Sampling and analysis of particles and tars from biomass gasifiers

Particles and tars are considered as harmful components in internal combustion engine applications of biomass derived producer gas. Since state-of-the-art cocurrent gasifiers or gas cleaning devices can reach distinctively lower particle and tar levels than previous units, long duration sampling periods are needed for the determination of the producer gas contaminants. A new sampling method which uses several classes of “tar” components and allows long duration sampling has been developed and thoroughly tested. Up to date, the method has been used at eight different gasifier installations and seven gas cleaning systems within Europe.