Comprehensive experimental assessment of biomass steam gasification with different types: correlation and multiple linear regression analysis with feedstock characteristics

In order to reveal the correlation between gasification behavior and products with feedstock characteristics, the steam gasification of 13 biomasses was investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer and a fixed-bed reactor. Meanwhile, a multiple linear regression was used to construct correlation models. The results showed that cellulose content and crystallinity had the greatest influence on pyrolysis reactivity, which was reflected that the cellulose content was strongly positively correlated with the pyrolysis reactivity (Pmax = 0.77), while the lignin content and cellulose crystallinity were opposite. H/C, O/C ratios and SiO2 content had the greatest influence on gasification stage. O/C were strongly negatively correlated with gasification reactivity (Pmax = −0.81). But correlations of K and Ca contents were much less than that of Si. Husk has the best gasification performance than straw and woody with highest H2 and total gas yield of 28.26 and 68.93 mmol·g−1. H2 concentration and yield were significantly affected by the cellulose crystallinity and the fixed carbon content with positively correlation (P = 0.69–0.85). CH4 and CnHm were also influenced by them, but the trend was opposite to that of H2. Cellulose content, followed by SiO2 content mainly affected CO and CO2 and negatively correlated with CO while positively with CO2.