The gasification tests were performed using three different
woody biomasses, supplied by a wood processing factory. The
biomasses used were Peach (Prunus persica), Olive (Olea europaea)
and Pine (Pinus pinea). The properties of the woody biomass are
shown in Table 1. The elemental compositions were determined
using a CHNS-O Elementar Vario GmbH EL III and the Higher
Heating Value (HHV) using a calorimeter IKA C-5000 (ASTM D-
3286-91a). The moisture and ash composition were determined
using the ASTM E-871-82 and ASTM D-3174-82. The results were
similar to literature values. For the experiments, the biomasses
were chopped in square-based prism pieces with dimensions of
about 2 1 1 cm. The size and shape are very important for the
behaviour of biomass in the downdraft gasifier as far as its movement,
and bridging and channelling formations. In addition, the
height of the oxidation zone and the pressure drop inside the
reactor, depend on these characteristics.