New methods for the production of alternative fuels are a growing field of interest. Technologies delivering so-called first generation biofuels, are already well established but linked to limited resources for ethical and ecological reasons. Another promising approach consists of processes based on the conversion of cellulose-rich biomass and waste (second generation biofuels). With the use of biogenic materials for fuel production, the inherently high amount of harmful nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine-containing hydrocarbons that results has to be monitored. Therefore, a strict monitoring of the feed stocks, intermediates, and final products is crucial, but this can be a time-consuming and difficult challenge. To overcome this, the flame sensor technology was developed to automatically optimize the combustion process to the specific needs of any matrix type, quantity and composition. With the effective soot prevention, the maintenance effort is reduced to a minimum.