The Two-Stage Gasifier was operated for more than 2000 h. This paper will focus on the first tests (465 h). During these tests the gasifier was operated automatically unattended day and night, and only small adjustments of the feeding rate were necessary once or twice per day. The operation was successful, and the output as expected. The engine operated well on the produced gas, and no deposits were observed in the engine afterwards. The bag house filter was an excellent and well operating gas cleaning system. Small amounts of deposits consisting of salts and carbonates were observed in the hot gas heat exchanger. Analysis showed that the metal part of the reactor, where the char bed is located, was not corroded. The top of the reactor had to be reconstructed in some other material. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.