US Patent 9133405 Systems and methods for gasifying a feedstock

Systems and methods for gasifying a feedstock are provided. The method can include combining one or more feedstocks and one or more solid components in a treatment zone to provide a treated feedstock. At least a portion of the treated feedstock can be introduced to a reaction zone of a gasifier. The one or more solid components can have an average density and an average cross-sectional size that adjusts at least one of an average density of solids within a solids bed of the gasifier and an average cross-sectional size of the solids within the solids bed of the gasifier.