A Comprehensive Review of Syngas Production, Fuel Properties, and Operational Parameters for Biomass Conversion

Abstract

This study aims to provide an overview of the growing need for renewable energy conversion and aligns with the broader context of environmentally friendly energy, specifically through producing syngas from biomass. Unlike natural gas, which is mainly composed of methane, syngas contains a mixture of combustible CO, H2, and CnHm. Therefore, optimizing its production requires a thorough examination of various operational parameters such as the gasifying agent, the equivalence ratio, the biofuel type, and the state, particularly in densified forms like pellets or briquettes. As new biomass sources are continually discovered and tested, operational parameters are also constantly evaluated, and new techniques are continuously developed. Indeed, these techniques include different gasifier types and the use or non-use of catalysts during biofuel conversion. The present study focuses on these critical aspects to examine their effect on the efficiency of syngas production. It is worth mentioning that syngas is the primary gaseous product from gasification. Moreover, it is essential to note that the pyrolysis process (prior to gasification) can produce, in addition to tar and char, a mixture of gases. The common feature among these gases is their versatility in energy generation, heat production, and chemical synthesis. The analysis encompasses the resulting gas features, including the yield and composition, mainly through the hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio and the carbon monoxide-to-carbon dioxide ratio, as well as the lower heating value and considerations of the tar yield.