This study investigates the conversion of benzene in a packed bed containing fine char particles. Benzene and steam were simultaneously supplied to a tubular ceramic reactor that was heated electrically. Fragmented char particles were suspended and continuously supplied via a separate supply line. A packed bed of crushed alumina balls was positioned in the reactor to retain the char particles. The benzene conversion in the hot char bed was investigated by varying the bed temperature (900-1100 degrees C), steam concentration (0-27 vol %), and char concentration (5-50 g Nm(-3)). The highest conversions achieved in the experiments were approximately 75%. At comparable char concentrations, similar benzene conversions occurred at 900 and 1000 degrees C. Increasing the temperature to 1100 degrees C or increasing the steam concentration reduced the benzene conversion. The results indicate that the reduced conversion was due to enhanced char gasification reactions at elevated temperatures and steam concentrations and thus to reduced char mass in the packed bed.