The invention relates generally to the conversion of biomass to oxygenated hydrocarbons. More particularly, an improved biomass feed system or process for conveying biomass to a reactor for conversion to oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The provided system or process utilizes a spool piece adapted to convey solid particulate biomass from a lower pressure to a higher pressure. The spool piece conveys the solid particulate biomass material either directly to a reactor operated at or below the higher pressure or first to a vibratory feeder and then to such reactor. The vibratory feeder can include a bowl and an outlet spout extending tangentially from the bowl.