Biomass gasification system and method

An apparatus for facilitating the flow of sand and char fragments from a first compartment to a second compartment while minimizing the flow of gases between said first and second compartments, said apparatus comprising:

• a chamber for receiving said flow of sand and char fragments from said first compartment, said chamber including an inlet nozzle disposed to deposit said sand and char mixture into the lower portion of said chamber;
• and
• an outlet disposed above the point at which said nozzle deposits said sand and char mixture into said chamber, wherein said outlet is disposed to allow the gravitationally driven flow of sand and char from said chamber to said second compartment;
• wherein, when operating, said chamber maintains a quantity non-fluidized sand and char disposed between said inlet nozzle and said outlet, said sand and char acting to maintain a substantially gas resistant seal between said first and second compartments.