Tar reduction in biomass producer gas via mechanical, catalytic and thermal methods: A review

Biomass gasification presents highly interesting possibilities for expanding the utilization of biomass as power generation using internal combustion engines or turbines. However, the need to reduce the tar in the producer gas is very important. The successful application of producer gas depends not only on the quantity of tar, but also on its properties and compositions, which is associated with the dew-point of tar components. Class 5, 4, and 2 tar become a major cause of condensation which can foul the engines and turbines. Hence, the selectivity of tar treatment method to remove or convert class 5, 4. and 2 tar is a challenge in producer gas utilization. This review was conducted to present the recent studies in tar treatment from biomass gasification. The new technologies with their strengths and the weaknesses in term ()for reduction are discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.