A two-stage non-catalytic gasification process, comprising: (a) introducing a particulate carbonaceous feedstock (60, 60a) into a reactor lower section of a two-stage gasification reactor and partially combusting therein with a gas stream comprising an oxygen supply selected from a group consisting of oxygen-containing gas, steam, and mixtures thereof, thereby evolving heat and forming a first product stream comprising synthesis gas and molten slag; (b) passing the synthesis gas of step (a) into a reactor upper section of the two-stage gasification reactor and contacting therein with a stream comprising a slurry of particulate carbonaceous feedstock in a liquid carrier, thereby forming a second product stream comprising syngas and solids comprising ash and char; (c) passing the second product stream to a reactor that is maintained at a temperature greater than about 816°C (1500°F), wherein the syngas resides in the reactor for a time that is sufficient to thermally degrade volatile tars present in the syngas, thereby producing a product comprising a near-zero-tar syngas; (d) conveying the near-zero tar syngas directly from the reactor to a particulate filtering device through a conduit, (e) introducing a water stream via at least one inlet located on the conduit and contacting with the near-zero-tar syngas, thereby producing steam and a cooled moisturized syngas, wherein the temperature of the cooled, moisturized syngas remains greater than the condensation point of the steam, but less than about 649°C (1200°F); and (f) removing residual solids, fines and particulates from the cooled moisturized syngas by directing the cooled syngas through the particulate filtering device, thereby producing a particulate-free syngas. (a) introducing a particulate carbonaceous feedstock (60, 60a) into a reactor lower section of a two-stage gasification reactor and partially combusting therein with a gas stream comprising an oxygen supply selected from a group consisting of oxygen-containing gas, steam, and mixtures thereof, thereby evolving heat and forming a first product stream comprising synthesis gas and molten slag; (b) passing the synthesis gas of step (a) into a reactor upper section of the two-stage gasification reactor and contacting therein with a stream comprising a slurry of particulate carbonaceous feedstock in a liquid carrier, thereby forming a second product stream comprising syngas and solids comprising ash and char; (c) passing the second product stream to a reactor that is maintained at a temperature greater than about 816°C (1500°F), wherein the syngas resides in the reactor for a time that is sufficient to thermally degrade volatile tars present in the syngas, thereby producing a product comprising a near-zero-tar syngas; (d) conveying the near-zero tar syngas directly from the reactor to a particulate filtering device through a conduit, (e) introducing a water stream via at least one inlet located on the conduit and contacting with the near-zero-tar syngas, thereby producing steam and a cooled moisturized syngas, wherein the temperature of the cooled, moisturized syngas remains greater than the condensation point of the steam, but less than about 649°C (1200°F); and (f) removing residual solids, fines and particulates from the cooled moisturized syngas by directing the cooled syngas through the particulate filtering device, thereby producing a particulate-free syngas.