Patenting Trends in Natural Gas Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

The chemical transformation of Natural Gas through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis into liquid hydrocarbons which can be directly consumed as fuels has become of major interest. This is mainly due to two factors: (i) severe restrictions imposed by environmental laws promoting clean fuels; and, (ii) trends in the global energy scenario towards increased reserves of Natural Gas. The present research consists of analysis of approximately 1200 patent documents worldwide referring to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis not using coal feedstock retrieved from the Derwent database and almost 200 relating additionally to Natural Gas. The period in question cover the last 5 years (2001-2005). Through data/text mining techniques and technological foresight methods, identification was made of the main patent assignees, markets (with emphasis on patents in Brazil) and technological trends in the new millennium. The results present tools for strategic decision making, thus contributing to the development of Natural Gas use in Brazil