Problems with Existing Biomass Gasification Technology

There are a number of hurdles to high pressure gasification of biomass that have historically limited development of this technology:

1. Availability of inexpensive natural gas and coal
2. Biomass feedstock logistics
3. High reactivity of biomass
4. Low energy content of biomass
5. Unfavorable elemental composition of biomass

Specific problems with traditional operating gasification systems include:

1. Almost all operational gasifiers have to operate at limited temperatures and low pressure due to the problems of controlling temperature. Operating at low pressure requires the facility to build expensive compressor capabilities. In addition to large up-front capital expenditure, large amounts of energy are required to operate the compressor facility.
2. For high pressure gasifiers, a costly mechanical system is needed to continuously remove slag runoff.
3. Expensive CO2 removal systems such as Rectisol® or amine-based absorption systems are economically feasible for large facilities, such as coal gasification plants, but not for smaller biofuels plants.