Gasification technology biomass properties

Recently two feedstock databases have been established where a significant amount of information is provided for a variety of biomass feedstocks (27, 28). In the databases, the basic physico-chemical properties of biomass fuels can be found which will provide basic information to gasifier developers as well as gasifier users on the quality and suitability of the various fuels for the gasification technologies they either develop or use. 

Syngas composition, most importantly the H2/CO ratio, varies as a function of production technology and feedstock. Steam methane reforming yields H2/CO ratios of three to one whereas coal and biomass gasification yields ratios closer to unity or lower. Conversely, the required properties of the syngas are a function of the synthesis process. Fewer moles of product almost always occur when H2 and CO are converted to fuels and chemicals. Consequently, syngas conversion processes are more thermodynamically favorable at higher H2 and CO partial pressures. The optimum pressures depend on the specific synthesis process. 

---