This study was designed to investigate biomass gasification and tar reforming
technologies that are capable of producing synthesis gas (syngas) suitable for
biological or catalytic conversion to transportation fuels in a gas to liquids plant
(GTL). Syngas is defined as a gas mixture that contains varying amounts of
carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and very often some carbon dioxide, water,
light hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, etc.) and tars. Producing syngas that will
ultimately be converted to liquid fuels typically requires a gasifier that utilizes
oxygen and/or steam as the oxidant. Air can also be used as the oxidant and
means of fluidization; however, in order to supply the required amount of