Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a non-equilibrium plasma (NEP) system and method of refining syngas. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-equilibrium plasma system for refining syngas, the system comprising a reactor with a hollow chamber, having one or more inlet manifolds configured to promote an axially symmetric and swirling flow pattern, into which syngas and one or more gasifying agents are introduced for processing within the reactor, a high voltage electrode; and a ground electrode, wherein the system is configured to create a non-equilibrium plasma producing electric arc upon application of a high voltage potential across an arc initiating gap between the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode and wherein the system is configured such that the syngas, the one or more gasifying agent(s) and plasma producing electric arc come together concurrently in the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for reformulating raw gas and/or reducing and/or converting the tar in a raw gas from a gasification reaction. More specifically, a gas reformulating system having a gas reformulating chamber, one or more sources of or means for generating non-equilibrium plasma, and optionally one or more oxygen source(s) inputs and control system is provided. Methods of reformulation and/or reducing the tar concentration in a raw gas from a gasification reaction that uses non-equilibrium plasma are also provided.