquiring a major proprietary tech company in water filtration.Great CEO, wants to be a leader,new to public stocks{since late 97}. They expect to revolutionize H2O purification. With added bonus that their core cooling tower business is doing very well. Check it out and let me know. Bam

To: TokyoMex who wrote (76)	3/14/1998 1:37:00 PM
From: John M	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281

TokyoMex, Do you know how RNTK differs from Sasol? The problem with Sasol is the tremendous capital cost. A 2,000 BPD Syntroleum plant is estimated to cost about 40 MM$ compared to an equivalent Sasol plant that would cost over twice that amount. If RNTK can make a plant at a similar capital cost to Syntroleum, and they already have a process that works, the majors would have built one by now. I used to work for ARCO and still have several process engineering buddies there. They want to monitize Prudhoe Bay gas (currently 7.5 BCFD!!) The only thing holding them back is capital cost. Syntroluem's claims for plants that cost half as much is what spurred ARCO's interest. Also, Syntroleum's development of what they call their "Chain Limiting Catalyst" is the one of most interest because it does not produce the long chain waxes of their Alpha catalyst. The chain limiting catalyst produces only Diesel, Kerosene and Naptha - nice refinery blending stock that is absolutely pure. On the topic of conversion - one really nice trick in the Syntroleum process is that there is no recycle stream. This makes all the equipment smaller and reduces capital costs. Also, the methane/CO that is not converted is used as fuel in a turbine (has only 80 BTU/SCF). This is why Syntroleum has an agreement with CTAL - they make a special combustion chamber for turbines to combust low btu gas (got some of their stock too). This turbine can be used to run the inlet air compressors (biggest energy load in the plant). In addition, about 29% of the inlet btu's (LHV) in the feed gas stream can be recovered as steam. The steam can be used to heat processes or run a steam driven electric generator to provide all of the energy needs of the plant plus some. Long story short, nearly all of the energy is used making the process very efficient. I'm still worried about catalyst life. Must stay active for 3 years because it costs too much to replace. I believe that these are the main technical reasons for the majors signing up with Syntroleum. I definately considering riding the wave of RNTK but need more technical data for why their process is competitive. I missed the beginning of the SLHO stock run, could have changed my life - oh well. I live in Denver now and am going to meet with Rentech to pick their brains. John M

To: TokyoMex who wrote (76)	3/15/1998 1:56:00 AM
From: James J. Franklin	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281

TokyoMex I appreciate the comparisons you have drawn between RNTK and Syntroleum. Why has Syntroleum been able to convince the oil execs to license their process, whereas, up until now, (and that should change this week--judging by the massive volume on Friday) RNTK has not been able to license anyone(That I know of)? Is this just a question of Syntroleum's aggressive marketing? Do you think that these oil execs have been deceived? I love rocket rides. The ones that go up. Where do you see RNTK Monday morning? Do you see a gap up to $3? Where do you see RNTK one year from now? I think I can play a few pesos, if I can get in at a decent price. Thanks, Pancho