Progress in techniques of biomass conversion into syngas

Biomass gasification is one of major biomass utilization technologies to get high quality gas. The high quality gas can be subsequently used for gas supply and power generation as well as syngas. Significant efforts have therefore been made in biomass-derived syngas production. The paper reviews the state-of-the-art biomass-derived syngas production techniques in terms of technical performance. Various kinds of gasification reactor are briefly introduced. Main technologies of syngas production can be divided into four approaches: partial oxidation and steam reforming of biomass pyrolysis oils, co-gasification of biomass and coal, coupled steam hydrogasification of biomass and reforming of methane, gasification of biomass-derived char. Each of these production processes are also analyzed in detail. Among these production technologies, the primary technology for syngas production is steam hydrogasification and reforming. Syngas has a higher H2/CO ratio by using these two technologies: the steam hydrogasification and reforming technology and biomass-derived char technology.