Systems and methods for high reactant conversion through multiple reactant flow ratio staging

A method for operating a reactor having a top and a bottom, the method comprising:

• providing, in a first flow direction, metal particles to a solids inlet of the reactor,
• wherein the metal particles have at least two oxidation states;
• and
• wherein the metal particles enter the solids inlet at a first oxidation state;
• providing, in a second flow direction, an inlet gas stream to a gas inlet of the reactor, such that the first flow direction and the second flow direction are counter-current;
• providing a first gas outlet stream via a first gas outlet arranged proximate a top of the reactor,
• wherein at least 85% of carbon species in the first gas outlet stream is in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2);
• providing a second gas outlet stream via a second gas outlet positioned below the first gas outlet;
• discharging metal particles via a solids outlet positioned proximate a bottom portion of the reactor, the metal particles being at a second oxidation state that is different from the first oxidation state,
• wherein the metal particles comprise less oxygen at the solids outlet than directly below the second gas outlet;
• and
• discharging metal particles via a second solids outlet arranged at a side of the reactor and above the bottom of the reactor,
• wherein the metal particles discharged at the solids outlet comprise less oxygen than the metal particles discharged at the second solids outlet.