The entrained flow gasification of Victorian brown coals is of interest for its potential use as a syngas feedstock in established commercial processes. To determine the applicability of entrained flow gasification to a Victorian brown coal, and to establish the scope for further investigation, coal pyrolysis and char gasification trials were conducted using a vertical entrained flow reactor. Pyrolysis between 800 and 1000 degrees C resulted in high surface area char, and tar production decreased with increasing temperature. Char conversion and syngas yield increased with increasing gasification temperature. Pyrolysis tars and contaminants in the syngas were also evaluated to determine their potential impact on the industrial process. The concept of entrained flow gasification of Victorian brown coals was shown to be operationally sound, with minimal gas and liquid phase contaminants. However, the temperature and residence times chosen for this study were insufficient to achieve complete conversion of the fuel. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.