Control and optimization system and method for chemical looping processes

A method for controlling and optimizing a chemical loop having an oxidizer, a reducer and a separator, the oxidizer being effective to oxidize reduced solids and transport the oxidized solids to the reducer, the reducer being effective to reduce the oxidized solids and transport the reduced solids to the oxidizer, the method comprising:

• oxidizing reduced solids within the oxidizer;
• transporting the oxidized solids to the reducer;
• reducing the oxidized solids within the reducer;
• transporting the reduced solids to the oxidizer;
• measuring at least one parameter in the chemical loop with at least one sensor being in communication with a conduit positioned in the chemical loop;
• and
• controlling a first valve positioned in the chemical loop in order to regulate a flow of solids through the chemical loop in response to the at least one parameter;
• wherein the conduit is substantially vertical and is disposed in fluid communication with the separator, and the first valve being in fluid communication with the conduit, and the separator being disposed downstream of at least one of the oxidizer and the reducer.