**2. Biomass properties and characterization**

The important biomass properties include the following: (a) heating value, (b) proximate analysis and (c) ultimate analysis. Any biomass conversion process begins with knowing its energy content in units of MJ/kg and compared with traditional resources like coal. Further, biomass resources may be describe based on its proximate analysis whereby its moisture content (MC) is reported, followed by the volatile combustible matter (VCM) contents, fixed carbon (FC) and ash. Finally, the ultimate analysis is important to illustrate the biomass composition in relation to the top five elements it contains as follows: (a) carbon (C), (b) hydrogen (H) (c) oxygen (O), (d) nitrogen (N) and (e) sulphur (S) content. Other characterization would include describing its compositional contents such as lignin, cellulose and hemi-celluloses , carbohydrates and fat contents.

When biomass is converted thermally in the presence of excess amounts of air, (i.e. combustion) the total energy released in the form of heat is termed its heating value or calorific value. The heating value of biomass is reported in units of kJ/kg. Gasoline used as fuel for running internal combustion engines has a reported heating value of about 47 MJ/kg and diesel has heating value of about 45 MJ/kg. Biomass on the other hand may have heating values ranging from 15 – 25 MJ/kg.
