CAMPAIGNING GASIFICATION OF TEXTILES AND PLASTICS AND SOLID

FOSSIL FUELS

BACKGROUND

[0001] There is a well-known global issue with waste disposal, particularly of large volume consumer products such as size reduced textiles, size reduced textiles, textiles and other polymers that are not considered biodegradable within acceptable temporal limits. There is a public desire to incorporate these types of wastes into new products through recycling, reuse, or otherwise reducing the amount of waste in circulation or in landfills.

[0002] A variety of means for the recycle, reuse, or reduction of waste stocks such as biomass, solid municipal waste, and paper have been articulated, among which is the gasification of such waste stocks. Waste gasifiers, which are typically air supplied fluidized bed gasifiers that can readily accept a variety of component sizes and mixed stock types have been proposed. Such waste gasifiers typically operate at low to medium temperatures in the range of 500°C to 1000°C using air as an oxidizer, and given the lower operating temperature, incomplete oxidation reactions occur resulting the generating of high quantities of residues that can appear in both the gas phase (syngas stream) and bottoms solid phase; e.g. tarry substances. The types of residues and their quantity will vary depending on the feedstock composition. Further, while waste gasifiers have the advantage of accepting a highly variable sizes and compositions of feedstocks, the resulting syngas compositions are also widely variable over time rendering them unusable for making chemicals without installation of expensive post treatments systems to clean up and purify the syngas streams existing the gasifier vessel. Even with purification processes, the hydrogen/carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide ratios can remain highly variable. As a result of the expense to install systems to purify the syngas stream exiting the gasifier vessel suitable for chemicals synthesis, or their compositional variability, or their low throughput, or by reason of a combination of these factors, waste gasifier generated syngas streams are typically used to generate energy, e.g. steam or electricity or are used as fuel stocks. [0003] Separated portions of mixed solid municipal wastes (MSW) have been investigated as a feed to a gasifier. MSW compositions contain a variety of solids, including bottles, sheets, films, paper, rubber, cardboard, cups, trays, wood, leather, textiles, glass, metal, etc. After separation of combustibles from non-combustibles (e.g. glass, metal, dirt), the mix of combustibles nevertheless remains highly variable in time from hour to hour, day to day, week to week, month to month, season to season, and by the source location. The variability lies both in form, e.g. bottles, garments, other textiles, personal care items, sheets, films, paper, cardboard, cups, trays, etc., and variability in compositional mix, e.g. polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamides, epoxy resins,

acrylonitrilebutadiene, acrylics, alkyds, nylons, polyacetals, polystyrene,

polyurethanes, vinyls, styrene acrylonitriles, ureas and melamines, wood, cellulosics, leather, food wastes, etc., variability in source location, and variability in the large variety of mechanical handling processes commercially practiced which employ different physical and chemical separation methods. In fixed bed and fluidized bed gasifiers, this can result in an unacceptable syngas composition variability over time, particularly when the syngas is needed to synthesize chemicals which require a very consistent rate and quality of syngas or syngas ingredients.

[0004] Additionally, the components of MSW such as textiles and/or plastics have a fixed carbon content that is lower than solid fossil fuel sources such as coal or petcoke. As a result, textiles will combust and generate the syngas components at a more rapid rate than, for example, coal. Carbon monoxide generated from textiles or plastics will, therefore, have a longer residence time to convert to carbon dioxide under gasification conditions, relative to coal. While size reduced textiles and textiles have a high heat value (“HHV”), even in some cases equal to or exceeding coal, its use can also result in the generation of undesirable amounts of carbon dioxide in the raw syngas stream, particularly at high temperatures and pressures, along with a reduction in the amount of carbon monoxide that could have been produced by feeding only a fossil fuel. In addition, textiles have a higher hydrogen content that does, for example, solid fossil fuels, which can lead to the production of higher amounts of hydrogen in the raw syngas stream and affect the carbon monoxide/hydrogen ratio. These issues are not a concern when syngas is used for generating electricity or burned for heat value, but become a concern when making chemicals since the manufacture of chemicals relies on consistent output, ratio of carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen as raw materials for chemicals, and impurity types and profile in the syngas stream, particularly the lack of tarry residues or concentration of soot.

[0005] We desire to employ a method for providing a circular life cycle of fibers in textiles that includes recycling post-consumer or post-industrial textiles back to a molecular form suitable for making chemicals. The fixed bed waste gasifiers employed to accept combustible MSW streams are not an attractive alternative for generating a syngas stream for making chemicals for the reasons stated above. Many large-scale commercial gasifiers used to make pure consistent syngas streams at high output have a variety of constraints against accepting MSW or the components of MSW, such constraints depending on the type of gasifier employed. For example, entrained flow gasifiers employing feed injectors are not amenable to injecting the textiles in the form found in MSW. Even if the textiles are reduced to a very small size, their variable composition between natural and synthetic fibers, and different types of synthetic fibers, can cause screening or filtration plugging if co ground with other solid fuels, or may lead to unstable slurries. The configuration of updraft fixed bed or updraft moving bed gasifiers that have a countercurrent flow of gas through the bed make it difficult to handle fines. For example, fine fibers introduced at the top of a fixed or moving downdraft gasifier may not uniformly settle onto the lower bed to form a fine char and gasify.

[0006] We have considered the option of separating desirably components from an MSW stream, such as textiles and/or plastics, or collecting textiles and/or plastics, as feeds to a gasifier. Flowever, the volumes of available textiles and/or plastics as isolated feedstocks are low and insufficient to feed most commercial scale

entrainment or fixed/moving bed gasifier operating at capacity, and particularly those producing syngas for making chemicals.

[0007] It would be desirable to incorporate textiles and/or plastics, rather than an MSW stream, into a feedstock to a gasifier producing a syngas stream suitable for making chemicals. It would also be desirably to accommodate the gasification process for the low volume availability of textile and/or plastic recycle feedstocks in commercial scale gasifiers producing syngas. It would also be desirable to generate a syngas stream suitable for chemicals synthesis in which more carbon monoxide is formed in the syngas using feedstocks containing textiles relative to lower temperature and/or lower pressure MSW fed fixed bed waste gasifiers, and to reduce the quantity of incomplete oxidation residues (e.g. tar, char, etc.) It is also desirably to conduct the operations efficiently, in a stable manner, and on a commercial scale.

[0008] There remains a need to gasify textile material in a slurry that is stable. There also remains a need to ensure that such slurry is pumpable.

[0009] There remains a need to gasify textiles that includes coal without generating high amounts of tar, or optionally also high amounts of other incomplete oxidation residues, as would be encountered in fixed or fluidized bed waste gasifiers.

[0010] There is also a need to generate syngas streams using textiles as part of a feedstock that are suitable for making chemicals and optionally but desirably without the need to install and operate additional equipment to clean up the syngas stream exiting the gasifier vessel other than acid gas removal processes (e.g. removal of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide) or processes internal to the gasifier vessel

(e.g. quench to remove soot).

[0011] There is also a need to solve any combination of the above stated needs.

SUMMARY

[0012] There is now provided a process for the production of syngas to make at least one chemical comprising campaigning the production of syngas from a single gasifier between one or more first feedstock streams to produce a first syngas for a first period of time, and transitioning to one or more second feedstock streams to produce a second syngas for a second period of time, wherein the one or more first feedstock streams comprises a solid fossil fuel and said one or more second feedstock streams comprise textiles and/or plastics, wherein the amount of textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier in the second time period is higher than the amount, if any, of textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier in the first time period, and the gasifier is operated at a lower gasification temperature during at least a portion of the second time period than the gasification temperature in the first time period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 shows four locations where post-consumer textile and/or plastic aggregates can be introduced in a gasification facility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Unless otherwise stated, reference to the weight of the feedstock composition or stream includes all solids, and if present liquids, fed to the gasifier, and unless otherwise stated, does not include the weight of any gases in the feedstock composition as fed to the injector or gasifier. A composition or a stream are used interchangeably.

[0015] The phrase“at least a portion” includes at least a portion and up to and including the entire amount or time period.

[0016] The phrase“textiles and/or plastics” means textiles and/or plastics in any form, size, or shape, including their shape and size as articles, size reduced, or densified whether as agglomerates or extrudates. The textiles and/or plastics can include only textiles, only plastics, or a mix of textiles and plastics. The phrase “textiles and/or plastics” provides support for stating or claiming that the textiles and/or plastics can be size reduced, or aggregates, or densified, or agglomerates, or extrudates or pellets. [0017] The phrase“textiles and/or plastics” when used in conjunction with an amount means the cumulative amount of the textiles and plastics to the extent that either are present. For example, textiles or plastics in an amount of at least 15% means that, if textiles and plastics are used, the cumulative amount is at least 15%, and if only textiles are used then the textiles are in an amount of at least 15%, and if only plastics are used then the plastics are in an amount of at least 15%.

[0018] The textile and/or plastic aggregates employed in the feedstock stream to the gasifier are solid at 25°C at 1 atm. The textile and/or plastic aggregates are a collection of particles, briquettes, agglomerates, pellets, or rods, or any other shape or size that different from the native shape of the textile from which the aggregate is made. Textile and/or plastic aggregates can be merely size reduced textile and/or plastics, or they can be densified textile and/or plastics. The densified textile and/or plastic aggregates can be agglomerates, or they can be extrudates or pellets.

[0019] A feedstock stream or composition is used interchangeably with a fuel feedstock stream or composition, and contains at least a fossil fuel in the form or a solid or liquid, and a size reduced textile. When weight percentages are express based on the feedstock stream or fuel feedstock, they exclude the oxidant.

[0020] A PIA or PIA reactant or composition or compound is associated with, or originates from, a recycle textile, size reduced textiles, densified textiles, a recycle plastic, size reduced plastics, densified plastics, or a recycle derived syngas if any one of them are subjected to partial oxidation gasification, regardless of when the allotment is taken, realized, or consumed. For example, a PIA can be associated with a densified textile and/or plastic that is gasified even though the allotment is taken and deposited into a recycle inventory or transferred to a PIA when recycle textiles and/or plastics are received or possessed or owned by a syngas

manufacturer and even though the densified textile and/or plastic is not gasified at the time the allotment is taken. Further, an allotment that is associated with or originates from gasifying a densified textile and/or plastic does not limit the timing of taking or recognizing the allotment or depositing the allotment into a recycle inventory. An allotment taken when a recycle textile and/or plastic (textile and/or plastic, size reduced textile and/or plastic, or densified textile and/or plastic) is owned, possessed, or receiving by a syngas manufacturer and deposited into a recycle inventory is an allotment that is associated with or originates from gasifying a densified textile and/or plastic even though, at the time of taking or depositing the allotment, the densified textile and/or plastic has not yet been gasified.

[0021] As used throughout, the phrase“originates” or“origin” is synonymous to “associated with.”

[0022] For purposes of classifying materials in the feedstock stream or

composition, a solid fossil fuel used can be coal, petcoke, or any other solid at 25°C and 1 atmosphere that is a byproduct from refining oil or petroleum. The fossil fuel portion of the feedstock composition is to be distinguished from size reduced textiles, even if the size reduced textiles are carbonaceous and in part derived from raw materials obtained from refining crude oil. A fossil fuel can include liquid fossil fuels, such as liquid hydrocarbons or streams obtained from refining crude oil, or waste streams from chemical synthetic processes.

[0023] There is provided a process for the production of syngas to make at least one chemical comprising campaigning the production of syngas from a single gasifier between a first feedstock to produce a first syngas for a first period of time, and transitioning to a second feedstock to produce a second syngas for a second period of time, wherein the first feedstock comprises a solid fossil fuel or a liquid hydrocarbon fuel and said second feedstock comprises textiles and/or plastics in an amount that is higher than the amount, if any, used in the first feedstock, and the gasifier is operated at a lower gasification temperature during at least a portion of the second time period than the gasification temperature in the first time period.

[0024] Generally, in a synthesis gas operation one or more feedstock

composition(s) comprised of fossil fuel sources (e.g. coal, petcoke, liquid

hydrocarbons) and textile and/or plastic aggregates as an individual stream or combined with the fossil fuel source streams, and optionally water and other chemical additives, are fed or injected along with an oxidizer gas into a gasification reaction zone or chamber of a synthesis gas generator (gasifier) and gasified in the presence of an oxidizer such as oxygen, also fed to the gasifier. A hot gas stream is produced in the gasification zone, optionally refractory lined, at high temperature and high pressure generating a molten slag, soot, ash and gases including hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and can include other gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen depending on the fuel source and reaction conditions. The hot gas stream is produced in the reaction zone is cooled using a syngas cooler or in a quench water bath at the base of the gasifier which also solidifies ash and slag and separates solids from the gases. The quench water bath also acts as a seal to maintain the internal temperature and pressure in the gasifier while the slag, soot and ash are removed into a lock hopper. The cooled product gas stream removed from the gasifier (the raw syngas stream) can be further treated with water to remove remaining solids such as soot, and then further treated to remove acid gas (e.g. hydrogen sulfide) after optionally further cooling and shifting the ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen.

[0025] The textiles and/or plastics employed in the feedstock stream to the gasifier are solid when measured at 25°C at 1 atm. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textiles and/or plastics are textile and/or plastic aggregates. Textile and/or plastic aggregates are a collection of particles, briquettes, rods, shredded pieces, or any other shape or size that different from the native shape of the textile and/or plastic from which the textile and/or plastic aggregates is made. Textile and/or plastic aggregates can be merely loose size reduced textile and/or plastics, or they can be densified textile and/or plastics. The densified textile and/or plastic aggregates can be agglomerates, or they can be extruded or pellets.

[0026] Textiles as used herein are natural and/or synthetic fibers, rovings, yarns, nonwoven webs, cloth, fabrics and products made from or containing any of the aforementioned items, provided that the textiles are either post-consumer or post industrial textiles. Textiles can be woven, knitted, knotted, stitched, tufted, pressing of fibers together such as would be done in a felting operation, embroidered, laced, crocheted, braided, or nonwoven webs and materials. Textiles as used herein include fabrics, and fibers separated from a textile or other product containing fibers, scrap or off spec fibers or yarns or fabrics, or any other source of loose fibers and yarns. A textile also includes staple fibers, continuous fibers, threads, tow bands, twisted and/or spun yarns, grey fabrics made from yarns, finished fabrics produced by wet processing gray fabrics, and garments made from the finished fabrics or any other fabrics. Textiles include apparels, interior furnishings, and industrial types of textiles. Textiles also include post-industrial textiles or post-consumer textiles or both. [0027] Examples of textiles in the apparel category (things humans wear or made for the body) include sports coats, suits, trousers and casual or work pants, shirts, socks, sportswear, dresses, intimate apparel, outerwear such as rain jackets, cold temperature jackets and coats, sweaters, protective clothing, uniforms, and accessories such as scarves, hats, and gloves. Examples of textiles in the interior furnishing category include furniture upholstery and slipcovers, carpets and rugs, curtains, bedding such as sheets, pillow covers, duvets, comforters, mattress covers; linens, tablecloths, towels, washcloths, and blankets. Examples of industrial textiles include transportation (auto, airplanes, trains, buses) seats, floor mats, trunk liners, and headliners; outdoor furniture and cushions, tents, backpacks, luggage, ropes, conveyor belts, calendar roll felts, polishing cloths, rags, soil erosion fabrics and geotextiles, agricultural mats and screens, personal protective equipment, bullet proof vests, medical bandages, sutures, tapes, and the like.

[0028] The nonwoven webs that are classified as textiles do not include the category of wet laid nonwoven webs and articles made therefrom. While a variety of articles having the same function can be made from a dry or wet laid process, the article made from the dry laid nonwoven web is classified as a textile. Examples of suitable articles that may be formed from dry laid nonwoven webs as described herein can include those for personal, consumer, industrial, food service, medical, and other types of end uses. Specific examples can include, but are not limited to, baby wipes, flushable wipes, disposable diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and tampons, adult incontinence pads,

underwear, or briefs, and pet training pads. Other examples include a variety of different dry or wet wipes, including those for consumer (such as personal care or household) and industrial (such as food service, health care, or specialty) use.

Nonwoven webs can also be used as padding for pillows, mattresses, and

upholstery, batting for quilts and comforters. In the medical and industrial fields, nonwoven webs of the present invention may be used for medical and industrial face masks, protective clothing, caps, and shoe covers, disposable sheets, surgical gowns, drapes, bandages, and medical dressings. Additionally, nonwoven webs as described herein may be used for environmental fabrics such as geotextiles and tarps, oil and chemical absorbent pads, as well as building materials such as acoustic or thermal insulation, tents, lumber and soil covers and sheeting. Nonwoven webs may also be used for other consumer end use applications, such as for, carpet backing, packaging for consumer, industrial, and agricultural goods, thermal or acoustic insulation, and in various types of apparel. The dry laid nonwoven webs as described herein may also be used for a variety of filtration applications, including transportation (e.g., automotive or aeronautical), commercial, residential, industrial, or other specialty applications. Examples can include filter elements for consumer or industrial air or liquid filters (e.g., gasoline, oil, water), including nanofiber webs used for microfiltration, as well as end uses like tea bags, coffee filters, and dryer sheets. Further, nonwoven webs as described herein may be used to form a variety of components for use in automobiles, including, but not limited to, brake pads, trunk liners, carpet tufting, and under padding.

[0029] The textiles can include single type or multiple type of natural fibers and/or single type or multiple type of synthetic fibers. Examples of textile fiber combinations include all natural, all synthetic, two or more type of natural fibers, two or more types of synthetic fibers, one type of natural fiber and one type of synthetic fiber, one type of natural fibers and two or more types of synthetic fibers, two or more types of natural fibers and one type of synthetic fibers, and two or more types of natural fibers and two or more types of synthetic fibers.

[0030] Polymers used to make the synthetic fibers can be thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. The polymer number average molecular weight can be at least 300, or at least 500, or at least 1000, or at least 5,000, or at least 10,000, or at least 20,000, or at least 30,000, or at least 50,000 or at least 70,000 or at least 90,000 or at least 100,000 or at least 130,000. The weight average molecular weight of the polymers can be at least 300, or at least 500, or at least 1000, or at least 5,000, or at least 10,000, or at least 20,000, or at least 30,000 or at least 50,000, or at least 70,000, or at least 90,000, or at least 100,000, or at least 130,000, or at least 150,000, or at least 300,000.

[0031] Natural fibers include those that are plant derived or animal derived.

Natural fibers can be cellulosics, hemicellulosics, and lignins. Examples of plant derived natural fibers include hardwood pulp, softwood pulp, and wood flour; and other plant fibers including those in wheat straw, rice straw, abaca, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, bagasse, kapok, papyrus, ramie, rattan, vine, kenaf, abaca, henequen, sisal, soy, cereal straw, bamboo, reeds, esparto grass, bagasse, Sabai grass, milkweed floss fibers, pineapple leaf fibers, switch grass, lignin-containing plants, and the like. Examples of animal derived fibers include wool, silk, mohair, cashmere, goat hair, horsehair, avian fibers, camel hair, angora wool, and alpaca wool.

[0032] Synthetic fibers are those fibers that are, at least in part, synthesized or derivatized through chemical reactions, or regenerated, and include, but are not limited to, rayon, viscose, mercerized fibers or other types of regenerated cellulose (conversion of natural cellulose to a soluble cellulosic derivative and subsequent regeneration) such as lyocell (also known as Tencel), Cupro, Modal, acetates such as polyvinylacetate, polyamides including nylon, polyesters such as those

polyethylene terephthalate (PET), copolyesters including those made with IPA,

CHDM and/or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyM ,3-cyclobutanediol,

polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT) and other copolymers, olefinic polymers such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonates, poly sulfates, poly sulfones, polyethers such as polyether-urea known as Spandex or elastane, polyacrylates, acrylonitrile copolymers, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, sulfopolyester fibers, and combinations thereof.

[0033] The textiles and/or plastics are post-consumer and/or post-industrial (also known as pre-consumer) textiles and/or plastics. Post-consumer textiles and/or plastics are those that have been used at least once for its intended application for any duration of time regardless of wear. Post-industrial size reduced textiles and/or plastics include rework, regrind, scrap, trim, out of specification textiles and/or plastics that have not been used for their intended application, or any textiles and/or plastics that have not been used by the end consumer.

[0034] The plastics are made from polymers that can be thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. The polymer number average molecular weight can be at least 300, or at least 500, or at least 1000, or at least 5,000, or at least 10,000, or at least 20,000, or at least 30,000, or at least 50,000 or at least 70,000 or at least 90,000 or at least 100,000 or at least 130,000. The weight average molecular weight of the polymers can be at least 300, or at least 500, or at least 1000, or at least 5,000, or at least 10,000, or at least 20,000, or at least 30,000 or at least 50,000, or at least 70,000, or at least 90,000, or at least 100,000, or at least 130,000, or at least 150,000, or at least 300,000. [0035] Examples of plastics (i.e. organic synthetic polymers that are solid at 25°C at 1 atm) include acrylobutadienestyrene (ABS), cellulosics such as cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, and regenerated cellulose; epoxy, polyamides, phenolic resins, polyacetal, polycarbonates, polyesters including PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and copolyesters such as those containing residues of TMCD

(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1 ,3-cyclobutanediol), CHDM (cyclohexanedimethanol), propylene glycol, or NPG (neopentylglycol) monomers, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, crosslinked polyethylene, polyphenylene-based alloys, polypropylene and copolymers thereof, other polyolefins, polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polytetrafluoroethylene, styrenic containing polymers, polyurethane, vinyl-based polymers, styrene acrylonitrile, thermoplastic elastomers other than tires which include thermoplastic elastomers, epoxy, and urea containing polymers and melamines.

[0036] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain thermosetting polymers. Examples of the amounts of thermosetting polymers present in the first and/or second feedstocks can be at least 5 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%, or at least 70 wt.%, or at least 80 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.%, or at least 97 wt.%, or at least 98 wt.%, or 100 wt.%, based on the weight of all plastics in the respective feedstock to the gasifier.

[0037] Examples of families of articles containing one or more of the above polymers that can be size reduced through granulation or pulverization, or can be first densified followed by size reduction of the densified material, fed to the gasifier include packaging, engineering plastics, building and construction articles, household and houseware articles, furniture, lawn and garden, and automotive plastics. Examples of types of articles include bottles (for all types of applications such as beverage, food, detergents, cosmetics, personal care, etc.), bottle caps, cigarette filters and rods, eyeglass frames, cups, lids, trays, plumbing pipes (e.g. PBT, PVC, and PEX pipes), cable insulations, sheets, carrier bags, automotive moldings, bedding, seat cushions, seat covers, beverage machine fronts, fuel tanks, acrylic sheeting, buckets, audio tape, plumbing pipes, septic tanks, toys, cling film, agricultural film, milk carton coatings, electrical cable coating, heavy duty industrial bags, sound insulation, helmets, surf boards, stretch film, industrial packaging film, thin-walled containers, crates and boxes, and industrial wrapping and film, packaging made from flashspun high density polyethylene such as used for envelopes or medical packaging or house wrap, building insulation, diapers, sports equipment, eyeglass lenses, CD’s and DVD’s, food packaging, microwave-proof containers, garden furniture, medical packaging and appliances, luggage, and kitchen

appliances.

[0038] Any of plastics used to make the feedstock to the gasifier can be

formulated with the additives and fillers described above that include plasticizers, waxes, compatibilizers, biodegradation promoters, dyes, pigments, colorants, luster control agents, lubricants, anti-oxidants, viscosity modifiers, antifungal agents, anti fogging agents, heat stabilizers, impact modifiers, flame retardants, corrosion inhibitors, antibacterial agents, softening agents, fragrances, and mold release agents.

[0039] Any of plastics used to make a feedstock to the gasifier can be formulated with the additives and fillers that include plasticizers, waxes, compatibilizers, biodegradation promoters, dyes, pigments, colorants, luster control agents, lubricants, anti-oxidants, viscosity modifiers, antifungal agents, anti-fogging agents, heat stabilizers, impact modifiers, flame retardants, corrosion inhibitors, antibacterial agents, softening agents, fragrances, and mold release agents.

[0040] The plasticizer reduces the melt temperature, the T _g , and/or the melt viscosity of the polymer used to make the plastic articles. Examples of plasticizers include phosphate plasticizers, benzoate plasticizers, adipate plasticizer, phthalate plasticizer, a glycolic acid ester, a citric acid ester plasticizer and a hydroxyl- functional plasticizer. More specifically, examples of plasticizers include triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, cresyldiphenyl phosphate, octyldiphenyl phosphate, diphenylbiphenyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, diethyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, di- 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, dibenzyl phthalate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, triethyl citrate, tri-n-butyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate, acetyl-tri-n-butyl citrate, and acetyl-tri-n-(2- ethylhexyl) citrate, triacetin (glycerol triacetate), diethylene glycol diacetate, triethylene glycol diacetate, and tripropionin, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, rosin, hydrogenated rosin, stabilized rosin, and their monofunctional alcohol esters or polyol esters; a modified rosin including, but not limited to, maleic- and phenol- modified rosins and their esters; terpene resins; phenol-modified terpene resins; coumarin-indene resins; phenolic resins; alkylphenol-acetylene resins; and phenol- formaldehyde resins.

[0041] Some examples of plasticizers are those that are biodegradable.

Examples of these plasticizers include triacetin, triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, polyethylene glycol, the benzoate containing plasticizers such as the Benzoflex™ plasticizer series, poly (alkyl succinates) such as poly (butyl succinate),

polyethersulfones, adipate based plasticizers, soybean oil expoxides such as the Paraplex™ plasticizer series, sucrose based plasticizers, dibutyl sebacate, tributyrin, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, the Resolflex™ series of plasticizers, triphenyl phosphate, glycolates, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1 ,3-diyl bis(2-methylpropanoate), and polycaprolactones.

[0042] The amount of plasticizer in the polymer used to make the plastic articles can range from about 0.5 to about 50 weight percent based on the weight of the polymer. Other ranges can be from about 5 to about 35 weight percent based on the weight of the polymer, from about 5 to about 30, and from about 10 to about 20.

[0043] Waxes have also been used to increase firmness. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 2,904,050, incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] The compatibilizer can be either a non-reactive compatibilizer or a reactive compatibilizer. The compatibilizer can enhance the ability of the first polymer to reach a desired small particle size to improve the dispersion of the first polymer into a second polymer, such as into an elastomer. The compatibilizers used can also improve mechanical and physical properties of the elastomeric composition compositions by improving the interfacial interaction/bonding between a first polymer and an elastomer or a second polymer.

[0045] The amount of compatibilizer in the polymer can range from about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.%, from about 5 wt.% to about 20 wt.%, or about 10 to about 20 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer.

[0046] If desired, biodegradation and decomposition agents, e.g. hydrolysis assistant or any intentional degradation promoter additives can be added to or contained in the polymer, added either during manufacture of the polymer or subsequent to its manufacture and melt or solvent blended together. Those additives can promote hydrolysis by releasing acidic or basic residues, and/or accelerate photo (UV) or oxidative degradation and/or promote the growth of selective microbial colony to aid the disintegration and biodegradation in compost and soil medium. In addition to promoting the degradation, these additives can have an additional function such as improving the processability of the article or improving mechanical properties.

[0047] One set of examples of decomposition agents include inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonate, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, diatomaceous earth, natural or synthetic silica, calcined clay, and the like. If used, it is desirable that these fillers are dispersed well in the polymer matrix. The fillers can be used singly, or in a combination of two or more.

[0048] Another set of examples is aromatic ketones used as an oxidative decomposition agent, including benzophenone, anthraquinone, anthrone,

acetylbenzophenone, 4-octylbenzophenone, and the like. These aromatic ketones may be used singly, or in a combination of two or more.

[0049] Other examples include transition metal compounds used as oxidative decomposition agents, such as salts of cobalt or magnesium, preferably aliphatic carboxylic acid (C12 to C20) salts of cobalt or magnesium, and more preferably cobalt stearate, cobalt oleate, magnesium stearate, and magnesium oleate; or anatase-form titanium dioxide, or titanium dioxide may be used. Mixed phase titanium dioxide particles may be used in which both rutile and anatase crystalline structures are present in the same particle. The particles of photoactive agent can have a relatively high surface area, for example from about 10 to about 300 sq. m/g, or from 20 to 200 sq. m/g, as measured by the BET surface area method. The photoactive agent can be added to the plasticizer if desired. These transition metal compounds can be used singly, or in a combination of two or more.

[0050] Examples of rare earth compounds used as an oxidative decomposition agent include rare earths belonging to periodic table Group 3A, and oxides thereof. Specific examples thereof include cerium (Ce), yttrium (Y), neodymium (Nd), rare earth oxides, hydroxides, rare earth sulfates, rare earth nitrates, rare earth acetates, rare earth chlorides, rare earth carboxylates, and the like. More specific examples thereof include cerium oxide, ceric sulfate, ceric ammonium Sulfate, ceric ammonium nitrate, cerium acetate, lanthanum nitrate, cerium chloride, cerium nitrate, cerium hydroxide, cerium octylate, lanthanum oxide, yttrium oxide, Scandium oxide, and the like. These rare earth compounds may be used singly, or in a combination of two or more.

[0051] Examples of basic additives used as an oxidative decomposition agent include alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, ZhO and basic AI203. At least one basic additive can be MgO, Mg(OH)2, MgC03, CaO, Ca(OH)2, CaC03, NaHC03, Na2C03, K2C03, ZhO KHC03 or basic AI203. In one aspect, alkaline earth metal oxides, ZhO and basic A1203 can be used as a basic additive.

[0052] Examples of organic acid additives used as an oxidative decomposition agents include acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, benzoic acid, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate citrate, tartarate, oxalate, malate, maleic acid, maleate, phthalic acid, phthalate, benzoate, and combinations thereof.

[0053] Examples of other hydrophilic polymer or biodegradation promoter may include glycols, polyethers, and polyalcohols or other biodegradable polymers such as poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid), polydioxanes, polyoxalates, poly(a-esters), polycarbonates, polyanhydrides, polyacetals, polycaprolactones, poly(orthoesters), polyamino acids, aliphatic polyesters such as poly(butylene)succinate,

poly(ethylene)succinate, starch, regenerated cellulose, or aliphatic-aromatic polyesters such as PBAT.

[0054] Colorants can include carbon black, iron oxides such as red or blue iron oxides, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, cadmium red, calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, aluminum hydroxide, barium sulfate, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, and organic pigments such as azo and disazo and triazo pigments, condensed azo, azo lakes, naphthol pigments, anthrapyrimidine, benzimidazolone, carbazole,

diketopyrrolopyrrole, flavanthrone, indigoid pigments, isoindolinone, isoindoline, isoviolanthrone, metal complex pigments, oxazine, perylene, perinone, pyranthrone, pyrazoloquinazolone, quinophthalone, triarylcarbonium pigments, triphendioxazine, xanthene, thioindigo, indanthrone, isoindanthrone, anthanthrone, anthraquinone, isodibenzanthrone, triphendioxazine, quinacridone and phthalocyanine series, especially copper phthalocyanme and its nuclear halogenated derivatives, and also lakes of acid, basic and mordant dyes, and isoindolinone pigments, as well as plant and vegetable dyes, and any other available colorant or dye.

[0055] Luster control agents for adjusting the glossiness and fillers include silica, talc, clay, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and the like.

[0056] Suitable flame retardants include silica, metal oxides, phosphates, catechol phosphates, resorcinol phosphates, borates, inorganic hydrates, and aromatic polyhalides.

[0057] Antifungal and/or antibacterial agents include polyene antifungals (e.g., natamycin, rimocidin, filipin, nystatin, amphotericin B, candicin, and hamycin), imidazole antifungals such as miconazole (available as MICATIN® from WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation), ketoconazole (commercially available as NIZORAL® from McNeil consumer Healthcare), clotrimazole (commercially available as

LOTRAMIN® and LOTRAMIN AF® available from Merck and CANESTEN® available from Bayer), econazole, omoconazole, bifonazole, butoconazole, fenticonazole, isoconazole, oxiconazole, sertaconazole (commercially available as ERTACZO® from OrthoDematologics), sulconazole, and tioconazole; triazole antifungals such as fluconazole, itraconazole, isavuconazole, ravuconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terconazole, and albaconazole), thiazole antifungals (e.g., abafungin), allylamine antifungals (e.g., terbinafine (commercially available as LAMISIL® from Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.), naftifine (commercially available as NAFTIN® available from Merz Pharmaceuticals), and butenafine (commercially available as LOTRAMIN ULTRA® from Merck), echinocandin antifungals (e.g., anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin), polygodial, benzoic acid, ciclopirox, tolnaftate (e.g., commercially available as TINACTIN® from MDS Consumer Care, Inc.), undecylenic acid, flucytosine, 5-fluorocytosine, griseofulvin, haloprogin, caprylic acid, and any combination thereof.

[0058] Viscosity modifiers in modifying the melt flow index or viscosity of the polymer, and include polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols, and glycerin.

[0059] Fragrances can be added if desired. Examples of fragrances include spices, spice extracts, herb extracts, essential oils, smelling salts, volatile organic compounds, volatile small molecules, methyl formate, methyl acetate, methyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, pentyl butyrate, pentyl pentanoate, octyl acetate, myrcene, geraniol, nerol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, linalool, nerolidol, limonene, camphor, terpineol, alpha-ionone, thujone,

benzaldehyde, eugenol, isoeugenol, cinnamaldehyde, ethyl maltol, vanilla, vannillin, cinnamyl alcohol, anisole, anethole, estragole, thymol, furaneol, methanol, rosemary, lavender, citrus, freesia, apricot blossoms, greens, peach, jasmine, rosewood, pine, thyme, oakmoss, musk, vetiver, myrrh, blackcurrant, bergamot, grapefruit, acacia, passiflora, sandalwood, tonka bean, mandarin, neroli, violet leaves, gardenia, red fruits, ylang-ylang, acacia farnesiana, mimosa, tonka bean, woods, ambergris, daffodil, hyacinth, narcissus, black currant bud, iris, raspberry, lily of the valley, sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, neroli, strawberry, carnation, oregano, honey, civet, heliotrope, caramel, coumarin, patchouli, dewberry, helonial, coriander, pimento berry, labdanum, cassie, aldehydes, orchid, amber, orris, tuberose, palmarosa, cinnamon, nutmeg, moss, styrax, pineapple, foxglove, tulip, wisteria, clematis, ambergris, gums, resins, civet, plum, castoreum, civet, myrrh, geranium, rose violet, jonquil, spicy carnation, galbanum, petitgrain, iris, honeysuckle, pepper, raspberry, benzoin, mango, coconut, hesperides, castoreum, osmanthus, mousse de chene, nectarine, mint, anise, cinnamon, orris, apricot, plumeria, marigold, rose otto, narcissus, tolu balsam, frankincense, amber, orange blossom, bourbon vetiver, opopanax, white musk, papaya, sugar candy, jackfruit, honeydew, lotus blossom, muguet, mulberry, absinthe, ginger, juniper berries, spicebush, peony, violet, lemon, lime, hibiscus, white rum, basil, lavender, balsamics, fo-ti-tieng, osmanthus, karo karunde, white orchid, calla lilies, white rose, rhubrum lily, tagetes, ambergris, ivy, grass, seringa, spearmint, clary sage, cottonwood, grapes, brimbelle, lotus, cyclamen, orchid, glycine, tiare flower, ginger lily, green osmanthus, passion flower, blue rose, bay rum, cassie, African tagetes, Anatolian rose, Auvergne narcissus, British broom, British broom chocolate, Bulgarian rose, Chinese patchouli, Chinese gardenia, Calabrian mandarin, Comoros Island tuberose, Ceylonese cardamom, Caribbean passion fruit, Damascena rose, Georgia peach, white Madonna lily, Egyptian jasmine, Egyptian marigold, Ethiopian civet, Farnesian cassie, Florentine iris, French jasmine, French jonquil, French hyacinth, Guinea oranges, Guyana wacapua, Grasse petitgrain, Grasse rose, Grasse tuberose, Haitian vetiver,

Flawaiian pineapple, Israeli basil, Indian sandalwood, Indian Ocean vanilla, Italian bergamot, Italian iris, Jamaican pepper, May rose, Madagascar ylang-ylang,

Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan jasmine, Moroccan rose, Moroccan oakmoss,

Moroccan orange blossom, Mysore sandalwood, Oriental rose, Russian leather, Russian coriander, Sicilian mandarin, South African marigold, South American tonka bean, Singapore patchouli, Spanish orange blossom, Sicilian lime, Reunion Island vetiver, Turkish rose, Thai benzoin, Tunisian orange blossom, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Virginian cedarwood, Utah yarrow, West Indian rosewood, and the like, and any combination thereof.

[0060] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from cellulosics, such as cellulose derivates having an acyl degree of substitution of less than 3, or 1.8 to 2.8, such as cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate.

[0061] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from polymers having repeating terephthalate units, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and copolyesters thereof.

[0062] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from copolyesters having multiple dicyclohexane dimethanol moeities, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1 ,3-cyclobutanediol moieties, or combinations thereof.

[0063] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from low-density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylpentene, polybutene-1 , and copolymers thereof.

[0064] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from high density polyethylene or fuel tanks. [0065] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from eyeglass frames.

[0066] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from crosslinked polyethylene. An example of the first and/or second feedstocks is one which is obtained from or includes crosslinked

polyethylene pipes or size reduced portions thereof. Crosslinked polyethylene is also commonly referred to as PEX. Its structure contains cross-linked bonds in the polymer to convert the thermoplastic polyethylene to a polymer which has more thermosetting characteristic. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments the cross-linked polyethylene is a thermoset polymer. The crosslinked polyethylene can be obtained by crosslinking any polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE), but typically is obtained by crosslinking low density polyethylene.

The method of crosslinking is not limited, and can be accomplished during and after extrusion. The degree of crosslinking can be at least 50%. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the degree of crosslinking satisfied ASTM F876. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the degree of crosslinking is from 60 to 92%, or from 65 to 89%.

[0067] The cross-linking methods may be by irradiating a tube with an electron beam, the Engel crosslinking method by mixing a peroxide with the polyethylene and crosslinking occurring before extrusion as in the long die. Crosslinking the

polyethylene can also be accomplished in a silane or vinylsilane based process or in an azo based process. The types of crosslinked polyethylene include PE-Xa

(peroxide crosslinked with at least 75% crosslinking), PE-Xb (moisture cure or silane based with at least 65% crosslinking), PE-Xc (electron beam based with at least 60% crosslinking), and PE-Xd (azo based with at least 60% crosslinking).

[0068] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from plastic bottles. [0069] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from diapers.

[0070] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene.

[0071] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from flashspun high density polyethylene.

[0072] Suitable plastics (i.e. organic synthetic polymers that are solid at 25°C at 1 atm.) include those having or classified within a resin ID code numbered 1 -7 within the chasing arrow triangle established by the SPI. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, at least a portion of the feedstock to the gasifier, or at least a portion of the plastic recycle fed to the gasifier, contains one or more plastics that are not generally recycled. These would include plastics having numbers 3 (polyvinyl chloride), 5 (polypropylene), 6 (polystyrene), and 7 (other). In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the recycle plastics fed to the gasifier, or at least a portion of the feedstock, contains less than 10 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.5 wt.%, or not more than 0.2 wt.%, or not more than 0.1 wt.%, or not more and 0.05 wt.% plastics having or corresponding to number 3 designation (polyvinyl chloride), or optionally plastics with a number 3 and 6 designation, or optionally with a number 3,

6 and 7 designation, based on the weight of all plastics fed to the gasifier or gasification zone. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain at least 1 wt.%, or at least 2 wt.%, or at least 3 wt.%, or at least 5 wt.%, or at least 7 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 12 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least or more than 50 wt.%, or at least 65 wt.%, or at least 85 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.% plastics having or corresponding to a number 5, or a number 6, or a number 7, or a combination thereof, based on the weight of the plastics in the feedstock or fed to the gasifier or gasification zone. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks can comprise at least 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,

75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 weight percent of at least one, two, three, or four different kinds of resin ID codes. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain less than 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or 1 weight percent of polyvinyl chloride.

[0073] One of the advantages of gasifying plastics is that many plastics that would otherwise be landfilled because they cannot be re-melted (e.g. ground and melt extruded to renewed articles) can now be recycled and made into renewed products. An example of such a plastic is a thermoset plastic. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the feedstock contains plastics at least a portion of which cannot be melt extruded into a renewed product.

[0074] One of the advantages of gasifying plastics is that many plastics that would otherwise be landfilled because they cannot or are not mechanically recycled due to the presence of an additive, coating, or dye/pigment can now be recycled and made into renewed products. For example, some plastics which are heavily dyed, or contain additives that are suited for only a limited kind of application, or have coatings can all impair the functionality or appearance of renewed products. Other plastics are typically not mechanically recycled through a process in which the plastic is melted because they are difficult to chop, granulate, or pulverize without first going through the step of densification, which adds costs. These plastics that are typically not mechanically recycled have a Resin ID code of 4, 5, 6, or 7, or combinations thereof.

[0075] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which cannot or are not mechanically recycled, optionally within a 10 mile radius of the gasifier, or within a 50 mile, or within a 100 mile, or within a 150 mile, or within a 200 mile, or within a 250 mile, or within a 300 mile, or within a 400 mile, or within a 500 mile, or within a 600 mile, or within a 700 mile, or within a 800 mile, or within a 1000 mile, or within a 1250 mile, or within a 1500 mile, or within a 2000 mile radius of the gasifier, or within the same province, state, or country as the location of the gasifier.

[0076] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from polymers that are colored with a pigment or dye, optionally other than black.

[0077] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from articles having a layer of a label that is size reduced with the label.

[0078] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the first and/or second feedstocks contain plastics at least a portion of which are obtained from articles that are not mechanically recycled due to the presence of an additive in article.

[0079] The form of the textiles useful to make size reduced textiles or textile and/or plastic aggregates are not limited, and can include any of the forms of articles or materials used to make textiles described above; e.g. fibers, yarns, fabrics, cloths, finished article forms, or pieces thereof. The textiles can be of varying age and composition.

[0080] The source for obtaining post-consumer or post-industrial waste is not limited. A post-consumer plastic source can include plastic present in and/or separated from municipal solid waste streams (“MSW”). For example, an MSW stream can be processed and sorted to several discrete components, including textiles, fibers, mixed plastics, papers, wood, glass, metals, etc. Other sources of textiles and plastics include those obtained by collection agencies, or by or for or on behalf of textile and plastics brand owners or consortiums or organizations, or from brokers, or from post-industrial sources such as scrap from mills or commercial production facilities, unsold fabrics from wholesalers or dealers, from mechanical and/or chemical sorting or separation facilities, from landfills, or stranded on docks or ships.

[0081] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, at least a portion of the plastics in the first and/or second feedstocks contain or is obtained from cellulosic material. Examples of plastics that are cellulosics include cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, regenerated cellulose such a viscose, rayon, and Lyocel™ products. These cellulosics can be in any form, such as films, sheets, molded or stamped products, and contained in or on any article. Examples of articles containing cellulosics that can be contained in the feedstock or fed to the gasifier or gasification zone include ophthalmic products such as eyeglass frames, tool handles such as screwdriver handles, optical films such as used in the displayers or televisions, computers, mobile phones, photographic film, coatings, buttons, and toys including building bricks.

[0082] Plastics and textiles can be used in their size reduced loose form, or they can be densified prior to adding to a feedstock stream to a gasifier. A typical densification process includes a method that compacts the textiles or plastics and heats a thermoplastic polymer in or added to the textile or plastic to provide a binding matrix that encapsulates or otherwise binds thermosetting polymers and/or natural fibers (“densification”). Densification also includes processes that agglomerate the textiles or plastics through heat generated by frictional forces or particles made by extrusion or other external heat applied to the textile to soften or melt a portion or all of the textile or process.

[0083] The textiles and/or plastics are fed to a gasifier in combination with other fuel sources for gasification, or fed to a gasifier neat, or slurried and fed to a gasifier. In one embodiment, the plastics and textiles are within one of the components or streams that are separated from an MSW source.

[0084] To obtain size reduced textiles or plastics, the textiles or plastics are reduced in size by any means, including by chopping, shredding, harrowing, confrication, pulverizing, or cutting a feedstock of textiles to make size reduced textiles. Optionally, the size reduced textiles or plastics can continue to be cut, comminuted, pulverized, ground or otherwise size reduced to obtain the desired average particle size if one desires to obtain finer particles. The form of the size reduced textiles and/or plastics will depend on the desired method of size reduction. For example, the size reduced textiles can be in the form of coarse or fine particles, even a powder (of any shape other than the original shape of the textile feed).

Alternatively, the size reduced textiles or plastics can be in the form of shredded pieces, long strips, or randomly shaped pieces having a wide variety of shapes.

[0085] The size reduced textiles and/or plastics can be in the form of a viscous mass that do not have discrete particles. Fluidized bed granulators can be used, optionally with a drying gas, as well as tumbling granulators of disc or drum design connected to high speed mixers having cutting blades on a horizonal or vertical shaft. Examples of different kinds of suitable size reducing processes and

equipment as stand-alone or coupled together include air swept mills, knife cutting, fine grinders that can have multiple grinding zones with internal classification systems, choppers with finer knives at the end, disintegrators that can handle shredding of textiles and/or plastics even high moisture feeds and then optional fine cutting or milling into smaller size such as a powder, high speed cutting blades that can have multiple zones for moving coarser material to finer material. The size reducing equipment can also include drying before cutting or simultaneous with drying

[0086] Following or simultaneous with the process of size reducing the textile feed, the size reduced textiles and/or plastics can be treated to make textile and/or plastic aggregates in which the individual particles in textile and/or plastic aggregates have a bulk density that is higher than the bulk density of the textile feed used to make the size reduced textiles and/or plastics. The densification process increases the bulk density of the textiles and/or plastics. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the bulk density of the textile and/or plastic aggregates is higher than the bulk density of the textiles and/or plastics fed to the process for size reduction. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the bulk density of the textile and/or plastic aggregates is higher than the bulk density of an isolated size reduced textiles and/or plastics.

[0087] One method for densification can be to form agglomerates without application of external heat source (the“agglomeration process”), or by applying external heat energy in a process for forming particles (“heat treated process”). In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be obtained by an agglomeration process that includes pressure. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textile and/or plastic aggregate is obtained by an agglomeration process that does not include application of pressure. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textile and/or plastic aggregates are obtained by a heat-treated process that includes that application of pressure.

[0088] Examples of pressure agglomeration include compactors (roll, roll press, double roll press). Compactors roll the material into a sheet, and then feed the material to a flake breaker and granulator. The process is generally a dry process. Another example of pressure agglomeration includes briquetters which produce pillow shape agglomerates in the roll press or double roll press.

[0089] Examples of non-pressure agglomeration processes include forming agglomerates with disc pelletizers (also called pan pelletizers or granulators), agglomeration drums, pin mixers, and paddle mixers (pug mills).

[0090] Generally, the size of the agglomerates is higher than the size of the size reduced textiles and/or plastics by, for examples, combining or consolidating smaller particles into larger particles to make granules, tablets, briquettes, pellets, or the like. Since agglomerates are consolidated or pressure compacted rather than fused, they can break apart into smaller sizes more easily than extrudates in grinding or milling equipment, such as those used in a coal or petcoke grinder or mill. Agglomerates also produce fewer fines and dust and can easily flow.

[0091] The agglomerates, after formed, can be cured, dried, or fired by

application of external heat sources.

[0092] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the size reduction process and the densification process in an agglomeration process can be in different zones in the same equipment, or in the same zone in the same equipment, or the size reduced textiles and/or plastics are not discharged and isolated before the application of a densification process. For example, a single equipment can both reduce the size of the textile feed and densify either in two zones within the body of the agglomerator or even in one zone within the body of the agglomerator.

[0093] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the size reduced textiles and/or plastics are discharged from

equipment and isolated prior to feeding the size reduced textiles and/or plastics to a process for densification.

[0094] As noted, the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be formed by an agglomeration method. This can be accomplished in an agglomerator (also called a densifier) in a batch or continuous mode. The agglomeration method does not include application of external heat energy. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the agglomeration occurs with the application of frictional heat, or frictional heat only. There are many types of commercial agglomerators available capable of densifying plastics by similar processes. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the formation of size reduction and densification can occur in the same zone by feeding loose textiles and/or plastics to a chamber of spinning blades that shred the material for a time sufficient to frictionally heat the mass of shredded textiles and/or plastics to a softening point T _g of thermoplastic polymer contained in the mass of shredded textiles and/or plastics, or otherwise to at least soften or create a tacky or viscous shredded mass. The softened size reduced viscous mass can optionally be densified and solidified by application of water onto the mass. This process does not isolate the size reduced textiles and/or plastics as particles before densification. The process of size reduction and densification can occur

simultaneously. This process can also occur without applied pneumatic or hydraulic pressure during the shredding and densification process. The action of the spinning blades provides the motive force for discharging the textile and/or plastic aggregates. Pressure may be applied to discharge the material from the densification zone.

[0095] In another embodiment, the size reduced textiles and/or plastics are fed by a means such as a pneumatic conveyor to a hopper that can be stirred and then fed to an optional discharge auger or screw mounted perpendicular to the hopper or in line and parallel in the vertical plane to the hopper. The rotational speed of the auger or screw is determined by the desired throughput of the agglomeration screw. Optionally, the discharge port, screw, or any location between the hopper and agglomeration screw can be configured to check metal and removed, such as by way of magnets.

[0096] The discharge screw or auger feeds the size reduced textiles and/or plastics to an agglomeration zone containing a chamber in which the size reduced textiles and/or plastics are softened, plasticized, sintered, or otherwise compacted. One example of such a chamber is a single or double screw that either is tapered having a diameter that narrows through at least a portion of the shaft length toward the die head or outlet or a variable pitch and/or variable flight straight screw that provides compaction as the textile material moves toward the die head, or any other screw design that provides compaction. The chamber can optionally be vented. The shearing action of the screw and compaction of the textile material as it travels down the screw creates frictional heat to soften the textiles and/or plastics to a temperature effective to create an agglomerate. The screw can be a variable or constant pitch screw or have variable or constant flights. If a die is use, the holes can be

configured to any shape and size. A set of rotating knives cut the agglomerated textile material exiting the die to form the textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0097] Alternatively, in one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textiles and/or plastics, size reduced textiles and/or plastics, and/or textile and/or plastic aggregates are extruded and pelletized or in the form of pellets. The textiles and/or plastics, size reduced textiles and/or plastics can be fed to a chamber or process that applies heat energy to the textiles and/or plastics to melt at least a portion of the textiles and/or plastics. Examples include a hot melt granulator or extruder with a die.

[0098] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, there is provided a molten blend of size reduced textiles and/or plastics obtained by any conventional melt blending techniques. A molten blend includes textiles and/or plastics completely melted or textiles and/or plastics containing a portion of material that is melted and a portion of material that is not melted. Some material in textiles and/or plastics will not melt before they thermally degrade, such as some natural fibers.

[0099] The melt blend can be extruded and cooled into sheets or rods and/or pelletized into pellet form before or after cooling. For example, the melt blend can be extruded into any form, such pellets, droplets, or other particles, strands, rods, or sheets, which can, if desired, be further granulated and/or pulverized to the desired size.

[0100] The type of textile and/or plastic aggregates is not limited, and can be any one of those mentioned below, but at least a portion of the textiles and/or plastics contain thermoplastic polymer. Thermoplastic polymers assist to retain the shape and particle integrity, allow their processing, and avoid excessive energy costs. Textile and/or plastic aggregates that do not contain any or insufficient thermoplastic polymer content will not retain a consistent discrete shape in downstream size reducing processes, will generate excessive fines, and can have a wide size variation. The amount of thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic fibers, in any one of the textile feed, size reduced textiles and/or plastics, or textile and/or plastic aggregates agglomerates is at least 5 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 75 wt.%,98 wt.%, or 100 wt.%, based on the weight of the corresponding textile, i.e. textile feed, size reduced textiles and/or plastics, or densified textile and/or plastic agglomerates.

[0101] The source of thermoplastic polymer in the textiles and/or plastics, size reduced textiles and/or plastics, or densified agglomerates can be contained in the textiles and/or plastics and optionally no additional source of thermoplastic polymer is added to the textiles and/or plastics in the agglomeration zone or the melt zone of heat applied densification. If the textiles and/or plastics do not contain thermoplastic polymer or insufficient amount of thermoplastic polymer, a source of thermoplastic polymer can be combined with the textiles and/or plastics or size reduced textiles and/or plastics. An example of a source of thermoplastic polymer includes binder powder. Desirably, a source of thermoplastic polymer is a source of recycle plastics other than textiles and/or plastics, whether virgin textiles and/or plastics or recycle textiles and/or plastics (“recycle plastics”). This has the advantage of ensuring that the densified textile and/or plastic agglomerates have a recycle source content of 100%. The source of thermoplastic polymer can be added to the textile feed prior to size reduction, to the size reduced textiles and/or plastics as a feed to the

densification process, or as a separate feed stream into the densification process.

At least a portion of the source of recycle plastics can be from the same facility or from a part of the same separation train used to separate the textiles and/or plastics (that are densified) from MSW. For example, a separation facility processing MSW can separate glass, metal, plastics, and textile components from each other and isolate those components. The recycle plastics components and textile components from that facility can be combined in the densification process to provide textile and/or plastic aggregates containing 100% recycle content. Alternatively, a separation facility processing MSW can be configured to separate a plastics and textiles as one component from an MSW stream, to further reduce the cost of mechanical separation. In each of these embodiments, the recycle plastics provide a convenient source of thermoplastic polymer as a material that both binds textiles and/or plastics, and in particular natural fibers, allows the agglomerate or hot melt granules to be further comminuted if desired, and provide a good source of fuel along with textiles and/or plastics in the gasification process. [0102] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the recycle source content in the densified textile and/or plastic agglomerates is at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 92%, or at least 95%, or at least 97%, or at least 98%, or at least 99%, or at least 99.5.%, or at even 100%, in each case wt.% based on the weight of the densified textile and/or plastic agglomerates.

[0103] If a binder is employed, it can be natural or synthetic. Any conventional thermoplastics known as binders are suitable, as well as whey (or waste whey), sugar, or ligno sulfonates (or waste lignosulfates). The binder desirably is one which can be granulated without disintegrating, and accordingly, thermoplastic textiles and/or plastics binders are more desirable.

[0104] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments or in any of the mentioned embodiments, the textiles and/or plastics or size reduced textiles and/or plastics are densified without combining them with a feed containing thermoplastic polymer (e.g. binder powders or recycle plastics). Some size reduced textiles and/or plastics contain sufficient thermoplastic textiles and/or plastics synthetic fibers to allow the fibers to be densified by heat energy (whether indirect by frictional energy or external application of a heat energy source) above the T _g of the thermoplastic fibers in the size reduces textiles and/or plastics. Some size reduced textiles and/or plastics contain at least 25 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 75 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.% thermoplastic textiles and/or plastics fibers.

[0105] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the median average size of the textiles and/or plastic aggregates in their longest dimension are smaller than the median average size of the textile and/or plastic aggregates in their longest dimension. This can be the case when the textiles and/or plastics are size reduced down to a fine powder and the agglomerate or hot melt particles are larger. Alternatively, the median average size of the reduced size textiles and/or plastics in their longest dimension are larger than the median average size of the textile and/or plastic aggregates particles.

[0106] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the densification step includes the application of heat or are processed by a heat-treated process. The size reduced textiles and/or plastics are subjected to an external source of heat energy at or above the T _g of the thermoplastic polymer in the synthetic fibers contained in the size reduced fiber stream, causing the softened or melted thermoplastic textiles and/or plastics to flow around and bind the natural fibers and any thermoset synthetic fibers. Upon cooling, the partially or fully molten textiles and/or plastics are solidified into a desired shape, and optionally further granulated or pulverized to a final desired size in one or more steps), or in the final granulate shape suitable for (i) shipping to a gasification facility for further granulation to a size suitable for introducing into the gasifier or (ii) use as a feed to the gasifier without further granulation.

[0107] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, at least a portion or all of the textile and/or plastic aggregates in the feedstock composition or stream, or the feedstock composition or stream fed to a gasifier or into the gasification zone, are densified textiles and/or plastics

aggregates. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the densified textile and/or plastic aggregates contain, or as fed to a gasifier or a feedstock to a gasifier contain, at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, or at least 35 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least 45 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 55 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%, or at least 65 wt.%, or at least 70 wt.%, or at least 75 wt.%, or at least 80 wt.%, or at least 85 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.% or at least 97 wt.% or at least 98 wt.% or at least 99 wt.% or at least 99.5 wt.% material obtained from textiles and/or plastics, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates in the feedstock stream.

[0108] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 98% of the fibers in the textiles feedstock have an aspect ratio L:D of at least 1.5:1 , or at least 1.75:1 , or at least 2:1 , or at least 2.25:1 , or at least 2.5:1 , or at least 2.75:1 , or at least 3:1 , or at least 3.25:1 , or at least 3.5:1 , or at least 3.75:1 , or at least 4:1 , or at least 4.5:1 , or at least 5:1 , or at least 5.5:1 , or at least 6:1.

[0109] Non-combustible inorganic matter such as metals and minerals may be contained in the textile and/or plastic aggregates for gasification. Examples include tin, cobalt, manganese, antimony, titanium, sodium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, and aluminum, their oxides and other compounds thereof may be present in the textile and/or plastic aggregates because a gasifier, and especially slagging gasifiers, are well equipped to handle minerals and metals in a feedstock. Advantageously, titanium and calcium that may be present in the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be slag modifiers.

[0110] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the amount of calcium compounds present in the ash textile and/or plastic aggregates is at least 30 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 55 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%, or at least 63 wt.%, based on the weight of textile and/or plastic aggregates ash. The upper amount is desirably not more than 90 wt.%, or not more than 80 wt.%, or not more than 75 wt.%, based on the weight of textile and/or plastic aggregates ash.

[0111] In another embodiment, the amount of sodium compounds present in the ash of textile and/or plastic aggregates is at least 2 wt.%, or at least 3 wt.%, or at least 4 wt.%, or at least 5 wt.%, or at least 6 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates ash. The upper amount is desirably not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 17 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, based on the weight of textile and/or plastic aggregates ash.

[0112] In another embodiment, the amount of titanium compounds present in the ash of textile and/or plastic aggregates is at least 30 wt.%, or at least or at least 75 wt.%, based on the weight of textile and/or plastic aggregates ash. The upper amount is desirably not more than 96 wt.%, or not more than 90 wt.%, or not more than 86 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates ash.

[0113] In another embodiment, the amount of iron compounds present in the ash of textile and/or plastic aggregates used in the feedstock is not more than 5 wt.%, or at least 1.5 wt.%, or at least 2 wt%, based on the weight of textile and/or plastic aggregates ash.

[0114] In another embodiment, the amount of aluminum compounds present in the ash of textile and/or plastic aggregates used in the feedstock is not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1.5 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates ash. [0115] In another embodiment, the amount of silicon compounds present in the ash of textile and/or plastic aggregates used in the feedstock is not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates ash.

[0116] Desirably, the textile and/or plastic aggregates contain low levels or no halide containing polymers, in particular polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polytetrafluoroethane, and other fluorinated or chlorinated polymers, especially if the textile and/or plastic aggregates are fed to a refractory lined gasifier. The release of chlorine or fluorine elements or radicals over time can impact the longevity of refractory lining on gasifiers operating at high temperature and pressure. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textile and/or plastic aggregates contain less than 10 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3.5 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2.5 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.5 wt.%, or not more than 0.25 wt.%, or not more than 0.1 wt.%, or not more than 0.05 wt.%, or not more than 0.005 wt.%, or not more than 0.001 wt.%, or not more than 0.0005 wt.%, or not more than 0.0001 wt.%, or not more than 0.00005 wt.% halide containing polymers, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates. Desirably, the halide minimized or excluded is chlorine or fluorine.

[0117] In one embodiment or in combination with any mentioned embodiments, the textile and/or plastic aggregates (those ground to the final size as combined into the feedstock composition) are desirably not pyrolyzed or torrefied prior to their introduction into the gasifier, and desirably, the textiles and/or plastics are not obtained from a source of textiles and/or plastics which have been pyrolyzed or torrefied.

[0118] In another embodiment, the textile and/or plastic aggregates, once made, are not thereafter melted or extruded prior to their entry into the gasifier. In another embodiment, the textile and/or plastic aggregates are not melted or extruded or do not receive a pyrolysis thermal treatment, or do not receive a thermal treatment above 225°C, or above 210°C, or above 200°C, or above 195°C, or above 190°C, or above 175°C, or above 160°C, or above 150°C, or above 140°C, or above 130°C, or above 120°C, or above 1 10°C, or above 100°C, or above 90°C, or above 80°C, or above 60°C, or above 58°C or above their nominal temperature at their ambient conditions prior to their introduction into the gasification zone. It is to be noted that the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be dried before their introduction into the solid fossil fuel feedstock composition, however, this would not be necessary in a slurry-based feedstock composition such as in water, or a petroleum-based oil, hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon fuel feedstock.

[0119] There is also provided a circular manufacturing process comprising:

1. providing recycle textiles and/or plastics, and

2. size reducing, agglomerating, and/or densifying said recycle textile to form textile and/or plastic aggregates, and

3. gasifying said textile and/or plastic aggregates to produce recycle derived syngas, and

(i) reacting said recycle derived syngas to make a recycle content intermediate, polymer, or article (Recycle PIA) each of which have their origin at least in part to said recycle derived syngas or

(ii) assigning a recycle content allotment, obtained from said

recycle textile, to an intermediate, polymer, or article to produce a Recycle PIA; and

4. optionally, taking back at least a portion of said Recycle PIA as a

feedstock to said gasification process step (i), or (ii), or (iii).

[0120] In the above described process, an entirely circular or closed loop process is provided in which textiles and/or plastics can be recycled multiple times to make the same family or classification of textiles and/or plastics.

[0121] Examples of articles that are included in PIA are fibers, yarns, tow, continuous filaments, staple fibers, rovings, fabrics, textiles and/or plastics, flake, sheet, compounded sheet, and consumer articles.

[0122] In this or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the allotment can be assigned to an intermediate, polymer, or article to produce a

Recycle PIA directly from a recycle content value taken from the recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates or from the step of gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates, or the allotment can be assigned to the intermediate, polymer, or article to product a recycle PIA indirectly by assigning the recycle content value taken from a recycle inventory into which recycle content value is deposited from the recycle content present in the recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates or the step of gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0123] In one embodiment, the Recycle PIA is a polymer or article (e.g. fiber) of the same family or classification of polymers or articles (e.g. fibers) contained in or one the recycle textile used in step (i).

[0124] In one embodiment, a Recycle PIA can be made by a process in which textile and/or plastic aggregates are gasified according to any of the processes described herein.

[0125] There is also provided a circular manufacturing process comprising:

1. A manufacturer of syngas, or one among its Family of Entities, or an entity contracted with either of them (collectively the“Recipient”), receiving recycle textiles and/or plastics (whether post-industrial or post-consumer), optionally and from an industrial supplier of said articles (e.g. textiles and/or plastics) or fibers contained in or on said textile, and

2. One or more of the Recipients size reducing said textile or fibers to make textile and/or plastic aggregates, and

3. One or more of the Recipients gasifying said textile and/or plastic aggregates to produce recycle derived syngas, and

4. either

(i) reacting said recycle derived syngas to make a recycle content intermediate, polymer, or article (Recycle PIA) each of which have their origin at least in part to said recycle derived syngas or

(ii) assigning a recycle content allotment, obtained from said

recycle textile or said textile and/or plastic aggregates, to an intermediate, polymer, or article to thereby produce a Recycle PIA; and

5. optionally, furnishing at least a portion of said Recycle PIA to said industrial supplier, or to an entity contracted with said industrial supplier or with one among the Family of Entities of the industrial supplier for the supply of said Recycle PIA or an article made with said Recycle PIA.

[0126] In this or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the allotment can be assigned to an intermediate, polymer, or article to produce a Recycle PIA directly from a recycle content value taken from the recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates or from the step of gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and recycle textiles and/or plastics or textile and/or plastic aggregates, or the allotment can be assigned to the intermediate, polymer, or article to product a recycle PIA indirectly by assigning the recycle content value taken from a recycle inventory into which recycle content value is deposited from the recycle content present in the recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates or the step of gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0127] In the above described process, an entirely circular or closed loop process is provided in which textiles and/or plastics can be recycled multiple times to make the same family or classification of textiles and/or plastics. The industrial supplier may furnish a processor entity with the textile or articles containing the textile to process those textiles and/or plastics or articles into a form suitable or more suitable for gasification as further described herein to make textile and/or plastic aggregates, and in turn, the processor entity supplies the textile and/or plastic aggregates or precursors thereof to the manufacturer of syngas or one among its Family of Entities who can either feed to textile and/or plastic aggregates as such to a feedstock stream to a gasifier, or can further process the precursors or textile and/or plastic aggregates into a final size suitable for gasification by any suitable process, such as pulverization or grinding. The gasification processes, equipment, and designs used can be any of those mentioned herein. The syngas made using feedstocks containing the textile and/or plastic aggregates can then either by converted through a reaction scheme to make Recycle PIA, or the allotments created by such

gasification step or obtained from the recycle textiles and/or plastics or textile and/or plastic aggregates can be stored in an inventory of allotments, and from the inventory of allotments from any source, a portion thereof can be withdrawn and assigned to an intermediate, polymer or article to make Recycle PIA. To close the circularity of the textile, at least a portion of the Recycle PIA can by furnished to the supplier of the textiles and/or plastics, or it can be supplied to any entity contracted with the supplier to process the Recycle PIA into a different form, different size, or to combine with other ingredients or textiles and/or plastics (e.g. compounders and/or sheet extruders), or to make articles containing the PIA, for supply to or on behalf of the supplier. The Recycle PIA furnished to the industrial supplier or one of its contracted entities is desirably in the same family or type of textile as the textile or article containing the textile was supplied by the industrial supplier to the Recipient.

[0128] A“recycle content allotment” or“allotment” means a recycle content value that is:

a. transferred from a recycle waste (which is any recycle waste stream whether or not it contains recycle textiles and/or plastics) to a receiving composition (e.g., compound, polymer, article, intermediate, feedstock, product, or stream) that may or may not have a physical component that is traceable to the recycle waste; or

b. deposited into a recycle inventory at least a portion of which originates from recycle waste.

[0129] An allotment can be an allocation or a credit. A recycle waste is any one of waste streams identified throughout this disclosure, including the size reduced textiles, densified textiles, the textiles from which they originate, or the feedstock composition containing the densified textiles.

[0130] The recycle content value (whether by mass or percentage or any other unit of measure) can optionally be determined according to a standard system for tracking, allocating, and/or crediting recycle content among various compositions.

[0131] A“recycle content value” is a unit of measure representative of a quantity of material having its origin in recycle textile and/or plastic. The recycle content value can have its origin in any type of recycled textile or any recycle textile processed in any type of process before being gasified.

[0132] The particular recycle content value can be determined by a mass balance approach or a mass ratio or percentage or any other unit of measure and can be determined according to any system for tracking, allocating, and/or crediting recycle content among various compositions. A recycle content value can be deducted from a recycle inventory and applied to a product or composition to attribute recycle content to the product or composition. A recycle content value does not have to originate from gasifying recycle textile and/or plastic, and can be a unit of measure having its known or unknown origin in any technology used to process recycle textile. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the recycle textiles and/or plastics from which an allotment is obtained is also gasified as described throughout the one or more embodiments herein; e.g. combined with a fossil fuel and subjected to gasification.

[0133] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the recycle content allotment or allotment or recycle value deposited into a recycle content inventory is obtained from recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates. Desirably, at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% or at least 95%, or up to 100% of the:

a. allotments or

b. deposits into the recycle inventory, or

c. recycle content value in the recycle inventory, or

d. recycle content value applied to compositions to make Recycle PIA are obtained from recycle textile and/or plastic.

[0134] A recycle content allotment can include a recycle content allocation or a recycle content credit obtained with the transfer or use of a raw material. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the polymer, intermediate, composition, article or stream receiving the recycle content allotment can be or contain a portion of a non-recycle composition (e.g., compound, polymer, feedstock, product, or stream). A“non-recycle” means a composition (e.g., compound, polymer, feedstock, product, or stream) none of which was directly or indirectly derived from recycled waste of any kind, including textile and plastic.

[0135] A“recycle content allocation” and“allocation” mean a type of recycle content allotment, where the entity or person supplying a composition sells or transfers the composition to the receiving person or entity, and the person or entity that made the composition has an allotment at least a portion of which can be associated with the composition sold or transferred by the supplying person or entity to the receiving person or entity. The supplying entity or person can be controlled by the same entity or person(s) or a variety of affiliates that are ultimately controlled or owned at least in part by a parent entity (“Family of Entities”), or they can be from a different Family of Entities. Generally, a recycle content allocation travels with a composition and with the downstream derivates of the composition. An allocation may be deposited into a recycle inventory and withdrawn from the recycle inventory as an allocation and applied to a composition to make a Recycle PIA.

[0136] A“recycle content credit” and“credit” mean a type of recycle content allotment, where the allotment is available for sale or transfer or use, or is sold or transferred or used, either:

a. without the sale of a composition, or

b. with the sale or transfer of a composition but the allotment is not

associated the sale or transfer of the composition, or

c. is deposited into or withdrawn from a recycle inventory that does not track the molecules of a recycle content feedstock to the molecules of the resulting compositions which were made with the recycle content feedstocks, or which does have such tracking capability but which did not track the particular allotment as applied to a composition.

[0137] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, an allotment may be deposited into a recycle inventory, and a credit may be withdrawn from the inventory and applied to a composition to make a Recycle PIA. This would be the case where an allotment is created from recycle textiles and/or plastics and deposited into a recycle inventory, and deducting a recycle content value from the recycle inventory and applying it to a composition to make a Recycle PIA that either has no portion originating from syngas or does have a portion originating from syngas but such syngas making up the portion of the composition was not a recycle derived syngas. In this system, one need not trace the source of a reactant compound or composition back to the manufacture of recycle derived syngas stream or back to any atoms contained in the recycle derived syngas stream, but rather can use any reactant compound or composition made by any process and have associated with such reactant compound or composition, or have associated with the Recycle PIA, a recycle content allotment. In an

embodiment, the Recycle PIA reactants (the compositions used to make Recycle PIA or the compositions to which an allotment is applied) do not contain recycle content.

[0138] In one embodiment, the composition receiving an allotment to make a Recycle PIA originates in part from a syngas stream obtained by any gasification process. The feedstock to the gasification process may optionally contain fossil fuel such as coal. The feedstock may optionally also contain a combination of fossil fuel and recycle textiles and/or plastics or textile and/or plastic aggregates. In one embodiment, there is provided a process in which:

a. recycle textiles and/or plastics is obtained,

b. a recycle content value (or allotment) is obtained from the recycle textile and

i. deposited into a recycle inventory, and an allotment (or credit) is withdrawn from the recycle inventory and applied to a

composition to obtain a Recycle PIA, or

ii. applied to a composition to obtain a Recycle PIA; and c. at least a portion of the recycle textile is subjected to a gasification process, optionally by combining it with a fossil fuel as a feedstock to a gasifier, optionally according to any of the designs or processes described herein; and

d. optionally at least a portion of the composition in step b. originates from a syngas stream, optionally the syngas stream having been obtained by any of the feedstocks and methods described herein.

[0139] The steps b. and c. do not have to occur simultaneously. In one

embodiment, they occur within a year of each other, or within six (6) months of each other, or within three (3) months of each other, or within one (1 ) month of each other, or within two (2) weeks of each other, or within one (1 ) week of each other, or within three (3) days of each other. The process allows for a time lapse between the time an entity or person receiving the recycle textile and creating the allotment (which can occur upon receipt or ownership of the recycle textile) and the actual processing of the recycle textile in a gasifier.

[0140] As used herein,“recycle inventory” and“inventory” mean a group or collection of allotments (allocations or credits) from which deposits and deductions of allotments in any units can be tracked. The inventory can be in any form (electronic or paper), using any or multiple software programs, or using a variety of modules or applications that together as a whole tracks the deposits and deductions. Desirably, the total amount of recycle content withdrawn (or applied to the Recycle PIA) does not exceed the total amount of recycle content allotments or credits on deposit in the recycle inventory (from any source, not only from gasification of recycle textiles and/or plastics). However, if a deficit of recycle content value is realized, the recycle content inventory is rebalanced to achieve a zero or positive recycle content value available. The timing for rebalancing can be either determined and managed in accordance with the rules of a particular system of accreditation adopted by the recycle derived syngas manufacturer or by one among its Family of Entities, or alternatively, is rebalanced within one (1 ) year, or within six (6) months, or within three (3) months, or within one (1 ) month of realizing the deficit. The timing for depositing an allotment into the recycle inventory, applying an allotment (or credit) to a composition to make a Recycle PIA, and gasifying recycle textiles and/or plastics, need not be simultaneous or in any particular order. In one embodiment, the step of gasifying a particular volume of recycle textiles and/or plastics occurs after the recycle content value or allotment from that volume of recycle textile is deposited into a recycle inventory. Further, the allotments or recycle content values withdrawn from the recycle inventory need not be traceable to recycle textiles and/or plastics or gasifying recycle textiles and/or plastics, but rather can be obtained from any waste recycle stream, and from any method of processing the recycle waste stream.

Desirably, at least a portion of the recycle content value in the recycle inventory is obtained from recycle textiles and/or plastics, and optionally at least a portion of recycle textiles and/or plastics are processed in the one or more gasification processes as described herein, optionally within a year of each other and optionally at least a portion of the volume of recycle textiles and/or plastics from which a recycle content value is deposited into the recycle inventory is also processed by any or more of the gasification processes described herein..

[0141] The determination of whether a Recycle PIA is derived directly or indirectly from recycled waste is not on the basis of whether intermediate steps or entities do or do not exist in the supply chain, but rather whether at least a portion of the recycle textile molecules fed to the gasifier can be traced into a Recycle PIA. The Recycle PIA is considered to be directly derived from recycle textile or have direct contact with recycle textile if at least a portion of the molecules in the Recycle PIA can be traced back, optionally through one or more intermediate steps or entities, to at least a portion of the recycle derived syngas molecules. Any number of intermediaries and intermediate derivates can be made before the Recycle PIA is made. [0142] A Recycle PIA can be indirectly derived from recycled textiles and/or plastics if no portion of its molecules are obtained from recycle derived syngas molecules or some portion of is molecules are obtained from recycle derived syngas molecules but the Recycle PIA has a recycle content value that exceeds the recycle content value associated with the recycle derived syngas molecules, and in this latter case, a Recycle PIA can be both directly and indirectly derived from recycle textile.

[0143] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the Recycle PIA is indirectly derived from recycle textile and/or plastic or recycle derived syngas. In another embodiment, the Recycle PIA is directly derived from recycle textile and/or plastic or recycle derived syngas. In another embodiment, the Recycle PIA is indirectly derived from recycle textile or recycle derived syngas and no portion of the Recycle PIA is directly derived from the recycle textile and/or plastic or recycle derived syngas.

[0144] In another embodiment, there is provided a variety of methods for apportioning the recycle content among the various Recycle PIA compositions made by any one entity or a combination of entities among the Family of Entities of which the recycle derived syngas manufacturer is a part. For example, the recycle derived syngas manufacturer, of any combination or the entirety of its Family of Entities, or a Site, can:

a. adopt a symmetric distribution of recycle content values among its product(s) based on the same fractional percentage of recycle content in one or more feedstocks, or based on the amount of allotment received. For example, if 5 wt.% of the gasification feedstock is textile and/or plastic aggregates, or if the recycle content value is 5 wt.% of the entire gasifier feedstock, then all Recycle PIA compositions may contain 5 wt.% recycle content value. In this case, the amount of recycle content in the products is proportional to the amount of recycle content in the feedstock to make the products; or b. adopt an asymmetric distribution of recycle content values among its product(s) based on the same fractional percentage of recycle content in the one or more feedstocks, or based on the amount of allotment received. For example, if 5 wt.% of the gasifier feedstock is recycle textile, or if the allotment value is 5 wt.% of the entire gasifier feedstock, then one volume or batch of Recycle PIA can receive a greater amount of recycle content value that other batches or volume of Recycle PIA. One batch of PVA can contain 20% recycle content by mass, and another batch can contain zero 0% recycle content, even though both volumes may be compositionally the same, provided that the amount of recycle content value withdrawn from a recycle inventory and applied to the Recycle PIA does not exceed the amount of recycle content value deposited into the recycle inventory, or if a deficit is realized, the overdraft is rebalanced to zero or a positive credit available status as described above. In the

asymmetric distribution of recycle content, a manufacturer can tailor the recycle content to volumes of Recycle PIA sold as needed among customers, thereby providing flexibility among customers some of whom may need more recycle content than others in a PVA volume.

[0145] Both the symmetric distribution and the asymmetric distribution of recycle content can be proportional on a Site wide basis, or on a multi-Site basis. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the recycle content input (recycle textiles and/or plastics or allotments) can be within a Site, and recycle content values from said inputs are applied to one or more compositions made at the same Site to make Recycle PIA. The recycle content values can be applied symmetrically or asymmetrically to one or more different compositions made at the Site.

[0146] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the recycle content input or creation (recycle content feedstock or allotments) can be to or at a first Site, and recycle content values from said inputs are transferred to a second Site and applied to one or more compositions made at a second Site. The recycle content values can be applied symmetrically or

asymmetrically to the compositions at the second Site.

[0147] In an embodiment, the Recycle PIA has associated with it, or contains, or is labelled, advertised, or certified as containing recycle content in an amount of at least 0.01 wt.%, or at least 0.05 wt.%, or at least 0.1 wt.%, or at least 0.5 wt.%, or at least 0.75 wt.%, or at least 1 wt.%, or at least 1.25 wt.%, or at least 1.5 wt.%, or at least 1.75 wt.%, or at least 2 wt.%, or at least 2.25 wt.%, or at least 2.5 wt.%, or at least 2.75 wt.%, or at least 3 wt.%, or at least 3.5 wt.%, or at least 4 wt.%, or at least 4.5 wt.%, or at least 5 wt.%, or at least 6 wt.%, or at least 7 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, or at least 35 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least 45 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 55 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%, or at least 65 wt.% and/or the amount can be up to 100 wt.%, or up to 95 wt.%, or up to 90 wt.%, or up to 80 wt.%, or up to 70 wt.%, or up to 60 wt.%, or up to 50 wt.%, or up to 40 wt.%, or up to 30 wt.%, or up to 25 wt.%, or up to 22 wt.%, or up to 20 wt.%, or up to 18 wt.%, or up to 16 wt.%, or up to 15 wt.%, or up to 14 wt.%, or up to 13 wt.%, or up to 11 wt.%, or up to 10 wt.%, or up to 8 wt.%, or up to 6 wt.%, or up to 5 wt.%, or up to 4 wt.%, or up to 3 wt.%, or up to 2 wt.%, or up to 1 wt.%, or up to 0.9 wt.%, or up to 0.8 wt.%, or up to 0.7 wt.%. The recycle content associated with the Recycle PIA can be associated by applying an allotment (credit or allocation) to any polymer and/or article made or sold. The allotment can be contained in an inventory of allotments created, maintained or operated by or for the Recycle PIA manufacturer. The allotment can be obtained from any source along any manufacturing chain of products provided that its origin is in gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0148] The amount of recycle content in a reactant compound or composition, or the amount of recycle content applied to the Recycle PIA, or the amount of textile and/or plastic aggregates needed to feed the gasifier to claim a desired amount of recycle content in the Recycle PIA in the event that all the recycle content from the recycle textile feedstock is applied to the Recycle PIA, can be determined or calculated by any of the following methods:

(i) the amount of an allotment associated with the Recycle PIA is

determined by the amount certified or declared by the supplier of transferred Recycle PIA, or

(ii) the amount of allotment declared by the entity using Recycle PIA, or

(iii) using a mass balance approach to back-calculate the minimum

amount of recycle content in the feedstock from an amount of recycle content declared, advertised, or accounted for by the manufacturer, whether or not accurate, as applied to the Recycle PIA product, (iv) blending of non-recycle content with textile and/or plastic aggregates feedstock, or associating recycle content to a portion of the feedstock, using pro-rata mass approach

[0149] In one embodiment, the Recycle PIA manufacturer can make Recycle PIA, or process a reactant compound or composition and make a Recycle PIA, or make Recycle PIA by obtaining any source of a reactant compound or composition from a supplier, whether or not such reactant compound or composition has any recycle content, and either:

i. from the same supplier of the reactant compound or composition, also obtain a recycle content allotment applied to either syngas or to any product, article, polymer, or composition, or

ii. from any person or entity, obtaining a recycle content allotment

without a supply of a reactant compound or composition from said person or entity transferring said recycle content allotment.

[0150] The allotment in (i) can be obtained from a supplier of the reactant compound or composition used to make Recycle PIA, and the supplier also supplies and transfers the reactant compound or composition to the Recycle PIA

manufacturer or within its Family of Entities. The circumstance described in (i) allows a Recycle PIA manufacturer to obtain a supply of a reactant compound or composition that has non-recycle content, yet obtain a recycle content allotment from the reactant compound or composition. In one embodiment, the reactant compound or composition supplier transfers a recycle content allotment to the Recycle PIA manufacturer as well as a supply of reactant compound or composition to the

Recycle PIA manufacturer, where the recycle content allotment is not associated with the reactant compound or composition supplied, provided that the recycle content allotment transferred has its origins in gasifying recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates. The recycle content allotment does not have to be tied to an amount of recycle content in a reactant compound or composition or to any monomer used to make Recycle PIA, but rather the recycle content allotment transferred by the reactant compound or composition supplier can be associated with other products having their origin in a recycle derived syngas stream other than those in a reaction scheme to make polymer and/or articles. This allows flexibility among the reactant compound or composition supplier and Recycle PIA manufacturer to apportion a recycle content among the variety of products they each make. In each of these cases, however, the recycle content allotment has its origins in gasifying recycle textiles and/or plastics.

[0151] In one embodiment, the reactant compound or composition supplier transfers a recycle content allotment to the Recycle PIA manufacturer and a supply of reactant compound or composition to the Recycle PIA manufacturer, where the recycle content allotment is associated with reactant compound or composition. Optionally, the reactant compound or composition being supplied can be derived from recycle textile feedstock and at least a portion of the recycle content allotment being transferred can be the recycle content in the reactant compound or

composition. The recycle content allotment transferred to the Recycle PIA

manufacturer can be up front with the reactant compound or composition supplied, optionally in installments, or with each reactant compound or composition portion supplier, or apportioned as desired among the parties.

[0152] The allotment in (ii) is obtained by the Recycle PIA manufacturer (or its Family of Entities) from any person or entity without obtaining a supply of reactant compound or composition from the person or entity. The person or entity can be a reactant compound or composition manufacturer that does not supply reactant compound or composition to the Recycle PIA manufacturer or its Family of Entities, or the person or entity can be a manufacturer that does not make a reactant compound or composition. In either case, the circumstances of (ii) allows a Recycle PIA manufacturer to obtain a recycle content allotment without having to purchase any reactant compound or composition from the entity supplying the recycle content allotment. For example, the person or entity may transfer a recycle content allotment through a buy/sell model or contract to the Recycle PIA manufacturer or its Family of Entities without requiring purchase or sale of an allotment (e.g. as a product swap of products that are not reactant compound or composition), or the person or entity may outright sell the allotment to the Recycle PIA manufacturer or one among its Family of Entities. Alternatively, the person or entity may transfer a product, other than a reactant compound or composition, along with its associated recycle content allotment to the Recycle PIA manufacturer. This can be attractive to a Recycle PIA manufacturer that has a diversified business making a variety of products other than Recycle PIA requiring raw materials other than a reactant compound or composition that the person or entity can supply to the Recycle PIA manufacturer.

[0153] The allotment can be deposited into a recycle inventory (e.g. an inventory of allotments). In one embodiment, the allotment is an allocation created by the manufacturer of the recycle derived syngas stream. The Recycle PIA manufacturer can also make a polymer and/or article, whether or not a recycle content is applied to the polymer and/or article and whether or not recycle content, if applied to the polymer and/or article, is drawn from the inventory. For example, either the recycle derived syngas stream manufacturer and/or the Recycle PIA manufacturer may:

a. deposit the allotment into an inventory and merely store it; or b. deposit the allotment into an inventory and apply allotments from the inventory to products other than:

i. any products derived directly or indirectly from the recycle

derived syngas stream, or

ii. to a polymer and/or articles made by the Recycle PIA

manufacturer, or

c. sell or transfer an allotment from the inventory into which at least one allotment, obtained as noted above, was deposited.

[0154] If desired, however, from that inventory, any recycle content allotment can be deducted in any amount and applied to a polymer and/or article to make a Recycle PIA. For example, a Recycle inventory of allotments can be generated having a variety of sources for creating the allotments. Some recycle content allotments (credits) can have their origin in methanolysis of recycle waste, or from mechanical recycling of waste textile or metal recycling, and/or from pyrolyzing recycle waste, or from any other chemical or mechanical recycling technology. The recycle inventory may or may not track the origin or basis of obtaining a recycle content value, or the inventory may not allow one to associate the origin or basis of an allotment to the allotment applied to Recycle PIA. It is sufficient that an allotment is deducted from an allotment inventory and applied to Recycle PIA regardless of the source or origin of the allotment, provided that a recycle content allotment derived from recycle textiles and/or plastics feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates is present in the allotment inventory as the time of withdrawal, or a recycle content allotment is obtained by the Recycle PIA manufacturer as specified in step (i) or step (ii), whether or not that recycle content allotment is actually deposited into the inventory. In one embodiment, the recycle content allotment obtained in step (i) or (ii) is deposited into an inventory of allotments. In one embodiment, the recycle content allotment deducted from the inventory and applied to the Recycle PIA originates from recycle textiles and/or plastics or textile and/or plastic aggregates, whereby the textile and/or plastic aggregates are ultimately gasified with a fossil fuel.

[0155] As used throughout, the inventory of allotments can be owned by the recycle derived syngas manufacturer, or by the Recycle PIA manufacturer, or operated by either of them, or owned or operated by neither but at least in part for the benefit of either of them, or licensed by either of them. Also, as used throughout, the recycle derived syngas manufacturer or the Recycle PIA manufacturer may also include either of their Family of Entities. For example, while either of them may not own or operate the inventory, one among its Family of Entities may own such a platform, or license it from an independent vendor, or operate it for either of them. Alternatively, an independent entity may own and/or operate the inventory and for a service fee operate and/or manage at least a portion of the inventory for either of them.

[0156] In one embodiment, the Recycle PIA manufacturer obtains a supply of reactant compound or composition from a supplier, and also obtains an allotment from the supplier, where such allotment is derived from gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates, and optionally the allotment is associated with the reactant compound or composition supplied. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the allotment obtained by the Recycle PIA manufacturer is either:

a. applied to Recycle PIA made by the supply of reactant compound or composition;

b. applied to Recycle PIA not made by the supply of reactant compound or composition, such as would be the case where Recycle PIA is already made and stored in inventory or future made Recycle PIA; or c. deposited into an inventory from which is deducted an allotment

applied to Recycle PIA (the Recycle PIA applied allotment) and the deposited allotment either does, or does not, contribute to the amount of allotments from which the Recycle PIA applied allotment is drawn. d. deposited into an inventory and stored.

[0157] It is not necessary in all embodiments that recycle textile feedstock is used to make Recycle PIA composition or that the Recycle PIA was obtained from a recycle content allotment associated with a reactant compound or composition.

Further, it is not necessary that an allotment be applied to the recycle textile feedstock for making the Recycle PIA to which recycle content is applied. Rather, as noted above, the allotment, even if associated with a reactant compound or composition when the reactant compound or composition is obtained, can be deposited into an electronic inventory. In one embodiment, however, the reactant compound or composition associated with the allotment is used to make the Recycle PIA compound or composition. In one embodiment, the Recycle PIA is obtained from a recycle content allotment associated with textile and/or plastic aggregates, or with gasifying textile and/or plastic aggregates. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the allotments obtained from recycle textile made into textile and/or plastic aggregates, or the textile and/or plastic aggregates, or gasifying textile and/or plastic aggregates are applied to Recycle PIA to make a Recycle PIA.

[0158] In one embodiment, the recycle derived syngas stream manufacturer generates an allotment by gasifying a combination of a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates, and either:

a. Applies the allotment to any compound or composition (whether liquid or solid or polymer in any form, including pellets, sheet, fibers, flake, etc.) made directly or indirectly (e.g. through a reaction scheme of several intermediates) from the recycle derived syngas stream; or b. Applies the allotment to a compound or composition not made directly or indirectly from the recycle derived syngas stream, such as would be the case where reactant compounds or compositions are already made and stored in inventory or future made non-recycle content reactant compounds or compositions; or

c. deposited into an inventory from which is deducted any allotment that is applied to reactant compounds or compositions; and the deposited allotment either is or is not associated with the particular allotment applied to the reactant compounds or compositions; or d. is deposited into an inventory and stored for use at a later time.

[0159] In any of the embodiments described throughout, the timing for taking the allotment, or depositing the allotment into a recycle inventory, can be as early as when recycle textiles and/or plastics is received or owned by a Recipient or one among its Family of Entities, or when it is converted to textile and/or plastic aggregates, or when a Recipient or one among its Family of Entities receives or owns textile and/or plastic aggregates, or when they are combined with a fossil fuel, or when gasified, or when a recycle derived syngas is made. For clarification, an allotment is deemed generated or obtained by or originating from gasifying textile and/or plastic aggregates even though the timing of taking or recognizing the allotment is earlier or later than the actual time the textile and/or plastic aggregates are gasified, provided that the textile and/or plastic aggregates are subjected to gasification.

[0160] There is now also be provided a package or a combination of a Recycle PIA and a recycle content identifier associated with Recycle PIA, where the identifier is or contains a representation that the Recycle PIA contains, or is sourced from or associated with a recycle content. The package can be any suitable package for containing a polymer and/or article, such as a drum, railroad car, isotainer, totes, polytote, bale, IBC totes, compressed bale, jerrican, polybag, spools, roving, winding, or cardboard packaging. The identifier can be a certificate document, a product specification stating the recycle content, a label, a logo or certification mark from a certification agency representing that the article or package contains contents or the Recycle PIA contains, or is made from sources or associated with recycle content, or it can be electronic statements by the Recycle PIA manufacturer that accompany a purchase order or the product, or posted on a website as a statement, representation, or a logo representing that the Recycle PIA contains or is made from sources that are associated with or contain recycle content, or it can be an advertisement transmitted electronically, by or in a website, by email, or by television, or through a tradeshow, in each case that is associated with Recycle PIA. The identifier need not state or represent that the recycle content is derived from gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates. Rather, the identifier can merely convey or communicate that the Recycle PIA has or is sourced from a recycle content, regardless of the source. However, the Recycle PIA has a recycle content allotment that, at least in part, originates from gasifying textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0161] In one embodiment, one may communicate recycle content information about the Recycle PIA to a third party where such recycle content information is based on or derived from at least a portion of the allocation or credit. The third party may be a customer of the recycle derived syngas manufacturer or Recycle PIA manufacturer or supplier, or may be any other person or entity or governmental organization other than the entity owning the either of them. The communication may electronic, by document, by advertisement, or any other means of

communication.

[0162] In one embodiment, there is provided a system or package comprising:

a. Recycle PIA or article made thereby, and

b. an identifier such as a credit, label or certification associated with said Recycle PIA or article made thereby, where the identifier is a representation that the polymer and/or article or article made thereby has, or is sourced from, a recycle content

provided that the Recycle PIA or article made thereby has an allotment, or is made from a reactant compound or composition, at least in part originating directly or indirectly from gasifying fossil fuels and textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0163] The system can be a physical combination, such as package having at least Recycle PIA as its contents and the package has a label, such as a logo, that the contents such as the Recycle PIA has or is sourced from a recycle content.

Alternatively, the label or certification can be issued to a third party or customer as part of a standard operating procedure of an entity whenever it transfers or sells Recycle PIA having or sourced from recycle content. The identifier does not have to be physically on the Recycle PIA or on a package, and does not have to be on any physical document that accompanies or is associated with the Recycle PIA. For example, the identifier can be an electronic credit transferred electronically by the Recycle PIA manufacturer to a customer in connection with the sale or transfer of the Recycle PIA product, and by sole virtue of being a credit, it is a representation that the Recycle PIA has recycle content. The identifier itself need only convey or communicate that the Recycle PIA has or is sourced from a recycle content, regardless of the source. In one embodiment, articles made from the Recycle PIA may have the identifier, such as a stamp or logo embedded or adhered to the article. In one embodiment, the identifier is an electronic recycle content credit from any source. In one embodiment, the identifier is an electronic recycle content credit having its origin in gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0164] The Recycle PIA is made from a reactant compound or composition, whether or not the reactant is a recycle content reactant (recycle textile feedstock). Once a Recycle PIA composition is made, it can be designated as having recycle content based on and derived from at least a portion of the allotment, again whether or not the recycle textile feedstock is used to make the Recycle PIA composition.

The allotment can be withdrawn or deducted from inventory. The amount of the deduction and/or applied to the Recycle PIA can correspond to any of the methods described above, e.g. a mass balance approach.

[0165] In an embodiment, a Recycle PIA compound or composition can be made by having an inventory of allotments, and reacting a reactant compound or composition a synthetic process to make a Recycle PIA, and applying a recycle content to that Recycle PIA to thereby obtain a Recycle PIA by deducting an amount of allotment from an inventory of allotments. A Recycle PIA manufacturer may have an inventory of allotments by itself or one among its Family of Entities owning, possessing, or operating the inventory, or a third party operating at least a portion of the inventory for the Recycle PIA manufacturer or its Family of Entities or as a service provided to the Recycle PIA manufacturer or one among its Family of Entities. The amount of allotment deducted from inventory is flexible and will depend on the amount of recycle content applied to the Recycle PIA. It should be at least sufficient to correspond with at least a portion if not the entire amount of recycle content applied to the Recycle PIA. The method of calculation can be a mass balance approach, or the methods of calculation described above. The inventory of allotments can be established on any basis and may be a mix of basis, provided that at least some amount of allotment in the inventory is attributable to gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates. The recycle content allotment applied to the Recycle PIA does not have to have its origin in gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates, and instead can have its origin in any other method of generating allotments from recycle waste, such as through methanolysis or gasification of recycle waste, provided that the inventory of allotments also contains an allotment or has an allotment deposit having its origin in gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates. In one embodiment, however, the recycle content applied to the Recycle PIA is an allotment obtained from gasifying a feedstock containing at least textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0166] The following are examples of designating or declaring a recycle content to Recycle PIA or a recycle content to a reactant compound or composition:

1. A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a polymer and/or article composition where the allotment is associated with the recycle derived syngas stream, and the reactant compound or composition used to make the Recycle PIA did not contain any recycle content or it did contain recycle content; or

2. A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a polymer and/or article composition where the allotment is derived directly or indirectly with a recycle content reactant compound or composition, whether or not such reactant compound or composition volume is used to make the Recycle PIA; or

3. A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a Recycle PIA composition where the allotment is derived directly or indirectly from recycle textiles and/or plastics aggregates used to make the Recycle PIA to which the allotment is applied, and:

a. all of the recycle content in the recycle textile feedstock is

applied to determine the amount of recycle content in the Recycle PIA, or

b. only a portion of the recycle content in the recycle textile

feedstock is applied to determine the amount of recycle content applied to the Recycle PIA, the remainder stored in inventory for use to future Recycle PIA, or for application to other existing Recycle PIA made from recycle textile feedstock not containing any recycle content, or to increase the recycle content on an existing Recycle PIA, or a combination thereof, or

c. none of the recycle content in the recycle textile feedstock is applied to the Recycle PIA and instead is stored in an inventory, and a recycle content from any source or origin is deducted from the inventory and applied to Recycle PIA; or

A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a reactant compound or composition used to make a Recycle PIA to thereby obtain a Recycle PIA, where the allotment was obtained with the transfer or purchase of the same reactant compound or composition used to make the Recycle PIA and the allotment is associated with the recycle content in a reactant compound or composition; or

A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a reactant compound or composition used to make a Recycle PIA to thereby obtain a Recycle PIA, where the allotment was obtained with the transfer or purchase of the same reactant compound or composition used to make the Recycle PIA and the allotment is not associated with the recycle content in a reactant compound or composition but rather on the recycle content of a monomer used to make the reactant compound or composition; or

A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a reactant compound or composition used to make a Recycle PIA to thereby obtain a Recycle PIA, where the allotment was not obtained with the transfer or purchase of the reactant compound or composition and the allotment is associated with the recycle content in the reactant compound or composition; or

A Recycle PIA manufacturer applies at least a portion of an allotment to a reactant compound or composition used to make a Recycle PIA to thereby obtain a Recycle PIA, where the allotment was not obtained with the transfer or purchase of the reactant compound or composition and the allotment is not associated with the recycle content in the reactant compound or composition but rather with the recycle content of any monomers used to make the reactant

compound or composition; or

8. a Recycle PIA manufacturer obtains an allotment having it origin in gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates, and:

a. no portion of the allotment is applied to a reactant compound or composition to make Recycle PIA and at least a portion is applied to Recycle PIA to make a Recycle PIA; or

b. less than the entire portion is applied to a reactant compound or composition used to make Recycle PIA and the remainder is stored in inventory or is applied to future made Recycle PIA or is applied to existing Recycle PIA in inventory.

[0167] In one embodiment, the Recycle PIA, or articles made thereby, can be offered for sale or sold as Recycle PIA containing or obtained with recycle content. The sale or offer for sale can be accompanied with a certification or representation of the recycle content claim made in association with the Recycle PIA or article made with the Recycle PIA.

[0168] The obtaining of an allotment and designating (whether internally such as through a bookkeeping or an inventory tracking software program or externally by way of declaration, certification, advertising, representing, etc.) can be by the

Recycle PIA manufacturer or within the Recycle PIA manufacturer Family of Entities. The designation of at least a portion of the Recycle PIA as corresponding to at least a portion of the allotment (e.g. allocation or credit) can occur through a variety of means and according to the system employed by the Recycle PIA manufacturer, which can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, the designation can occur internally merely through a log entry in the books or files of the Recycle PIA manufacturer or other inventory software program, or through an advertisement or statement on a specification, on a package, on the product, by way of a logo associated with the product, by way of a certification declaration sheet associated with a product sold, or through formulas that compute the amount deducted from inventory relative to the amount of recycle content applied to a product.

[0169] Optionally, the Recycle PIA can be sold. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of offering to sell or selling polymer and/or articles by: a. A Recycle PIA manufacturer or its Family of Entities obtaining or generating a recycle content allotment, and the allotment can be obtained by any of the means described herein and can be deposited into inventory, the recycle content allotment having its origin in recycle textiles and/or plastics made into textile and/or plastic aggregates or in the textile and/or plastic aggregates,

b. converting a reactant compound or composition in a synthetic

process to make a compound, composition, polymer and/or article composition,

c. designating (e.g. assigning or associating) a recycle content to at least a portion of the compound, composition, polymer and/or article composition from an inventory of allotments, where the inventory contains at least one entry that is an allotment associated with gasification of a feedstock containing textile and/or plastic

aggregates. The designation can be the amount of allotment deducted from inventory, or the amount of recycle content declared or determined by the Recycle PIA manufacturer in its accounts.

Thus, the amount of recycle content does not necessarily have to be applied to the Recycle PIA product in a physical fashion. The designation can be an internal designation to or by the Recycle PIA manufacturer or its Family of Entities or a service provider in contractual relationship to the Recycle PIA manufacturer or its Family of Entities, and

d. offering to sell or selling the compound, composition, polymer and/or article composition as containing or obtained with recycle content corresponding at least in part with such designation. The amount of recycle content represented as contained in the Recycle PIA sold or offered for sale has a relationship or linkage to the designation. The amount of recycle content can be a 1 :1 relationship in the amount of recycle content declared on a Recycle PIA offered for sale or sold and the amount of recycle content assigned or designated to the Recycle PIA by the Recycle PIA manufacturer. [0170] The steps described need not be sequential, and can be independent from each other. For example, the step a) of obtaining an allotment and the step of making Recycle PIA from a reactant compound or composition can be simultaneous.

[0171] As used throughout, the step of deducting an allotment from an inventory of allotments does not require its application to a Recycle PIA product. The deduction also does not mean that the quantity disappears or is removed from the inventory logs. A deduction can be an adjustment of an entry, a withdrawal, an addition of an entry as a debit, or any other algorithm that adjusts inputs and outputs based on an amount recycle content associated with a product and one or a cumulative amount of allotments on deposit in the inventory. For example, a deduction can be a simple step of a reducing/debit entry from one column and an addition/credit to another column within the same program or books, or an algorithm that automates the deductions and entries/additions and/or applications or designations to a product slate. The step of applying an allotment to a Recycle PIA product where such allotment was deducted from inventory also does not require the allotment to be applied physically to a Recycle PIA product or to any document issued in association with the Recycle PIA product sold. For example, a Recycle PIA manufacturer may ship Recycle PIA product to a customer and satisfy the “application” of the allotment to the Recycle PIA product by electronically transferring a recycle content credit to the customer.

[0172] In one embodiment, the amount of recycle content in the recycle textile feedstock or in the Recycle PIA will be based on the allocation or credit obtained by the manufacturer of the Recycle PIA composition or the amount available in the Recycle PIA manufacturer’s inventory of allotments. A portion or all of the allocation or credit obtained by or in the possession of a manufacturer of Recycle PIA can be designated and assigned to recycle textiles and/or plastics feedstock or Recycle PIA on a mass balance basis. The assigned value of the recycle content to the recycle textile feedstock or Recycle PIA should not exceed the total amount of all allocations and/or credits available to the manufacturer of the Recycle PIA or other entity authorized to assign a recycle content value to the Recycle PIA.

[0173] There is now also provided a method of introducing or establishing a recycle content in a compound, composition, polymer and/or article without necessarily using reactant compound or composition having recycle content. In this method,

a. a syngas manufacturer makes recycle derived syngas stream and b. a polymer and/or article manufacturer:

i. obtains an allotment associated with gasifying textile and/or plastic aggregates,

ii. makes a polymer and/or article from any reactant compound or composition, and

iii. associates at least a portion of the allotment with at least a

portion of the polymer and/or article, whether or not the reactant compound or composition used to make the polymer and/or article contains a recycle content.

[0174] In this method, the polymer and/or article manufacturer need not purchase a recycle reactant compound or composition from a particular source or supplier, and does not require the polymer and/or article manufacturer to use or purchase a reactant compound or composition having recycle content in order to successfully establish a recycle content in the polymer and/or article composition. The polymer or article manufacturer may use any source of reactant compound or composition and apply at least a portion of the allocation or credit to at least a portion of the reactant compound or composition feedstock or to at least a portion of the polymer and/or article product. The association by the polymer and/or article manufacturer may come in any form, whether by on in its inventory, internal accounting methods, or declarations or claims made to a third party or the public.

[0175] There is also provided a use for a reactant compound or composition, the use including converting textile and/or plastic aggregates in any synthetic process, such as gasification, to make syngas and/or Recycle PIA.

[0176] There is also provided a use for recycle textiles and/or plastics and/or plastic aggregates that includes converting a reactant compound or composition in a synthetic process to make polymer and/or articles and applying at least a portion of an allotment to the polymer and/or article to the reactant compound or composition, where the allotment is associated with gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and textile and/or plastic aggregates or has its origin in an inventory of allotments where at least one deposit made into the inventory is associated with gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0177] In one embodiment, there is provided a polymer and/or article composition that is obtained by any of the methods described above.

[0178] The reactant compound or composition, such a reactant compound or composition can be stored in a storage vessel and transferred to a Recycle PIA manufacturing facility by way of truck, pipe, or ship, or as further described below, the reactant compound or composition production facility can be integrated with the Recycle PIA facility. The reactant compound or composition may be shipped or transferred to the operator or facility that makes the polymer and/or article.

[0179] In an embodiment, the process for making Recycle PIA can be an integrated process. One such example is a process to make Recycle PIA by:

a. gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates to make a recycle derived syngas stream; and b. reacting said recycle derived syngas or a non-recycle derived syngas made in the gasifier in a reaction scheme to make a reactant compound or composition;

c. reacting any reactant compound or composition in a synthetic

process to make a polymer and/or article;

d. depositing an allotment into an inventory of allotments, said allotment originating from gasifying a feedstock containing a fossil fuel and recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates; and

e. applying any allotment from said inventory to the polymer and/or

article to thereby obtain a recycle content polymer and/or article composition.

[0180] In one embodiment, one may integrate two or more facilities and make Recycle PIA. The facilities to make Recycle PIA, the reactant compound or composition, or the syngas can be stand-alone facilities or facilities integrated to each other. For example, one may establish a system of producing and consuming a reactant compound or composition, as follows:

a. provide a reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility configured to produce a reactant compound or composition; b. provide a polymer and/or article manufacturing facility having a reactor configured to accept a reactant compound or composition from the reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility and making a polymer and/or article; and

c. a supply system providing fluid communication between these two facilities and capable of supplying a reactant compound or composition from the reactant compound or composition

manufacturing facility to the polymer and/or article manufacturing facility,

wherein the reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility generates or participates in a process to generate allotments and gasifies a feedstock containing fossil fuel and recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates, and:

(i) said allotments are applied to the reactants compounds or

compositions or to the polymer and/or article reactant, or

(ii) are deposited into an inventory of allotments, and any allotment is withdrawn from the inventory an applied to the reactant compounds or compositions or to the polymer and/or article.

[0181] The reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility can make Recycle PIA by accepting any reactant compound or composition from the reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility and applying a recycle content to a polymer and/or article made with the reactant compound or composition by deducting allotments from its inventory and applying them to the Recycle PIA, optionally in amounts using the methods described above. The allotments withdrawn from inventory and applied can be allotments obtained by any source of recycle content, and need not necessarily be allotments associated with gasifying textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0182] In one embodiment, there is also provided a system for producing Recycle PIA as follows:

a. provide a gasification manufacturing facility configured to produce an output composition comprising a recycle textile or plastic derived syngas stream;

b. provide a reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility configured to accept recycle derived syngas stream from the gasification manufacturing facility and making, through a reaction scheme one or more downstream products of said syngas to make an output composition comprising a reactant compound or

composition;

c. provide a polymer and/or article manufacturing facility having a

reactor configured to accept a reactant compound or composition and making an output composition comprising a recycle content Recycle PIA; and

d. a supply system providing fluid communication between at least two of these facilities and capable of supplying the output composition of one manufacturing facility to another one or more of said manufacturing facilities.

[0183] The polymer and/or article manufacturing facility can make Recycle PIA.

In this system, the gasification manufacturing facility can have its output in fluid communication with the reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility which in turn can have its output in fluid communication with the polymer and/or article manufacturing facility. Alternatively, the manufacturing facilities of a) and b) alone can be in fluid communication, or only b) and c). In the latter case, the polymer and/or article manufacturing facility can make Recycle PIA directly by having the recycle textile content syngas produced in the gasification manufacturing facility converted all the way to Recycle PIA, or indirectly by accepting any reactant compound or composition from the reactant compound or composition

manufacturing facility and applying a recycle content to Recycle PIA by deducting allotments from its inventory and applying them to the Recycle PIA, optionally in amounts using the methods described above. The allotments obtained and stored in inventory can be obtained by any of the methods described above,

[0184] The fluid communication can be gaseous or liquid or both. The fluid communication need not be continuous and can be interrupted by storage tanks, valves, or other purification or treatment facilities, so long as the fluid can be transported from the manufacturing facility to the subsequent facility through an interconnecting pipe network and without the use of truck, train, ship, or airplane. Further, the facilities may share the same site, or in other words, one site may contain two or more of the facilities. Additionally, the facilities may also share storage tank sites, or storage tanks for ancillary chemicals, or may also share utilities, steam or other heat sources, etc., yet also be considered as discrete facilities since their unit operations are separate. A facility will typically be bounded by a battery limit.

[0185] In one embodiment, the integrated process includes at least two facilities co-located within 5, or within 3, or within 2, or within 1 mile of each other (measured as a straight line). In one embodiment, at least two facilities are owned by the same Family of Entities.

[0186] In an embodiment, there is also provided an integrated Recycle PIA generating and consumption system. This system includes:

a. Provide a gasification manufacturing facility configured to produce an output composition comprising recycle derived syngas stream obtained by gasifying fossil fuel and recycle textile and/or plastic aggregates;

b. provide a reactant compound or composition manufacturing facility configured to accept a recycle derived syngas stream from the gasification manufacturing facility and making, through a reaction scheme, one or more downstream products of said syngas to make an output composition comprising a reactant compound or composition;

c. provide a polymer and/or article manufacturing facility having a

reactor configured to accept said reactant compound or composition and making an output composition comprising a polymer and/or article; and

d. a piping system interconnecting at least two of said facilities,

optionally with intermediate processing equipment or storage facilities, capable of taking off the output composition from one facility and accept said output at any one or more of the other facilities.

[0187] The system does not necessarily require a fluid communication between the two facilities, although fluid communication is desirable. For example, the recycle derived syngas can be delivered to the reactant compound or composition facility through the interconnecting piping network that can be interrupted by other processing equipment, such as treatment, purification, pumps, compression, or equipment adapted to combine streams, or storage facilities, all containing optional metering, valving, or interlock equipment. The equipment can be a fixed to the ground or fixed to structures that are fixed to the ground. The interconnecting piping does not need to connect to the reactant compound or composition reactor or the cracker, but rather to a delivery and receiving point at the respective facilities. The interconnecting pipework need not connect all three facilities to each other, but rather the interconnecting pipework can be between facilities a)-b), or b)-c), or between a)-b)-c).

[0188] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the total amount of carbon in the textile and/or plastic aggregate is at least 60 wt.%, or at least 70 wt.%, or at least 75 wt.%, or at least 80 wt.%.

[0189] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the total amount of hydrogen in the densified textiles and/or plastics is desirably at least 5 wt.%, or at least 8 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%.

[0190] In another embodiment, the ratio of total hydrogen to total carbon in the textile and/or plastic aggregates feed is higher than that of the other source of fuel.

In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the ratio of total hydrogen to total carbon in the textiles and/or plastics is higher than that of any other source of fuel fed to the gasifier. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the ratio of total hydrogen to total carbon in the textile and/or plastic aggregates used in the gasifier feedstock is at least 0.075, or at least 0.08, or at least 0.085, or at least 0.09, or at least 0.095, or at least 0.1 , or at least 0.1 1 , or at least 0.12, or at least 0.13 by weight.

[0191] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textiles and/or plastics aggregates used in the feedstock composition have an average fixed carbon content that is less than the solid fossil fuel used in the one or more first feedstock streams, or less than 75 wt.%, or not more than 70 wt.%, or not more than 65 wt.%, or not more than 60 wt.%, or not more than 55 wt.%, or not more than 45 wt.%, or not more than 40 wt.%, or not more than 35 wt.%, or not more than 30 wt.%, or not more than 25 wt.%, or not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, based on the weight of the textiles. The fixed carbon content is the combustible solids remaining (other than ash) after the material is heated and volatiles removed. It can be determined by subtracting the percentages of moisture, volatile matter, and ash from a sample.

[0192] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the textiles and/or plastics used in the gasifier feedstock composition have an average fixed carbon content that is at least 3% less, or at least 5 % less, or at least 7 % less, or at least 9 % less, or at least 10 % less, or at least 13 % less, or at least 15 % less, or at least 17 % less, or at least 20 % less, or at least 23 % less, or at least 25 % less, or at least 27 % less, or at least 30 % less, or at least 32 % less, or at least 35 % less, or at least 38 % less, or at least 40 % less, or at least 43 % less, or at least 45 % less, or at least 47% less, or at least 50 % less, or at least 55 % less, or at least 60 % less, or at least 70 % less, or at least 80 % less, or at least 90 % less, or at least 95 % less, than the fixed carbon content of coal, or optionally all solid fossil fuel employed in the feedstock composition, or optionally any solids other that textile and/or plastic aggregates, or any other fuel fed to the gasifier.

[0193] The textile and/or plastic aggregates can have an average sulfur content that is fairly sizable since the high temperature or slagging gasifiers are well equipped to handle sulfur, although in practice textiles and/or plastics have a very low or only trace amounts of sulfur. The textile and/or plastic aggregates can have an average sulfur content of up to 1 wt.%, or up to 0.5 wt.%, or up to 0.25 wt.%, or up to 0.1 wt.%, or up to 0.05 wt.%, or up to 0.01 wt.%, or up to 0.005 wt.%, or up to 0.0001 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0194] The textile and/or plastic aggregates may have a widely varying ash content depending on the type of textile they are made from and the purity the textile and/or plastic aggregates stream to the select textile and/or plastic aggregates. The textile and/or plastic aggregates may have an average ash content of at least 1 wt.%, or at least 2 wt.%, or at least 3 wt.%, or at least 4 wt.%, or at least 5 wt.%, or at least 5.5 wt.%, or at least 6 wt.%, or at least 7 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, or at least 35 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least 45 wt.% based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates. The textile and/or plastic aggregates may have an average ash content of not more than 60 wt.%, or not more than 55 wt.%, or not more than 55 wt.%, or not more than 55 wt.%, or not more than 55 wt.%, or not more than 40 wt.%, or not more than 30 wt.%, or not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, desirably not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 7 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5.5 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4.5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2.5 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0195] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the average oxygen content in the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be at zero or at least 0.1 wt.%, or at least 0.5 wt.%, or at least 1 wt.%, or at least 2 wt.%, or at least 4 wt.%, or at least 6 wt.%, or at least 8 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 13 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 18 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates. Desirably, to improve the HHV, the amount of oxygen is kept low, such as not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates.

[0196] The content of minerals, metals and elements other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, in the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be at least 0.01 wt.%, or at least 0.1 wt.%, or at least 0.5 wt.%, or at least 1 wt.%, or at least 1.5 wt.%, or at least 1.8 wt.%, or at least 2 wt.%, or at least 2.3 wt.%, or at least 2.5 wt.%, or at least 2.8 wt.%, or at least 3 wt.%, based on the weight of the textile and/or plastic aggregates. The upper amount is not particularly limited, and generally would not exceed 8 wt.%, or not exceed 7 wt.%, or not exceed 6 wt.%, or not exceed 5 wt.%, or not exceed 4.5 wt.%, or not exceed 4 wt.%, or not exceed 3.8 wt.%.

[0197] If a large amount of textile and/or plastic aggregates is employed, which have a large mismatch in fixed carbon content compared to the fossil fuel used, variations in the syngas composition can be experienced outside of desirable limits. For example, a textile and/or plastic aggregate solid that has a very low fixed carbon content could, in an entrainment flow high temperature gasifier, gasify more readily than coal and proceed to generate more carbon dioxide within the residence time experienced by coal, while a co-feed of solids having a much higher fixed carbon content that coal would take longer to gasify and generate more unconverted solids The degree of syngas compositional variations that can be tolerated will depend on the use of the syngas, and in the case of making chemicals, it is desirably to minimize the factors that could cause wider syngas compositional variations. In the gasification process, there is one or more first feedstock streams fed to a gasifier during a first time period, and one or more second feedstock stream fed to the same gasifier during a second time period. At least one of the one or more first feedstock streams contain a solid fossil fuel and may or may not also contain textiles and/or plastics. At least one of the one or more second feedstock streams contain textiles and/or plastics. The amount by weight of textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier during the second time period is more than the amount by weight of textiles and/or plastics fed to the same gasifier during the first time period, based on the weight of all gasifier fuel fed to the gasifier.

[0198] The one or more first feedstock streams fed to the gasifier contain a solid fossil fuel fed to the gasifier during a first time period, and one or more of those streams may optionally contain textiles and/or plastics. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the amount of solid fossil fuel, such as coal, in the one or more first feedstock streams can be at least at least 80 wt.%, or at least 85 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, or at least 93 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.%, or at least 97 wt.%, or at least 98 wt.%, or at least 98.5 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.%, and less than 100 wt.%, or less than 99.5 wt.%, based on the weight of solids in the one or more first feedstock streams or based on the weight of all gasifier fuel in the one or more first feedstock streams.

[0199] During the first time period, the gasifier is operated to optimize conditions effective to produce a consistent high-quality syngas with minimal char or carbon dioxide production from a fossil fuel feedstock. In many cases, the chemical production is based on a syngas composition and consistency generated from operating conditions designed for processing the fossil fuel feedstock. However, the gasification operating conditions during the first time period can tolerate the use of plastic and/or textile feedstocks in a form and in amounts that do not disrupt the operations or syngas composition and consistency to the point where the syngas disrupts production of chemicals. [0200] Since textiles and/or plastics have, on average, a much lower fixed carbon content than solid fossil fuels, the amount of carbon dioxide they generate will be more than, and the amount of carbon monoxide they generate in the syngas discharged from the reactor will be lower than, that of the solid fossil fuels at the same residence time as the solid fossil fuels in the gasification zone and on the same weight basis when operating at conditions effective to gasify fossil fuels that favor CO production over carbon dioxide. Accordingly, the amount of the textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier in the one or more first feedstock streams or during the first time period are low to obtain the advantage of minimizing the increase in carbon dioxide content or depletion of carbon monoxide content or the CO/hydrogen ratio. While the exact amount of plastics or textiles that can be tolerated without disrupting the production of chemicals is dependent on the kind of fossil fuel being gasified, the gasifier design being a dry feed or slurry feed, the operating conditions, and the downstream purification sections, the amount of textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier in the one or more first feedstock streams or during the first time period will be lower than the amount fed during the second time period or in the one or more second feedstock streams. The amount of plastics and/or textiles fed to the gasifier during the second time period or contained in the one or more second feedstock streams can be at least 20% higher, or at least 40% higher, or at least 50% higher, or at least 70% higher, or at least 80% higher, or at least 100% higher, or at least 130% higher, or at least 150% higher, or at least 175% higher, or at least 200% higher, or at least 225% higher, or at least 250% higher, or at least 275% higher, or at least 300% higher, or at least 350% higher, or at least 400% higher, or at least 500% higher, or at least 600% higher, or at least 700% higher, or at least 800% higher, or at least 900% higher, or at least 1000% higher, or at least 1250% higher, or at least 1500% higher, or at least 1750% higher, or at least 2000% higher, or at least 2500% higher, or at least 3000% higher, or at least 4000% higher than the amount fed to the gasifier during the first time period or in the one or more first feedstock streams, on a weight basis and based on the weight of all fuel fed to the gasifier. For example, plastics and/or textiles fed to the gasifier in an amount of 50 wt.% during the second time period would be 2400% higher than plastics and/or textiles fed to the gasifier during the first time period or in one or more first feedstock streams at 2 wt.%: (50-2)/2 x 100. [0201] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the amount of textiles and/or plastics relative to all sources of fuel (solid, liquid or gas) fed to the gasifier in the one or more first feedstock streams or during the first time period is not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 9 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 7 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3.5 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2.75 wt.%, or not more than 2.5 wt.%, or not more than 2.25 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1.75 wt.%, or not more than 1.5 wt.%, or not more than 1.25 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, based on the weight of all gasifier fuel fed to the gasifier (and fuel does not include the oxidizer, steam, water, or carbon dioxide gas). Examples of the content of textiles and/or plastics present in the one or more first feedstock stream composition include 0.25 wt.% to less than 5 wt.%, or from 0.25 wt.% to 4 wt.%, or from 0.25 wt.% to 3 wt.%, or from 0.25 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%, or from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or from 0.5 wt.% to 4 wt.%, or from 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%, or from 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%, or from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or from 1 wt.% to 4 wt.%, or from 1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, or from 1 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% each based on the weight of the fuel in the first feedstock streams fed to the gasifier.

[0202] The production of syngas during the first period of time can extend for as long as one desires. The first period of time and the second period of time can be the same time periods or different time period. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the second time period is shorter than the first time period. For example, the second time period is shorter than the first time period by at least one day, or by at least 7 days, or by at least 14 days, or by at least 30 days, or by at least 60 days, or by at least 90 days, or by at least 120 days, or by at least 160 days, or by at least 240 days, or by at least 280 days, or by at least 300 days, or by at least 320 days, or by at least 330 days, or by at least 340 days.

[0203] The second time period begins when gasifier textiles and/or plastics are added to a feedstock stream and gasified and one or more conditions are present:

a. the gasification temperature is lowered by at least 50°C, or b. the amount of textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier is more than

10 wt.%, or any of the amount stated below, based on the weight of all fuel fed to the gasifier. [0204] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the amount of textiles and/or plastics present in the one or more second feedstock streams fed to the gasifier or during at least a portion the second time period are more than more than 10 wt.%, or more than 15 wt.%, or more than 20 wt.%, or more than 25 wt.%, or more than 30 wt.%, or more than 35 wt.%, or more than 40 wt.%, or more than 45 wt.%, or more than 50 wt.%, or more than 55 wt.%, or more than 60 wt.%, or more than 65 wt.%, or more than 70 wt.%, or more than 75 wt.%, or more than 80 wt.%, or more than 85 wt.%, or more than 90 wt.%, or more than 95 wt.%, or more than 97 wt.%, or more than 98 wt.%, or more than 99 wt.%, or even 100 wt.%, based on the weight of all fuel fed to the gasifier during the second time period.

[0205] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the amount of solid fossil fuel, such as coal, in the one or more second feedstock streams fed to the gasifier can be zero, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 25 wt.%, or not more than 30 wt.%, or not more than 35 wt.%, or not more than 40 wt.%, or not more than 45 wt.%, or not more than 50 wt.%, or not more than 55 wt.%, or not more than 60 wt.%, or not more than 65 wt.%, or not more than 70 wt.%, or not more than 75 wt.%, or not more than 80 wt.%, or not more than 85 wt.%, or not more than 90 wt.%, based on the weight of solids in the one or more second feedstock stream or based on the weight of all gasifier fuel in the one or more second feedstock streams.

[0206] The transition from the first time period to the second time period can be abrupt, such as the addition of the plastics and/or textiles and discontinuing feeding the same amounts of fossil fuel all in one day (or within 6 hours) or gradually over two or more days or over a week or two weeks. The changeover of fuel during transition can be accompanied by a shutdown of fuel feedstock supply to the gasifier or desirably is conducted by the continuous feed of fuel of fuel to the gasifier during the feedstock changeover. During the transition period, the change in gasifier process conditions, and particularly the gasification temperature, are desirably coordinated with and correspond to the rate of textile and/or plastics addition to the feedstock stream. [0207] The designation of one or more first feedstock streams and one or more second feedstock streams does not imply the use of different physical equipment between the two, or different feed locations, or imply any difference at all between the two, other than the relative amount of textiles and/or plastics will be different. While other physical differences can exist, they are not implied by the use of the terms first feedstock and second feedstock. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the same feedstock train or lines, or the same feed locations, or the same injector devices are used for the first and second feedstocks. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, a different line than used to feed fossil fuel during the first time period can be installed and/or used in as the one or more second feedstocks to the gasifier, optionally and desirably fed to the same location and/or through the same injector. If desired, one or more second feedstock stream can be fed to a second and different location on the gasifier than the feed location for the one or more first feedstock stream.

[0208] The same gasifier is used to feed the first and second feedstock streams.

[0209] In the second feedstock stream or during the second time period, the amount of textiles and/or plastics fed to the gasifier will be high. During the second time period, the gasifier is operated under one or more conditions that are different from the conditions during the first time period. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the gasifier conditions during the second time period are optimized for a low conversion to carbon dioxide and for the production of carbon monoxide. Since textiles and/ plastics contain very low amount of fixed carbon, if any, the gasification temperature will be lower to minimize carbon dioxide production, and under those conditions, the presence of fossil fuel in the gasification zone can lead to incomplete gasification and generation of char. To minimize the production of char, desirably the amount of fossil fuel fed to the gasifier in the one or more second feedstock streams or during the second time period is lower than the amount fed in the one or more first feedstock streams or during the first time period. Desirably, the amount of fossil fuel fed to the gasifier in the one or more second feedstock streams or during at least a portion of the second time period is not more than 80 wt.%, or not more than 70 wt.%, or not more than 60 wt.%, or not more than 50 wt.%, or not more than 40 wt.%, or not more than 30 wt.%, or not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or none at all, based on the weight of all solid fuel fed to the gasifier in the one or more second feedstock streams or during the second time period.

[0210] To minimize the production of carbon dioxide and maximize the production of carbon monoxide, at least one process condition in the gasifier is different: the gasification temperature during at least a portion of the second time period is lower than the gasification temperature during the first time period. The gasification temperature during the first time period is determined as the first continuous 2-month average operating temperature within gasification zone preceding the second time period during which solid fossil fuel is fed to the gasifier in an amount of at least 95 wt.% based on the weight of all solid fuel fed to the gasifier. The gasification temperature in the second time period is also determined as an average over any continuous portion of time that represents at least 30% of the second time period, or at least 50% of the second time period, or at least 70% of the second time period, or at least 90% of the second time period. Sudden unusual spikes or drops in temperature not normally encountered during steady state operations are discounted when determining an average temperature during the first and second time periods.

[0211] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the gasification temperature during the second time period at least 25°C less than the gasification temperature during the first time period, or at least 35°C, or at least 45°C, or at least 60°C, or at least 80°C, or at least 100°C, or at least 125°C, or at least 150°C, or at least 175°C, or at least 200°C, or at least 225°C, or at least 250°C, or at least 275°C, or at least 300°C, or at least 325°C, or at least 350°C, or at least 375°C, or at least 400°C.

[0212] To avoid the formation of tar and inordinate amounts of char, the

temperature of the gasification zone fed with one or more second feedstocks or during at least a portion of the second time period is maintained at or above the ash fusion temperature of the plastics and/or textiles.

[0213] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the gasification conditions and feedstock composition during the first time period are effective to generate a molten slag in the gasification zone. Since the plastics and/or textiles may have lower amounts of incombustible elements such as metals and minerals, the amount of slag produced during at least a portion of the second time period is less than the amount produced during the first time period on a daily basis over a 12-day period or the second time period, whichever is shorter. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the amount of slag produced during at least a portion of the second time period is at least 10% less, or at least 20% less, or at least 40% less, or at least 60% less, or at least 80% less, or at least 90% less than the amount produced during the first time period. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, no slag is produced during at least a portion of the second time period. The amount of slag produced can be determined by weighing the solid slag discharged from the gasifier.

[0214] Since textiles and/or plastics will have a higher thermal energy demand than coal to gasify, the temperature within the gasification zone at high

concentrations can drop lower than desired, below the amount that minimized char formation and even below the ash fusion temperature. To avoid a net thermal energy input, and minimize the temperature drop beyond that desired, the free oxyge carbon molar ratio can be increased while remaining below the gasification temperature employed in the first time period. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the 0:C ratio (O being free oxygen) is increased when feeding the one or more second feedstocks or during at least during a portion of the second time period relative to the 0:C ratio used when feeding the one or more first feedstocks or during at least a portion of the first time period. Such time periods can be determined the same way and for the same time periods as used to determine the average temperatures. The 0:C ratio when feeding the one or more second feedstocks or during at least during a portion of the second time period, relative to the 0:C ratio used when feeding the one or more first feedstocks or during at least a portion of the first time period, can be increased by at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 12%, or at least 15%, or at least 20%, or at least 25%, or at least 30%.

[0215] With many gasifier designs, the fossil fuel (coal or petcoke) and the textiles and/or plastics are size reduced for multiple purposes. The textiles and/or plastics are of a small size as is the fossil fuel source to (i) allow for faster reaction once inside the gasifier due to mass transfer limitations, (ii) to create a slurry that is stable, fluid and flowable at high concentrations of solids to water in slurry fed gasifiers, (iii) to pass through processing equipment such as high-pressure pumps, valves, and feed injectors that have tight clearances, (iv) to flow through screens between the mills or grinders and the gasifier, (vi) to have sufficient density to allow them to form a stable bed or (v) to be conveyed with gases used for conveying solid fossil fuels to dry fed gasifiers.

[0216] The form of the textiles and/or plastics feedstocks used to make size reduced textiles and/or plastics as gasifier feedstocks are not limited, and can include any of the forms of articles or materials used to make textiles described above; e.g. fibers, yarns, fabrics, cloths, finished article forms, or pieces thereof, and for plastics, and can include sheets, extruded shapes, moldings, films, laminates, and foamed, each of varying age and composition

[0217] The size of the textiles and/or plastics are desirably not larger than the maximum size the gasifier in use can accept. Many coal fed gasifiers can grind or mill the coal to a desired size before feeding them to the gasification zone, particularly with respect to plastics feeds.

[0218] The actual particle size of the textiles and/or plastics and textile and/or plastic aggregates can vary with the type of gasifier used. For example, textiles and/or plastics and their aggregates having an average particle size of 1/4 inch or less in their largest dimension cannot be processed through an entrained flow coal gasifier. However, fixed bed or moving bed gasifiers can accept larger particle sizes. Examples of suitable sizes of textiles and/or plastics and their aggregates fed to a fixed bed or moving bed gasifier are not more than 12 inches, or not more than 8 inches, or not more than 6 inches, or not more than 5 inches, or not more than 4 inches, or not more than 3.75 inches, or not more than 3.5 inches, or not more than 3.25 inches, or not more than 3 inches, or not more than 2.75 inches, or not more than 2.5 inches, or not more than 2.25 inches, or not more than 2 inches, or not more than 1.75 inches, or not more than 1.5 inches, or not more than 1.25 inches. The size can be at least 2mm, or at least 1/8 inches, or at least ¼ inches, or at least ½ inches, or at least 1 inch, or at least 1.5 inches, or at least 1.75 inches, or at least 2 inches, or at least 2.5 inches, or at least 3 inches, or at least 3.5 inches, or at least 4 inches, or at least 4.5 inches, or at least 5 inches, or at least 5.5 inches. Such relatively large textile and/or plastic aggregates are better suited for use in fixed or moving bed gasifiers, especially those that are updraft fixed or moving bed gasifiers.

[0219] With many gasifier designs, the fossil fuel (coal or petcoke) and the textile and/or plastic aggregates are size reduced for multiple purposes. The textile and/or plastic aggregates are of a small size as is the fossil fuel source to (i) allow for faster reaction once inside the gasifier due to mass transfer limitations, (ii) to create a slurry that is stable, fluid and flowable at high concentrations of solids to water in slurry fed gasifiers, (iii) to pass through processing equipment such as high-pressure pumps, valves, and feed injectors that have tight clearances, (iv) to flow through screens between the mills or grinders and the gasifier, or (v) to be conveyed with gases used for conveying solid fossil fuels to dry fed gasifiers.

[0220] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the textile and/or plastics and their aggregate particle sizes are desirably not more than 5 inches, or not more than 4 inches, or not more than 1 inch, or not more than ¼ inch, or not more than 2 mm. The larger sizes are useful for addition to a fixed bed or moving bed gasifier, particularly in updraft gasifiers to provide sufficient density to allow them to contact the bed as a solid that has not fully charred or be converted to ash.

[0221] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the solids in the gasifier feedstock, including the textiles and/or plastics and their aggregates, have a particle size of 2 mm or smaller. This embodiment is particularly attractive to entrained flow gasifiers, including dry feed and slurry fed gasifiers, and to fluidized bed gasifiers. As used throughout, unless a different basis is expressed (e.g. a mean), a stated size means that at least 90 wt.% of the textiles and/or plastics particles have a largest dimension in the stated size, or alternatively that 90 wt.% of the textiles and/or plastics pass through sieve

designated for that particle size. Either conditions satisfy the particle size

designation. Textiles and/or plastics and their aggregates sized larger than 2 mm for an entrained flow gasifier have the potential for being blown through the gasification zone of entrained flow gasifiers without completely gasifying, particularly when the gasification conditions are established to gasify solid fossil fuel having a particle dimension of 2 mm or smaller. [0222] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the size of the textiles and/or plastics as such or as combined with a fossil fuel, or in the gasifier feed, or injected into the gasification zone, is 2 mm or smaller or constitute those particles passing through a 10 mesh, or 1.7 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 12 mesh), or 1.4 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 14 mesh), or 1.2 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 16 mesh), or 1 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 18 mesh), or 0.85 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 20 mesh), or 0.7 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 25 mesh) or 0.6 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 30 mesh), or 0.5 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 35 mesh), or 0.4 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 40 mesh), or 0.35 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 45 mesh), or 0.3 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 50 mesh), or 0.25 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 60 mesh), or 0.15 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 100 mesh), or 0.1 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 140 mesh), or 0.07 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 200 mesh), or 0.044 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 325 mesh), or 0.037 mm or smaller (those particles passing through a 400 mesh). In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the size of the textiles and/or plastics particles is at least 0.037 mm (or 90% retained on a 400 mesh).

[0223] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the bulk density of the textiles and/or plastics after final grinding is within 150%, or within 1 10%, or within 100%, or within 75%, or within 60%, or within 55%, or within 50%, or within 45%, or within 40%, or within 35% of the bulk density of the ground fossil fuel that is used as a feed introduced to the gasification zone.

For example, if the granulated coal has a bulk density of 40 lbs./ft ³ and the textiles and/or plastics have a bulk density of 33 lbs./ft ³ , the bulk density of the textiles and/or plastics would be within 21 % of the ground coal. For measurement purposes, the bulk density of the textiles and/or plastics and the fossil fuel is determined on a dry basis (without addition of water) even if they are ultimately used as a slurry.

[0224] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the maximum particle size of the textile and/or plastic aggregates is selected to be similar (below or above) to the maximum particle size of the ground solid fossil fuel. The maximum particle size of the textile and/or plastic aggregates used in the gasifier feedstock can be not more than 50% larger than the maximum solid fossil fuel size in the gasifier feedstock, or not more than 45%, or not more than 40%, or not more than 35%, or not more than 30%, or not more than 25%, or not more than 20%, or not more than 15%, or not more than 10%, or not more than 5%, or not more than 3%, or not more than 2%, or not more than 1 % larger than the maximum solid fossil fuel size in the gasifier feedstock, or not larger than, or smaller than the maximum solid fossil fuel size in the gasifier feedstock. Optionally, the maximum particle size of the textile and/or plastic aggregates used in the gasifier feedstock as stated above can be within (meaning not larger than and not smaller than) the stated values. The maximum particle size is not determined as the maximum size of the particle distribution but rather by sieving through meshes. The maximum particle size is determined as the first mesh which allows at least 90 volume % of a sample of the particles to pass. For example, if less than 90 volume % of a sample passes through a 300 mesh, then a 100 mesh, a 50 mesh, a 30 mesh, a 16 mesh, but succeeds at a 14 mesh, then the maximum particle size of that sample is deemed to correspond to the first mesh size that allowed at least 90 volume % to pass through, and in this case, a 14 mesh corresponding to a maximum particle size of 1.4 mm.

[0225] The textile and/or plastic are desirably isolated as textiles and/or plastics feed for ultimate destination to be fed to a gasifier. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, at least 80 wt.%, or at least 85 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.%, or at least 96 wt.%, or at least 97 wt.%, or at least 98 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.%, or at least 99.5 wt.%, or 100 wt.% of all solid feedstock other than solid fossil fuels and sand fed to the gasifier are textiles and/or plastics, based on the cumulative weight of all streams containing solids fed to the gasifier. These ranges are applicable to either the first or second feedstocks or during the first or second time periods.

[0226] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the textiles and/or plastics can be mixed or co-fed with any other renewable natural (not synthetic) source or recycle source of material (recycle meaning post-consumer and postindustrial). For example, paper and cardboard, biowaste (e.g. food), wastewater sludge, switchgrass, and wood chips can be combined with the waste plastics and/or textiles. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the amount renewable natural (not synthetic) source or recycle source of material, other than recycle textiles and/or plastics, can is at 1 wt.%, or at least 2 wt.%, or at least 5 wt.%, or at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, but not more than 90 wt.%, or not more than 50 wt.%, or not more than 25 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.% or not more than 1 wt.%, based on the weight of all solid fuel fed to the gasifier other than solid fossil fuel. Desirably, the amount renewable natural (not synthetic) source or recycle source of material, other than recycle textiles and/or plastics, is less than 1 wt.%, or less than 0.5 wt.%, or zero based on the weight of all solid fuel fed to the gasifier other than solid fossil fuel. These ranges are applicable to either the first or second feedstocks or during the first or second time periods.

[0227] The textiles and/or plastics are optionally sieved, and then combined with one or more fossil fuel components of the feedstock stream at any location prior to introducing the feedstock stream into gasification zone within the gasifier. Solid fossil fuel grinding equipment will provide an excellent source of energy for mixing textile and/or plastic aggregates with the solid fossil fuel while reducing the size of the solid fossil fuel particles. Therefore, one of the desirable locations for combining textile and/or plastic aggregates having a target size for feeding into the gasifier is into the equipment used for grinding the other solid fossil fuel sources (e.g. coal, pet coke). This location is particularly attractive in a slurry fed gasifier because it is desirable to use a feed having the highest stable solids concentration possible, and at higher solids concentration, the viscosity of the slurry is also high. The torque and shear forces employed in fossil fuel grinding equipment is high, and coupled with the shear thinning behavior of a solid fossil fuel (e.g. coal) slurry, good mixing of the textile and/or plastic aggregates with the ground fossil fuel can be obtained in the fossil fuel grinding equipment.

[0228] Other locations for combining textile and/or plastic aggregates with fossil fuel sources can be onto the fossil fuel loaded on the main fossil fuel belt feeding a mill or grinder, or onto the main fossil fuel before the fossil fuel is loaded onto the belt to the mill or grinder, or into a fossil fuel slurry storage tank containing a slurry of fossil fuel ground to the final size, particularly if the storage tank is agitated. [0229] More particularly, there are several locations that provide a safe, economic and effective way to introduce textile and/or plastic aggregates to a slurry fed coal gasifier. In additional embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 shows four locations where post-consumer textile and/or plastic aggregates can be introduced. All of these points are in the low-pressure section (lower than the pressure within the gasifier or gasification zone) of the process thus reducing the cost of modifications.

[0230] In an embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be introduced at location 100, the main fossil fuel belt (e.g. coal feed belt). For purposes of convenience, reference is made to coal in Figure 1 although it is to be understood that any solid fossil fuel can be employed. The textile and/or plastic aggregates are metered onto the main coal feed belt as it moves past with the coal already loaded onto the belt. The textile and/or plastic aggregates are added to the belt using a weigh belt feeder, or other similar device, to measure the mass of the material, and the speed of the belt to determine addition rate. The coal is similarly added to the same belt and would be underneath the textile and/or plastic aggregates. The combined solid mixture of the coal and textile and/or plastic aggregates in the proper ratio are then conveyed to surge hoppers and other storage and conveying equipment until it is ultimately fed to the coal grinding mill. In the coal grinding mill, the coal, textile and/or plastic aggregates, water and viscosity modifiers are mixed thoroughly, and the coal is reduced in size to the target grind size distribution and the mixture becomes a viscous slurry. The textile and/or plastic aggregates that are not agglomerates undergo very little or no size reduction since they are a softer material, but nevertheless benefit from the extreme mixing in the mill due to its inclusion into the slurry production process. The textile and/or plastic aggregates have been size reduced the same average size as introduced into the gasification zone and do not need any further size reduction after addition to the solid fossil fuel or water used to make the slurry.

[0231] In another embodiment of the invention, textile and/or plastic aggregates can be introduced as shown in Figure 1 location number 110. This is the same process as described in location number 100 above, except that the textile and/or plastic aggregates are added to the main coal belt first, before the coal is added. In this manner, the coal is on top. Since the textile and/or plastic aggregates may have a lower bulk density than coal or other solid fossil fuel, it may be easier for the textile and/or plastic aggregates to be blown off of the belt in a strong wind upon deposition or as it moves down the belt, or otherwise when screened. With the more dense solid fossil fuel covering the textile and/or plastic aggregates, this dusting and loss of material can be greatly reduced.

[0232] In another embodiment the invention, the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be added at location number 120, the grinding mill. The existing equipment, coal, water and viscosity modifiers are already added to the grinding mill to reduce the particle size of the coal or petcoke and produce a viscous slurry high in solids. The textile and/or plastic aggregates can be independently conveyed to the entry point of the mill and added directly to the mill in the proper ratio. The mill will then grind the solid fossil fuel, produce the slurry and thoroughly mix in the textile and/or plastic aggregates in the process. This avoids wind and weather effects on the coal, recycled material mixture.

[0233] In yet another embodiment of the invention the textile and/or plastic aggregates can be introduced at location number 130, the slurry storage tank. Since the textile and/or plastic aggregates are pre-ground to the proper particle size for introduction into the gasifier, it can be added to the slurry storage tank directly after the grinding/slurry operation. Alternatively, textile and/or plastic aggregates can be added to the tank through a separate screen or the screen used by the slurry to ensure no excessively large textile and/or plastic aggregates are passed to the tank. This is the last low-pressure addition point before the slurry is pumped at pressure to the gasifier. This will minimize the amount of material in process that is mixed together. The agitation in the slurry tanks will mix in the textile and/or plastic aggregates textile and/or plastic aggregates to ensure they are evenly distributed.

[0234] Granulators can be used to obtain the desired size reduction. These can include systems for shredding the textiles and/or plastics using high capacity shredders, and if necessary, a fine/powder granulator can be used in a last step. For the last step, the fine/powder granulators can be in communication with a conveying system to transport the textile and/or plastic aggregates to a storage vessel from which the textile and/or plastic aggregates particles can be fed to any location for making the feedstock stream, or the particles can be fed continuously from the fine granulator to the desired location for making the feedstock stream. The feed of granulated textile and/or plastic aggregates particles from a storage vessel can be in a batch mode or in a continuous mode.

[0235] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, during the second time period, a fossil fuel mill or grinder is present but not used to mill or grid any fossil fuel, or is not in operation. Optionally, the textiles and/or plastics are fed downstream of a fossil fuel grinder or mill, such as to a slurry tank.

[0236] The solid fossil fuel is typically ground to a size of 2 mm or less, and can be ground to any of the sizes noted above with respect to the textile and/or plastic aggregates of less than 2 mm. The small size of the coal and textile and/or plastic aggregates particles is advantageous to enhance a uniform suspension in the liquid vehicle which will not settle out, to allow sufficient motion relative to the gaseous reactants, to assure substantially complete gasification, and to provide pumpable slurries of high solids content with a minimum of grinding.

[0237] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, both textile and plastic aggregates are fed to the gasifier. For example, a single feedstock composition can contain the textile and/or plastic aggregate particles, or they may be contained in separate streams fed to the gasifier. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, at least 80 wt.%, or at least 85 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, or at least 95 wt.%, or at least 96 wt.%, or at least 97 wt.%, or at least 98 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.%, or at least 99.5 wt.%, or 100 wt.% of all solid feedstock, other than solid fossil fuels, fed to the gasifier is textile and/or plastic aggregate and recycle plastic particles, based on the cumulative weight of all streams containing solids fed to the gasifier.

[0238] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the solids fed to the gasifier include a combination of textiles and plastic particles as a solid/solid combination, and desirably also solid fossil fuel particles. The weight ratio of textile:plastic can be from 1 :99 to 99:1 , or 10:90 to 90:10, or 20:80 to 80:20, or from 30:70 to 70:30.

[0239] If plastic and textile aggregates are used in combination, the combination is desirably not more than any of the sizes mentioned above applicable to the textile and/or plastic aggregate. [0240] The solids in the feedstock composition desirably do not contain sewage sludge, wastepaper not already embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, or biomass. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the feedstock composition contains not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.5 wt.%, or not more than 0.25 wt.%, or not more than 0.1 wt.% of any one of sewage sludge, waste paper not embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, biomass, or a combination of two or more, each based on the weight of the solids in the feedstock composition.

[0241] The textiles and/or plastics may contain some level of inorganic materials other than polymer, such as metals, glass (whether in the form of fibers or particles), mineral fillers, and other inorganic materials. The quantity of such materials in the textiles and/or plastics that feed into the feedstock composition, is desirably less than 8 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3.5 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1.5 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.75 wt.%, or not more than 0.5 wt.%, based on the weight of the textiles and/or plastics.

[0242] The amount of solid fossil fuel, such as coal, in the feedstock or fed to the gasifier can be at least 10 wt.%, or at least 98 wt.%, or at least 98.5 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.%, and less than 100 wt.%, or less than 99.5 wt.%, based on the weight of solids in the feedstock.

[0243] Coal contains a quantity of ash that also contains elements other than carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The quantity of elements other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur in the fossil fuel, or in the feedstock composition, is desirably not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 13 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 9 wt.%, or not more than 8.5 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 7.5 wt.%, or not more than 7 wt.%, or not more than 7.5 wt.%, or not more than 7 wt.%, or not more than 6.5 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5.5 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4.5 wt.%, based on the dry weight of the fossil fuel or alternatively based on the weight of all dry solids in the feedstock composition, or based on the weight of the feedstock composition, respectively. [0244] The caloric heat value of textiles and/or plastics are desirably similar to or better than that of coal. For example, the textiles and/or plastics can have a heat value of at least 13,000, or at least 13,500, or at least 14,000 BTU/lb., or in the range of 13,000 to 15,000 BTU/lb. (30 MJ/Kg - 35 MJ/Kg), while bituminous coal can have a heat value in a range of 12,500 to 13,300 BTU/lb. (29 - 31 MJ/Kg). Further, any ash or non-organic material can be melted and vitrified into the ash or slag matrix that is produced from the inorganics in the coal.

[0245] The concentration of solids (e.g. fossil fuel and textiles and/or plastics) in the feedstock composition should not exceed the stability limits of a slurry or a solids/solids mix, or the ability to pump or feed the feedstock at the target solids concentration to the gasifier. Flowever, the concentration of plastics and/or textiles in a slurry should be as high as possible to lower the amount of water fed to the gasifier since water consumes thermal energy. Desirably, the solids content of a fossil fuel containing slurry the first feedstock stream or during the first time period, should be at least 50 wt.%, or at least 55 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%, or at least 62 wt.%, or at least 65 wt.%, or at least 68 wt.%, or at least 69 wt.%, or at least 70 wt.%, or at least 75 wt.%, based on the weight of the slurry remainder being a liquid phase that can include water and liquid additives. The upper limit is not particularly limited because it is dependent upon the gasifier design. The solids content in the textile and/or plastics containing slurry in the second feedstock stream or during the second time period is also desirably as high as possible, such as at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, or at least 35 wt.%, or at least 40 wt.%, or at least 45 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 65 wt.%, based on the weight of the slurry.

[0246] The solids concentration of a dry fossil fuel fed gasifier in the first feedstock stream or during the first time period, is desirably 95 wt.% or more, or 97 wt.% or more, or 98 wt.% or more, or 99 wt.% or more, or 100 wt.%, based on the weight of the solid fuel fed to the gasifier or of all fuel fed to the gasifier (excluding the weight of the gas and moisture contained in the solids). The textile and/or plastic concentration of a dry fossil fuel fed gasifier the second feedstock stream or during the second time period, is desirably in the amounts stated above, e.g. starting at an amount of at least more than 10 wt.% and up to 100 wt.%. weight of the solid fuel fed to the gasifier or of all fuel fed to the gasifier (excluding the weight of the gas and moisture contained in the solids).

[0247] A slurry feedstock composition in either or both of the first and second feedstocks streams is desirably stable at 5 minutes, or even 10 minutes, or even 15 minutes, or even 20 minutes, or even ½ hour, or even 1 hour, or even two hours. A slurry feedstock is deemed stable if its initial viscosity is 100,000 cP or less. The initial viscosity can be obtained by the following method. A 500-600 g of a well- mixed sample is allowed to stand still in a 600 ml_ liter glass beaker at ambient conditions (e.g. 25°C and about 1 atm). A Brookfield R/S Rheometer equipped with V80-40 vane operating at a shear rate of 1.83/s is submerged into the slurry to the bottom of the beaker after the slurry is well mixed (e.g. a homogeneous distribution of solids was formed). After a designated period of time, a viscosity reading is obtained at the start of rotation, which is the initial viscosity reading. The slurry is considered to be stable if the initial reading on starting a viscosity measurement is not more than 100,000 cP at the designated period of time. Alternatively, the same procedure can be used with a Brookfield viscometer with an LV-2 spindle rotating at a rate of 0.5 rpm. Since different viscosity value will be obtained using the different equipment, the type of equipment used should be reported. However, regardless of the differences, the slurry is considered stable under either method only if its viscosity is not more than 100,000 cP at the reported time.

[0248] The quantity of solids in the feedstock composition and their particle size are adjusted to maximize the solids content while maintaining a stable and pumpable slurry. A pumpable slurry is one which has a viscosity under 30,000 cP, or not more than 25,000 cP, or not more than 23,000 cP, and desirably not more than 20,000 cP, or not more than 18,000 cP, or not more than 15,000 cP, or not more than 13,000 cP, in each case at ambient conditions (e.g. 25°C and 1 atm). At higher viscosities, the slurry becomes too thick to practically pump. The viscosity measurement to determine the pumpability of the slurry is taken by mixing a sample of the slurry until a homogeneous distribution of particles is obtained, thereafter immediately submerging a Brookfield viscometer with an LV-2 spindle rotating at a rate of 0.5 rpm into the well mixed slurry and taking a reading without delay. Alternatively, a

Brookfield R/S rheometer with V80-40 vane spindle operating at a shear rate of 1.83/s can be used. The method of measurement is reported since the measured values between the two rheometers at their difference shear rates will generate different values. However, the cP values stated above apply to either of the rheometer devices and procedures.

[0249] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the slurry feedstock composition in the first, second, or both feedstock streams has a viscosity of 80,000 cP or less, or 70,000 cP or less, or 60,000 cP or less, 50,000 cP or less, or 40,000 cP or less, or 35,000 cP or less, or 25,000 cP or less, or 20,000 cP or less, or 15,000 cP or less, or 10,000 cP or less, in each case, at 5 minutes, or even 10 minutes, or even 15 minutes, or even 20 minutes, desirably at 5 minutes or at 20 minutes, or at 20 minutes and desirably at 60,000 cP or less or 40,000 cP or less.

[0250] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the fossil fuel is at least coal. The quality of the coal employed is not limited. Anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, brown coal, and lignite coal can be sources of coal feedstock. To increase the thermal efficiency of the gasifier, the coal employed desirably has a carbon content that exceeds 35 wt.%, or at least 42 wt.%, based on the weight of the coal. Accordingly, bituminous or anthracite coal is desirable due to their higher energy content.

[0251] Sulfur is also typically present in solid fossil fuels. Desirably, the content of sulfur is less than 5 wt.%, not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2.5 wt.%, and also can contain a measure of sulfur, such as at least 0.25 wt.%, or at least 0.5 wt.%, or at least 0.75 wt.%, based on the weight of the solid fossil fuel.

[0252] It is also desirable to employ a solid fossil fuel with a low inherent moisture content to improve the thermal efficiency of the gasifier. Using coal having moisture contents less than 25 wt.% or less than 20 wt.% or less than 15 wt.% or not more than 10 wt.% or not more than 8 wt.% is desirable to improve the energy efficiency of the gasifier.

[0253] Desirably, the coal feedstock has a heat value of at least 1 1 ,000 BTU/lb., or at least 11 ,500 BTU/lb., or at least 12,500 BTU/lb., or at least 13,000 BTU/lb., or at least 13,500 BTU/lb., or at least 14,000 BTU/lb., or at least 14,250 BTU/lb., or at least 14,500 BTU/lb. [0254] In a slurry fed gasifier, while it is possible that the feedstock composition may contain minor amounts of liquid hydrocarbon oils leached from textiles and/or plastics or coal, the feedstock composition desirably contains less than 5 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.1 wt.% liquid (at ambient conditions) non-oxygenated hydrocarbon petroleum oils introduced as such into the feedstock composition. Desirably, the feedstock composition contains less than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or no added liquid fraction from refining crude oil or reforming any such fraction in a slurry feedstock stream or to a slurry fed gasifier.

[0255] In a slurry gasifier feedstock, the content of liquids, or the content of water, present in the first and/or second feedstock streams is desirably not more than 50 wt.%, or not more than 35 wt.%, or not more than 32 wt.%, or not more than 31 wt.%, or not more than 30 wt.%, based on the weight of the feedstock stream.

Desirably, in each case, the content of liquids or water in the feedstock stream composition for a slurry fed gasifier is desirably at least 10 wt.%, or at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%, or at least 25 wt.%, or at least 27 wt.%, or at least 30 wt.%, based on the weight of the feedstock composition. The liquids present in the slurry gasifier feedstock desirably contain at least 95 wt.% water, or at least 96 wt.% water, or at least 97 wt.% water, or at least 98 wt.% water, or at least 99 wt.% water, based on the weight of all liquids fed to the gasifier. In another embodiment or in

combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, other than chemical additives that are chemically synthesized and contain oxygen or sulfur or nitrogen atoms, the liquid content of the feedstock composition is at least 96 wt.% water, or at least 97 wt.% water, or at least 98 wt.% water, or at least 99 wt.% water, based on the weight of all liquids fed to the gasifier.

[0256] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, at least a portion of the fuel feedstock to the gasifier is a liquid at 25°C and 1 atmosphere, such as organic feedstocks, petroleum oils or fractions from refining or distilling crude oil, hydrocarbons, oxygenated hydrocarbons, or synthetic chemical compounds. These liquid feedstocks can be from any fraction from petroleum distillation or refining, or any chemical synthesized at a chemical manufacturing facility, provided they are liquid. These liquids are a carbon fuel source for gasifying into syngas. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, there is now also provided a combination of textiles and/or plastics and a hydrocarbon liquid fuel or oxygenated hydrocarbon liquid fuel that are liquid at 25°C and 1 atmosphere. Depending on the nature of the liquid fuel feedstock, the textile and/or plastic aggregate may be insoluble, partially soluble, or soluble in the liquid fuel feedstock.

[0257] In an embodiment, the water present in the feedstock stream is not wastewater, or in other words, the water fed to the solids to make the feedstock stream is not wastewater. Desirably, the water employed has not been industrially discharged from any process for synthesizing chemicals, or it not municipal wastewater. The water is desirably fresh water, or potable water.

[0258] In one embodiment or in combination with any mentioned embodiments, the feedstock stream comprises at least ground coal and textile and/or plastic aggregates. Desirably, the feedstock stream also comprises water. The amount of water in the feedstock stream can range from 0 wt.% up to 50 wt.%, or from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.%, or from 20 wt.% to 35 wt.%. The feedstock stream is desirably a slurry containing water.

[0259] In addition to solid fossil fuel and textiles and/or plastics, other additives can be added to and contained in the feedstock composition, such as viscosity modifiers and pH modifiers. The total quantity of additives can range from 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.%, or from 0.05 to 3 wt.%, or from 0.5 to 2.5 wt.%, based on the weight of the feedstock composition. The quantity of any individual additive can also be within these stated ranges.

[0260] The viscosity modifiers (which includes surfactants) can improve the solids concentration in a slurry gasifier feedstock. Examples of viscosity modifiers include:

(i) alkyl-substituted amine-based surfactant such as alkyl-substituted aminobutyric acid, alkyl-substituted polyethoxylated amide, and alkyl- substituted polyethoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; and

(ii) sulfates such as salts of organic sulfonic acids including ammonium, calcium and sodium sulfonates, particularly those with lignin and sulfo- alkylated lignites;

(iii) phosphate salts;

(iv)polyoxyalkylene anionic or nonionic surfactants. [0261] More specific examples of alkyl-substituted aminobutyric acid surfactants include N-coco-beta-aminobutyric acid, N-tallow-beta-aminobutyric acid, N-lauryl- beta-aminobutyric acid, and N-oleyl-beta-aminobutyric acid. N-coco-beta- aminobutyric acid.

[0262] More specific examples of alkyl-substituted polyethoxylated amide surfactant include polyoxyethylene oleamide, polyoxyethylene tallowamide, polyoxyethylene laurylamide, and polyoxyethylene cocoamide, with 5-50

polyoxyethylene moieties being present.

[0263] More specific examples of the alkyl-substituted polyethoxylated quaternary ammonium salt surfactant include methylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) cocoammonium chloride, methylpolyoxyethylene cocoammonium chloride, methylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) oleylammonium chloride, methylpolyoxyethylene oleylammonium chloride, methylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) octadecylammonium chloride, and methylpolyoxyethylene octadecylammonium chloride.

[0264] More specific examples of sulfonates include sulfonated formaldehyde condensates, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, benzene sulfonate - phenol - formaldehyde condensates, and lingosulfonates.

[0265] More specific examples of phosphate salts include trisodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, ammonium phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate or potassium tripolyphosphate.

[0266] Examples of polyoxyalkylene anionic or nonionic surfactants have 1 or more repeating units derived from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, or 1 -200 oxyalkylene units.

[0267] Desirably, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, such as salts of an organic sulfonic acid. Examples are calcium, sodium and ammonium salts of organic sulfonic acids such as 2,6-dihydroxy naphthalene sulfonic acid, lignite sulfonic acid, and ammonium lignosulfonate.

[0268] Examples of pH modifiers include aqueous alkali metal and alkaline earth hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, and ammonium compounds such as 20-50 wt.% aqueous ammonium hydroxide solutions. The aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution can be added directly to the feedstock composition prior to entry into the gasifier, such as in the coal grinding equipment or any downstream vessels containing the slurry. [0269] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the atomic ratio of total oxygen (including reacted oxygen in the plastics and/or textiles) to carbon entering the gasification zone fed with any of the first of second streams, can be a value in the range of 0.70 to less than 2, or from 0.9 to 1.9, or from 0.9 to 1.8, or from 0.9 to 1.5, or from 0.9 to 1.4, or from 0.9 to 1.2, or from 1 to 1.9, or from 1 to 1.8, or from 1 to 1.5, or from 1 to 1.2, or from 1.05 to 1.9, or from 1.05 to 1.8, or from 1.05 to 1.5, or from 1.05 to 1.2. The atomic ratio of free oxygen to carbon entering the gasification zone can also be within these same values. As noted above, the ratio of 0:C during a feed of one or more second feedstocks or during at least a portion of the second time period is higher than during a first time period. The weight ratio of both total oxygen and free oxygen to carbon in pounds entering the gasification zone can also each be within these stated values.

[0270] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the total carbon content in the feedstock composition is at least 40 wt.%, or at least 45 wt.%, or at least 50 wt.%, or at least 55 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%, or at least 65 wt.%, and desirably at least 70 wt.%, or at least 75 wt.%, or at least 80 wt.%, or at least 85 wt.%, or at least 90 wt.%, each based on the total solids content.

[0271] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, any of the gasifier feedstock compositions are desirably injected along with an oxidizer into a refractory-lined combustion chamber (gasification zone) of the synthesis gas generating gasifier. The feedstock stream (desirably a slurry) and oxidizer are desirably sprayed through an injector into a gasification zone. The gasification zone can be under significant pressure, typically about 500 psig or more, or 600 psig or more, or 800 psig or more, or 1000 psig or more. For an entrained flow gasifier, the velocity or flow rate of the feedstock and oxidizer streams ejected from the injector nozzle into the gasification zone (or combustion chamber) will exceed the rate of flame propagation to avoid backflash.

[0272] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, advantageously only one feedstock composition is charged to the gasifier or gasification zone, or in other words, all sources of carbon fuel are fed to the gasifier in only one stream. [0273] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, only one feedstock stream is necessary or employed to produce a syngas or product stream that is a raw material to synthesize a chemical compound.

[0274] The second syngas stream is a recycle derived syngas stream. The first syngas stream may by a recycle derived syngas stream if the first feedstock also contains a recycle textile and/or plastic, or may not be a recycle derived syngas stream if the first feedstock does not contain a recycle waste.

[0275] In another embodiment, a chemical is made from a first syngas sourced from a first gasifier fed with a first feedstock composition containing a solid fossil fuel is not combined with a second syngas stream sourced from any other gasifier fed with second fossil fuel feedstock composition where the solid fossil fuel content between the first and second feedstock compositions differ by more than 20%, or more than 10%, or more than 5%, based on the weight of the all solids fed to the gasifiers. For example, a first syngas stream generated from a first feedstock composition containing 90 wt.% coal would not be combined with a syngas stream generated from a different gasifier fed with a feedstock composition containing 70 wt.% coal or no coal, but could be combined with one containing 72 wt.% coal or more.

[0276] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, a first syngas sourced from a first gasifier fed with a first feedstock composition containing a first fixed carbon content is not combined with a second syngas stream sourced from any other gasifier fed with a second feedstock containing a second fixed carbon content, where the difference between the first and second fixed carbon contents is more than 20%, or more than 10%, or more than 5% of each other, based on the weight of the all solids fed to the gasifiers. For example, a first syngas stream generated from a first feedstock composition containing 70 wt.% fixed carbon based on the weight of the solids would not be combined with a syngas stream generated from a different gasifier fed with a feedstock composition containing 30 wt.% fixed carbon, but could be combined with one containing 56 wt.% fixed carbon if the limit of 20% is selected.

[0277] Prior to entry into the gasifier, the feedstock composition may be subjected to a variety of other optional processes. For example, a slurry can flow through a thickener in which excess water is eliminated from the slurry to obtain the final desired solids concentration of the slurry entering into the gasifier vessel. The feedstock composition may be pre-heated to prior to entry into the gasifier. In this embodiment, a slurry feedstock composition is heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water at the operating pressure existing in reaction zone. The preheater, when employed, reduces the heat load on the gasifier and improves the efficiency of utilization of both fuel and oxygen.

[0278] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, at least 80 wt.% of all of the water required for the generation of synthesis gas in reaction zone is supplied in liquid phase. When petroleum coke is employed as fuel for the gas generator, part of the water, e.g., from 1 to about 90 percent by weight based on the weight of water, may be vaporized in the slurry feed preheater or combined with the oxidizing stream as vaporized water.

[0279] The oxidizer is desirably an oxidizing gas that can include air, and desirably is a gas enriched in oxygen at quantities greater than that found in air. The reaction of oxygen and solid fossil fuel is exothermic. Desirably, the oxidant gas contains at least 25 mole% oxygen, or at least 35 mole%, or at least 40 mole%, or at least 50 mol%, or at least 70 mole%, or at least 85 mole%, or at least 90 mole%, or at least 95 mole%, or at least 97 mole%, or at least 98 mole% oxygen, or at least 99 mole%, or at least 99.5 mole% based on all moles in the oxidant gas stream injected into the reaction (combustion) zone of the gasifier. In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the combined concentration of oxygen in all gases supplied to the gasification zone is also in the above stated amount. The particular amount of oxygen as supplied to the reaction zone is desirably sufficient to obtain near or maximum yields of carbon monoxide and hydrogen obtained from the gasification reaction relative to the components in the feedstock composition, considering the amount relative to the feedstock composition, and the amount of feedstock charged, the process conditions, and the gasifier design.

[0280] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, steam is not supplied to the gasification zone in a slurry fed gasifier. The amount of water in a slurry fed system is typically more than sufficient a co reactant and heat sink to regulate the gasification temperature. The addition of steam in a slurry fed gasifier will generally unduly withdraw heat from the reaction zone and reduce its efficiency. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, steam is fed to the gasification zone in any type of dry fed gasifier, such as an entrainment flow gasifier, a fluidized bed gasifier, or a fixed or moving bed gasifier. The addition of steam in dry fed gasifiers case is desirable to provide the raw material needed for the production of carbon monoxide.

[0281] Other reducible oxygen-containing gases may be supplied to the reaction zone, for example, carbon dioxide, or simply air. In one embodiment or in

combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, no gas stream enriched in carbon dioxide or nitrogen (e.g. greater than the molar quantity found in air, or greater than 2 mole%, or greater than 5 mole%, or greater than 10 mole%, or greater than 40 mole%) is charged into a slurry fed gasifier. Many of these gases serve as carrier gases to propel a dry feed to a gasification zone. Therefore, in another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, one or more of these gases are charged to the gasification zone as a carrier gas for the dry feed of solid fossil fuel and textiles and/or plastics. Due to the pressure within the gasification zone, these carrier gases are compressed to provide the motive force for introduction into the gasification zone. The expenditure of energy and equipment for compressing carrier gases to the feedstock composition is avoided is a slurry feed. Accordingly, in yet another embodiment, the feedstock composition containing at least textiles and/or plastics and solid fossil fuel flowing to the gasifier, or this feedstock composition as introduced to an injector or charge pipe, or this feedstock composition as introduced into the gasification zone, or a combination of all the above, does not contain gases compressed in equipment for gas compression.

Alternatively, or in addition, other than the oxygen rich stream described above, no gas compressed in equipment for gas compression is fed to the gasification zone or even to the gasifier. It is noteworthy that high pressure charge pumps that process the slurry feed for introduction into the gasification zone are not considered gas compressing equipment.

[0282] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, no gas stream containing more than 0.03 mole%, or more than 0.02 mole%, or more than 0.01 mole% carbon dioxide is charged to the gasifier or gasification zone. In another embodiment, no gas stream containing more than 77 mole%, or more than 70 mole%, or more than 50 mole%, or more than 30 mole%, or more than 10 mole%, or more than 5 mole%, or more than 3 mole% nitrogen is charged to the gasifier or gasification zone. In another embodiment, a gas stream containing more than 77 mole%, or more than 80 mole% nitrogen is charged to the gasifier or gasification zone. In another embodiment, steam is charged into the gasification zone or to the gasifier. In yet another embodiment, a gaseous hydrogen stream (e.g. one containing more than 0.1 mole% hydrogen, or more than 0.5 mole%, or more than 1 mole%, or more than 5 mole%) is not charged to the gasifier or to the gasification zone. In another embodiment, a stream of methane gas (e.g. one containing more than 0.1 mole% methane, or more than 0.5 mole%, or more than 1 mole%, or more than 5 mole% methane) is not charged to the gasifier or to the gasification zone. In another embodiment, the only gaseous stream introduced to the gasification zone is an oxygen rich gas stream as described above.

[0283] The gasification process desirably employed is a partial oxidation gasification reaction. To enhance the production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the oxidation process involves partial, rather than complete, oxidization of the fossil fuel and textiles and/or plastics and therefore is desirably operated in an oxygen-lean environment, relative to the amount needed to completely oxidize 100% of the carbon and hydrogen bonds. This is in contrast to a combustion reaction which would employ a large stoichiometric excess of oxygen over that needed to make carbon monoxide, leading to the production primarily of carbon dioxide and water. In the particle oxidation gasification process, the total oxygen requirements for the gasifier is desirably at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 15%, or at least 20%, in excess of the amount theoretically required to convert the carbon content of the solid fuel and textiles and/or plastics to carbon monoxide. In general, satisfactory operation may be obtained with a total oxygen supply of 10 to 80 percent in excess of the theoretical requirements for carbon monoxide production, but less than that required to make carbon dioxide. An example of a suitable amount of oxygen per pound of carbon is in the range of 0.4 to about 3.0-pound free oxygen per pound of carbon, or from 0.6 to 2.5, or from 0.9 to 2.5, or from 1 to 2.5, or from 1.1 to 2.5, or from 1.2 to 2.5 pounds of free oxygen per pound of carbon.

[0284] Mixing of the feedstock composition and the oxidant is desirably

accomplished entirely within the reaction zone by introducing the separate streams of feedstock and oxidant so that they impinge upon each other within the reaction zone. Desirably, the oxidant stream is introduced into the reaction zone of the gasifier at high velocity both exceed the rate of flame propagation and to improve mixing with the feedstock composition. The oxidant is desirably injected into the gasification zone in the range of 25 to 500 feet per second, or 50 to 400 ft/s, or 100 to 400 ft/s. These values would be the velocity of the gaseous oxidizing stream at the injector-gasification zone interface, or the injector tip velocity.

[0285] One method for increasing the velocity of the oxidant feed to the

gasification zone is by reducing the diameter of the oxidant annulus near the tip of the injector or injector. Near the tip of the injector the annular passage converges inwardly in the shape of a hollow cone. The oxidizing gas is thereby accelerated and discharged from the injector as a high velocity conical stream having an apex angle in the desirably range of about 30° to 45°. The streams from the injector converge at a point located about 0-6 inches beyond the injector face. The high velocity stream of oxidizing gas hits the relatively low velocity feedstock stream, atomizing it and forming a fine mist comprising minute particles of water and particulate solid solid fossil fuel highly dispersed in the oxidizing gas. The particles of solid carboniferous matter impinge against one another and are fragmented further.

[0286] The velocity of the fuel feedstock is determined by the desired throughput of syngas generation. Suitable examples of feedstock velocity introduced into gasification zone prior to contact with the oxidizing agent is in the range of 5 to 50 feet per second.

[0287] The feedstock composition and the oxidant can optionally be preheated to a temperature above about 200°C, or at least 300°C, or at least 400°C.

Advantageously the gasification process does not require preheating the feedstock composition to efficiently gasify the fuel, and a pre-heat treatment step would result in lowering the energy efficiency of the process. Desirably, the feedstock

composition, and optionally the oxidant, are not preheated prior to their introduction into the gasifier. A preheat treatment step would be contacting the feedstock composition or oxidant with equipment that raises the temperature of the feedstock composition sufficiently such that the temperature of the feedstock composition or oxidant stream is above 200°C, or above 190°C, or above 170°C, or above 150°C, or above 130°C, or above 110°C, or above 100°C, or above 98°C, or above 90°C, or above 80°C, or above 70°C, or above 60°C, immediately prior to introduction into an injector on the gasifier. For example, while coal can be dried with hot air above 200°C, this step would not be considered a preheat of the feedstock composition if the feedstock composition is below 200°C upon its introduction into the injector.

[0288] In another embodiment, no thermal energy (other than incidental heat from processing equipment such as mills, grinders or pumps) is applied to the feedstock composition containing both textile and/or plastic aggregates and the solid fossil fuel, or to the oxidant stream, at any point prior to its introduction into the injector, or gasifier, or gasification zone (other than the temperature increase experienced in an injector) that would increase the temperature of the stream by more than 180°C, or more than 170°C, or more than 160°C, or more than 150°C, or more than 140°C, or more than 130°C, or more than 120°C, or more than 1 10°C, or more than 100°C, or more than 90°C, or more than 80°C, or more than 70°C, or more than 60°C, or more than 50°C, or more than 40°C, or more than 30°C.

[0289] The process employs a gasification process, which is distinct from a incineration process that generates primarily carbon dioxide and water, or a pyrolysis process which is a thermal process that degrades a fuel source in the absence of air or oxygen and generates primarily a liquid, or plasma processes in that gasification does not employ a plasma arc.

[0290] In one embodiment, the type of gasification technology employed is a partial oxidation entrained flow gasifier that generates syngas. This technology is distinct from fixed bed (alternatively called moving bed) gasifiers and from fluidized bed gasifiers. In fixed bed (or moving bed gasifiers), the feedstock stream moves in a countercurrent flow with the oxidant gas, and the oxidant gas typically employed is air. The feedstock stream falls into the gasification chamber, accumulates, and forms a bed of feedstock. Air (or alternatively oxygen) flows from the bottom of the gasifier up through the bed of feedstock material continuously while fresh feedstock continuously falls down from the top by gravity to refresh the bed as it is being combusted. The combustion temperatures are typically below the fusion

temperature of the ash and are non-slagging. Whether the fixed bed operated in countercurrent flow or in some instances in co-current flow, the fixed bed reaction process generates high amount of tars, oils, and methane produced by pyrolysis of the feedstock in the bed, thereby both contaminating the syngas produced and the gasifier. The contaminated syngas requires significant effort and cost to remove tarry residues that would condense once the syngas is cooled, and because of this, such syngas streams are generally not used to make chemicals and are instead used in direct heating applications, or as liquid fuels. Downdraft fixed or moving bed gasifiers produce less or no tar. Fixed or moving bed gasifiers already equipped or built to be equipped with tar removal processes are suitable to accept a feed of the textile and/or plastic aggregate.

[0291] In a fluidized bed, the feedstock material in the gasification zone is fluidized by action of the oxidant flowing through the bed at a high enough velocity to fluidize the particles in the bed. In a fluidized bed, the homogeneous reaction temperatures and low reaction temperatures in the gasification zone also promotes the production of high amounts of unreacted feedstock material and low carbon conversion, and operating temperatures in the fluidized bed are typically between 800-1000°C. Further, in a fluidized bed, it is important to operate below slagging conditions to maintain the fluidization of the feedstock particles which would otherwise stick to the slag and agglomerate. By employing an entrained flow gasification, these deficiencies present with fixed (or moving bed) and fluidized bed gasifiers that are typically used to process waste materials is overcome.

[0292] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the feedstock stream is introduced at the top 1/8 section of the gasifier, desirably at the top 1/12 of the gasifier height defined by the gasifier shell (not including the injector height protruding from the top of the shell or pipes protruding from the bottom of the shell). The feedstock composition is desirably not introduced into a side wall of the gasifier. In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the feedstock composition is not a tangential feed injector.

[0293] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, oxidant is introduced at the top 1/8 section of the gasifier, desirably at the top 1/12 of the gasifier height defined by the gasifier shell. The oxidant is desirably not introduced into the side wall of the gasifier or bottom of the flow gasifier. In another embodiment, both the feedstock composition and oxidant are introduced at the top 1/8 section of the gasifier, desirably at the top 1/12 of the gasifier height defined by the gasifier shell. Desirably, the oxidant and feedstock composition are fed co-currently to ensure good mixing. In this regard, a co-current feed means that the axis of the feedstock and oxidant streams are substantially parallel (e.g. not more than a 25° deviation, or not more than a 20°, or not more than a 15°, or not more than a 10°, or not more than a 8°, or not more than a 6°, or not more than a 4°, or not more than a 2°, or not more than a 1 ° deviation from each other) and in the same direction.

[0294] The feedstock and oxidant streams are desirably introduced into the gasification zone through one or more injector nozzles. Desirably, the gasifier is equipped with at least one of the injector nozzles in which through that injector nozzle both a feedstock stream and an oxidant stream are introduced into the gasification zone.

[0295] While the feedstock stream can be a dry feed or a slurry feed, the feedstock stream is desirably a slurry.

[0296] The syngas produced in the gasification process is desirably used at least in part for making chemicals. Many synthetic processes for making chemicals are at high pressure, and to avoid energy input into pressurizing the syngas stream, desirably the gasifier is also run at high pressure, particularly when the syngas stream is directly or indirectly in gaseous communication with a vessel in which a chemical is synthesized. Dry feeds to a gasifier operating at high pressure are specially treated to ensure that the feed can be effectively blown and injected into the high-pressure gasification zone. Some techniques include entraining a flow of nitrogen at high pressure and velocity, which tends to dilute the syngas stream and reduce the concentration of desirably components such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Other carrier or motive gases include carbon monoxide, but like nitrogen, these gases are compressed before feeding into or compressed with the solid fossil fuels, adding to the energy requirements and capital cost of feed lock hoppers and/or compressing equipment. To deal with these issues, many dry feed gasifiers will operate at lower pressures, which for the mere production of electricity is sufficient, but is undesirable for gasifiers producing a syngas stream for making chemicals.

With a slurry feed, a motive gas is not necessary and can readily be fed to a high- pressure gasifier that produces syngas as high pressure, which is desirable for making chemicals. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the feedstock stream is not processed through a lock hopper prior to entering an injector or entering the gasification zone. In another embodiment, the feedstock composition containing size reduced textiles and/or plastics and solid fossil fuel is not pressurized in a lock hopper prior to feeding to the injector or gasification zone.

[0297] Desirably, the gasifier is non-catalytic, meaning that gasifier does not contain a catalyst bed, and desirably the gasification process is non-catalytic, meaning that a catalyst is not introduced into the gasification zone as a discrete unbound catalyst (as opposed to captive metals in the textiles and/or plastics or solid fossil fuel that can incidentally have catalytic activity). The gasification process in the reaction zone is desirably conducted in the absence of added catalysts and contains no catalyst bed. The gasification process is also desirably a slagging gasification process; that is, operated under slagging conditions (well above the fusion temperature of ash) such that a molten slag is formed in the gasification zone and runs along and down the refractory walls.

[0298] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the gasifier is not designed to contain a pyrolysis zone. Desirably, the gasifier is not designed to contain a combustion zone. Most preferably, the gasifier is designed to not contain, or does not contain, either a combustion zone or a pyrolysis zone. The pyrolysis zone incompletely consumes the fuel source leading to potentially high amounts of ash, char, and tarry products. A combustion zone, while absent in tars, produces high amounts of C02 and lower amounts of the more desirably carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Desirably, the gasifier is a single stage reactor, meaning that there is only one zone for conversion of the carbon in the feedstock to syngas within the gasifier shell.

[0299] The gasification zone is void or empty space defined by walls in which oxidation reactions occur and allow gases to form within the space. Desirably, gasification zone does not have a bath of molten material or molten material that accumulates at the bottom of the gasification zone to form a bath. The gasification zone is desirably not enclosed on the bottom but rather is in gaseous communication with other zones below the gasification zone. Slag, while molten, does not accumulate at the bottom of the gasification zone but rather runs down the sides of the refractory and into a zone below the gasification zone, such as a quench zone to solidify the slag. [0300] The flow of hot raw syngas in the gasifier is desirably vertically downward, or a down-flow gasifier. Desirably, the flow of syngas generated in the gasifier is downward from the highest point of injecting the feedstock composition, desirably from the point of all feedstock stream locations. In another embodiment, the location for withdrawing the syngas stream from the gasifier is lower that at least one location for introducing the feedstock stream, desirably lower than all locations for introducing a feedstock stream.

[0301] The gasifier can contain refractory lining in the gasification zone. While a steam generating membrane or jacket between the gasifier wall and the surfaces facing the gasification zone can be employed, desirably the gasifier does not contain a membrane wall, or a steam generating membrane, or a steam jacket in the gasification zone or between inner surfaces facing the gasification zone and the gasifier shell walls as this removes heat from the gasification zone. Desirably, the gasification zone is lined with refractory, and optionally there is no air or steam or water jacket between the refractory lining the gasification zone (or optionally in any reaction zone such as combustion or pyrolysis) and the outer shell of the gasifier.

[0302] The gasification process is desirably a continuous process meaning that the gasifier operates in a continuous mode. By a continuous mode for gasifier operation is meant that the gasification process is continuous for at least 1 month, or at least 6 months, or at least 1 year. Desirably, the inclusion of textile and/or plastic aggregates in the feedstock composition is continuous for at least 1 day, or at least 3 days, or at least 14 days, or at least 1 month, or at least 6 months, or at least 1 year. A process is deemed continuous despite shut-downs due to maintenance or repair.

[0303] The campaign from the one or more first feedstocks to the one or more second feedstocks, or from the first to the second time period, is one cycle. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the at least one cycle or at least two cycles or at least three cycles are conducted within one year. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the campaign includes 1.5 cycles:

a. from a first time period to a second time period to a third time period, where at least the gasification temperature differences between the first and third time period are closer than between the first and second time periods, or b. from a first feedstock to a second feedstock to a third feedstock, where the solid fossil fuel content differences between the first and third feedstock are smaller than the first and second feedstock.

[0304] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the gasification zone, and optionally all reaction zones in the gasifier are operated at a temperature in the range of at least 1000° C, or at least 1 100°C, or at least 1200°C, or at least 1250°C, or at least 1300°C, and up to about 2500°C, or up to 2000° C., or up to 1800°C, or up to 1600°C, each of which are well above the fusion temperature of ash, and are desirably operated to form a molten flow of slag in the reaction zone. In one embodiment or in combination with any of the

mentioned embodiments, the reaction temperature is desirably autogenous.

Advantageously, the gasifier operating in steady state mode is at an autogenous temperature and does not require application of external energy sources to heat the gasification zone. In a fixed bed, moving bed, or fluidized bed gasifier, the

gasification zone is generally below 1000°C, or not above 950°C, or not higher than 800°C.

[0305] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the gasifier does not contain a zone within the gasifier shell to dry feedstock such as the coal, pet-coke, or textiles and/or plastics prior to gasification. The increase in temperature within the injector is not considered a zone for drying.

[0306] Desirably, the gasification zone is not under negative pressure during operations, but rather is under positive pressure during operation. The gasification zone is desirably not equipped with any aspirator or other device to create a negative pressure under steady state operation.

[0307] The gasifier can be operated at a pressure within the gasification zone (or combustion chamber) of at least 200 psig (1.38 MPa), or at least 300 psig (2.06 MPa), or at least 350 psig (2.41 MPa), and desirably at least 400 psig (2.76 MPa), or at least 420 psig (2.89 MPa), or at least 450 psig (3.10 MPa), or at least 475 psig (3.27 MPa), or at least 500 psig (3.44 MPa), or at least 550 psig (3.79 MPa), or at least 600 psig (4.13 MPa), or at least 650 psig (4.48 MPa), or at least 700 psig (4.82 MPa), or at least 750 psig (5.17 MPa), or at least 800 psig (5.51 MPa), or at least 900 psig (6.2 MPa), or at least 1000 psig (6.89 MPa), or at least 1 100 psig (7.58 MPa), or at least 1200 psig (8.2 MPa). The particular operating pressure on the high end is regulated with a variety of considerations, including operating efficiency, the operating pressures needed in chemical synthesis gasifiers particularly with integrated plants, and process chemistry. Suitable operating pressures in the gasification zone on the high end need not exceed 1300 psig (8.96 MPa), or need not exceed 1250 psig (8.61 MPa), or need not exceed 1200 psig (8.27 MPa), or need not exceed 1 150 psig (7.92 MPa), or need not exceed 1100 psig (7.58 MPa), or need not exceed 1050 psig (7.23 MPa), or need not exceed 1000 psig (6.89 MPa), or need not exceed 900 psig (6.2 MPa), or need not exceed 800 psig (5.51 MPa), or need not exceed 750 psig (5.17 MPa). Examples of suitable desirably ranges include 400 to 1000, or 425 to 900, or 450 to 900, or 475 to 900, or 500 to 900, or 550 to 900, or 600 to 900, or 650 to 900, or 400 to 800, or 425 to 800, or 450 to 800, or 475 to 800, or 500 to 800, or 550 to 800, or 600 to 800, or 650 to 800, or 400 to 750, or 425 to 750, or 450 to 750, or 475 to 750, or 500 to 750, or 550 to 750, each in psig.

[0308] Desirably, the average residence time of gases in the gasifier reactor are very short to increase throughput. Since the gasifier is operated at high temperature and pressure, substantially complete conversion of the feedstock to gases can occur in a very short time frame. The average residence time of the gases in the gasifier can be as short as less than 30 seconds, or not more than 25 seconds, or not more than 20 seconds, or not more than 15 seconds, or not more than 10 seconds, or not more than 7 seconds. Desirably, the average residence time of gases in all zones designed for conversion of feedstock material to gases is also quite short, e.g. less than 25 seconds, or not more than 15 seconds, or not more than 10 seconds, or not more than 7 seconds, or not more than 4 seconds. In these time frames, at least 85 wt.%, or at least or more than 90 wt.%, or at least 92 wt.%, or at least 94 wt.% of the solids in the feedstock can be converted to gases (substances which remain as a gas if the gas stream were cooled to 25°C and 1 atm) and liquid (substances which are in liquid state if the gas stream is cooled to 25°C and 1 atm such as water), or more than 93 wt.%, or more than 95 wt.%, or more than 96 wt.%, or more than 97 wt.%, or more than 98 wt.%, or more than 99 wt.%, or more than 99.5 wt.%.

[0309] A portion of ash and/or char in the gasifier can be entrained in the hot raw syngas stream leaving the gasification reaction zone. Ash particles in the raw syngas stream within the gasifier are particles which have not reached the melting temperature of the mineral matter in the solid fuel. Slag is substantially molten ash or molten ash which has solidified into glassy particles and remains within the gasifier. Slag is molten until quenched and then form beads of fused mineral matter. Char are porous particles that are devolatilized and partially combusted

(incompletely converted) fuel particles. The particulate matter gathered in the bottom part of the gasifier, or the quench zone, are predominately slag (e.g. above 80 wt.% slag) and the remainder is char and ash. Desirably, only trace amounts of tar or no tar is present in the gasifier, or in the quench zone, or in the gasification zone, or present in the hot raw syngas within the gasifier, or present in the raw syngas discharged from the gasifier (which can be determined by the amount of tar condensing from the syngas stream when cooled to a temperature below 50°C.). Trace amounts are less than 0.1 wt.% (or less than 0.05 wt.% or less than 0.01 wt.%) of solids present in the gasifier, or less than 0.05 volume%, or not more than 0.01 vol%, or not more than 0.005 vol%, or not more than 0.001 volume%, or not more than 0.0005 vol%, or not more than 0.0001 vol% in the raw syngas stream discharged from the gasifier.

[0310] In another embodiment, the process does not increase the amount of tar to a substantial extent relative to the same process except replacing the textiles and/or plastics with the same amount and type of solid fossil fuel used in the feedstock composition containing the textiles and/or plastics.

[0311] The quantity of tar generated in the process with the feedstock containing the textiles and/or plastics is less than 10% higher, or less than 5% higher, or less than 3 % higher, or less than 2% higher, or not higher at all, than the amount of tar generated with the same feedstock replacing the textiles and/or plastics with the same solid fossil fuel under the same conditions.

[0312] To avoid fouling downstream equipment from the gasifier (scrubbers, CO/H2 shift reactors, acid gas removal, chemical synthesis), and the piping in- between, the first and second syngas streams should have low or no tar content.

The first and second syngas stream as discharged from the gasifier desirably contains no or less than 4 wt.%, or less than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.5 wt.%, or not more than 0.2 wt.%, or not more than 0.1 wt.%, or not more than 0.08 wt.%, or not more than 0.05 wt.%, or not more than 0.02 wt.%, or not more than 0.01 wt.%, or nor more than 0.005 wt.% tar, based on the weight of all condensable solids in the syngas stream. For purposes of measurement, condensable solids are those compounds and elements that condense at a temperature of 15°C/1 atm.

[0313] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the tar present, if at all, in each of the first and second syngas stream discharged from the gasifier is less than 10 g/m3 of the syngas discharged, or not more than 9 g/m3, or not more than 8 g/m3, or not more than 7 g/m3,or not more than 6 g/m3, or not more than 5 g/m3, or not more than 4 g/m3, or not more than 3 g/m3, or not more than 2 g/m3, and desirably not more than 1 g/m3, or not more than 0.8 g/m3, or not more than 0.75 g/m3, or not more than 0.7 g/m3, or not more than 0.6 g/m3, or not more than 0.55g/m3, or not more than 0.45 g/m3, or not more than 0.4 g/m3, or not more than 0.3 g/m3, or not more than 0.2 g/m3, or not more than 0.1 g/m3, or not more than 0.05 g/m3, or not more than 0.01 g/m3, or not more than 0.005 g/m3, or not more than 0.001 g/m3, or not more than 0.0005 g/m3, in each case Normal (15°C/1 atm). For purposes of measurement, the tars are those tars that would condense at a temperature of 15°C/1 atm, and includes primary, secondary and tertiary tars, and are aromatic organic compounds and other than ash, char, soot, or dust. Examples of tar products include naphthalenes, cresols, xylenols, anthracenes, phenanthrenes, phenols, benzene, toluene, pyridine, catechols, biphenyls, benzofurans, benzaldehydes, acenaphthylenes, fluorenes, naphthofurans, benzanthracenes, pyrenes, acephenanthrylenes, benzopyrenes, and other high molecular weight aromatic polynuclear compounds. The tar content can be determined by GC-MSD.

[0314] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the tar yield of the gasifier from each of the first and second syngas streams (combination of tar in syngas and tar in reactor bottoms and in or on the ash, char, and slag) is not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2.5 wt.%, or not more than 2.0 wt.%, or not more than 1.8 wt.%, or not more than 1.5 wt.%, or not more than 1.25 wt.%, or not more than 1 wt.%, or not more than 0.9 wt.%, or not more than 0.8 wt.%, or not more than 0.7 wt.%, or not more than 0.5 wt.%, or not more than 0.3 wt.%, or not more than 0.2 wt.%, or not more than 0.1 wt.%, or not more than 0.05 wt.%, or not more than 0.01 wt.%, or not more than 0.005 wt.%, or not more than 0.001 wt.%, or not more than 0.0005 wt.%, or not more than 0.0001 wt.%, based on the weight of solids in the feedstock composition fed to the gasification zone.

[0315] The amount of char (or incompletely converted carbon in the feedstock) generated by conversion of the carbon sources in the feedstock composition is not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 12 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 5 wt.%, or not more than 4.5 wt.%, or not more than 4 wt.%, or not more than 3.5 wt.%, or not more than 3 wt.%, or not more than 2.8 wt.%, or not more than 2.5 wt.%, or not more than 2.3 wt.%, or not more than 4.5 wt.%, or not more than 4.5 wt.%, or not more than 4.5 wt.%.

[0316] In the process, char can be recycled back to the feedstock composition to the gasifier containing the textiles and/or plastics. In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the efficiencies and features can be obtained without recycling char back to the gasification zone.

[0317] The total amount of char (or incompletely converted carbon in the feedstock) and slag (if any) generated in the gasifier or by the process is desirably not more than 20 wt.%, or not more than 17 wt.%, or not more than 15 wt.%, or not more than 13 wt.%, or not more than 10 wt.%, or not more than 9 wt.%, or not more than 8.9 wt.%, or not more than 8.5 wt.%, or not more than 8.3 wt.%, or not more than 8 wt.%, or not more than 7.9 wt.%, or not more than 7.5 wt.%, or not more than 7.3 wt.%, or not more than 7 wt.%, or not more than 6.9 wt.%, or not more than 6.5 wt.%, or not more than 6.3 wt.%, or not more than 6 wt.%, or not more than 5.9 wt.%, or not more than 5.5 wt.%, in each case based on the weight of the solids in the feedstock composition. In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the same values apply with respect to the total amount of ash, slag, and char generated in the gasifier or by the process, based on the weight of the solids in the feedstock composition. In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, the same values apply with respect to the total amount of ash, slag, char and tar generated in the gasifier or by the process, based on the weight of the solids in the feedstock composition.

[0318] The raw syngas stream flows from the gasification zone to a quench zone at the bottom of the gasifier where the slag and raw syngas stream are cooled, generally to a temperature below 550°C, or below 500°C, or below 450°C. The quench zone contains water in a liquid state. The hot syngas from the gasification zone may be cooled by directly contacting the syngas stream with liquid water. The syngas stream can be bubbled through the pool of liquid water, or merely contact the surface of the water pool. In addition, the hot syngas stream may be cooled in a water jacketed chamber having a height that above the top surface of the water pool to allow the hot syngas to both contact the water pool and be cooled in the water jacketed chamber. Molten slag is solidified by the quench water and most of the ash, slag and char are transferred to the water in the quench tank. The partially cooled gas stream, having passed through the water in the quench zone, may be then discharged from the gasifier as a raw syngas stream and passed through a water scrubbing operation to remove any remaining entrained particulate matter.

[0319] The pressure in the quench zone is substantially the same as the pressure in the gasification zone located above the water level in the gasifier, and a portion of the quench water and solids at the bottom of the quench tank is removed by way of a lock hopper system. A stream of quench water carrying fine particles exits the gasifier quench zone in response to a liquid level controller and can be directed to a settler. The solids and water from the lock hopper may then flow into a water sump or settler where optionally the coarse particulate solids may be removed by screens or filter thereby producing a dispersion of fine particulate solids.

[0320] Each of the first and second raw syngas streams discharged from the gasification vessel includes such gasses as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and can include other gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen depending on the fuel source and reaction conditions. Carbon dioxide in each of the first and second raw syngas streams discharged from the gasification vessel are desirably present in an amount of less than 20 mole%, or less than 18 mole%, or less than 15 mole%, or less than 13 mole%, or not more than 11 mole%, based on all moles of gases in the stream. Some nitrogen and argon can be present in the raw syngas stream depending upon the purity of the fuel and oxygen supplied to the process.

[0321] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the raw syngas stream (the stream discharged from the gasifier and before any further treatment by way of scrubbing, shift, or acid gas removal) can have the following composition in mole % on a dry basis and based on the moles of all gases (elements or compounds in gaseous state at 25°C and 1 atm) in the raw syngas stream:

a. H2: 15 to 60, or 18 to 50, or 18 to 45, or 18 to 40, or 23 to 40, or 25 to

40, or 23 to 38, or 29 to 40, or 31 to 40

b. CO: 20 to 75, or 20 to 65, or 30 to 70, or 35 to 68, or 40 to 68, or 40 to 60, or 35 to 55, or 40 to 52

c. C02:1.0 to 30, or 2 to 25, or 2 to 21 , or 10 to 25, or 10 to 20 d. H20: 2.0 to 40.0, or 5 to 35, or 5 to 30, or 10 to 30

e. CH4: 0.0 to 30, or 0.01 to 15, or 0.01 to 10, or 0.01 to 8, or 0.01 to 7, or 0.01 to 5, or 0.01 to 3, or 0.1 to 1.5, or 0.1 to 1

f. H2S: 0.01 to 2.0, or 0.05 to 1.5, or 0.1 to 1 , or 0.1 to 0.5

g. COS: 0.05 to 1.0, or 0.05 to 0.7, or 0.05 to 0.3

h. Total sulfur: 0.015 to 3.0, or 0.02 to 2, or 0.05 to 1.5, or 0.1 to 1 i. N2: 0.0 to 5, or 0.005 to 3, or 0.01 to 2, or 0.005 to 1 , or 0.005 to 0.5, or

0.005 to 0.3

[0322] The gas components can be determined by FID-GC and TCD-GC or any other method recognized for analyzing the components of a gas stream.

[0323] The molar hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio is desirably at least 0.65, or at least 0.68, or at least 0.7, or at least 0.73, or at least 0.75, or at least 0.78, or at least 0.8, or at least 0.85, or at least 0.88, or at least 0.9, or at least 0.93, or at least 0.95, or at least 0.98, or at least 1.

[0324] The total amount of hydrogen and carbon monoxide relative to the total amount of syngas discharged from the gasifier on a dry basis is high, on the order of greater than 70 mole%, or at least 73 mole%, or at least 75 mole%, or at least 77 mole%, or at least 79 mole%, or at least 80 mole%, based on the syngas

discharged.

[0325] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, each of the first and second dry syngas production expressed as gas volume discharged from the gasifier per kg of solid fuel (e.g. textiles and/or plastics and coal) charged to all locations on the gasifier is at least 1.7, or at least 1.75, or at least 1.8, or at least 1.85, or at least 1.87, or at least 1.9, or at least 1.95, or at least 1.97, or at least 2.0, in each case as N m3 gas/kg solids fed. [0326] The carbon conversion efficiency for the production of each of the first and second syngas in one pass is good and can be calculated according to the following formula:

100

[0327] The carbon conversion efficiency in the process in one pass can be at least 70%, or at least 73%, or at least 75%, or at least 77%, or at least 80%, or at least 82%, or at least 85%, or at least 88%, or at least 90%, or at least 93%.

[0328] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, each of the first and second raw syngas stream contains particulate solids in an amount of greater than 0 wt.% up to 30 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 10 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 5 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 1 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 0.5 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 0.3 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 0.2 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 0.1 wt.%, or greater than 0 wt.% up to 0.05 wt.%, each based on the weight of solids in the feedstock composition. The amount of particulate solids in this case is determined by cooling the syngas stream to a temperature of below 200°C, such as would occur in a scrubbing operation.

[0329] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the cold gas efficiency of the process to produce each of the first and second syngases using the textiles and/or plastics/solid fossil fuel as a percent can be calculated as:

[0330] The cold gas efficiency is at least 60%, or at least 65%, or at least 66%, or at least 67%, or at least 68%, or at least 69%, or desirably at least 70%, or at least 71 %, or at least 72%, or at least 73%, or at least 74%, or at least 75%, or at least 76%, or at least 77%, or at least 78%, or at least 79%. [0331] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the raw syngas stream discharged from the gasifier or from a scrubbed or purified syngas stream are not recycled or recirculated back to a gasification zone in a gasifier. Desirably, carbon dioxide from the raw syngas stream discharged from the gasifier or from a scrubbed or purified syngas stream is not recycled or recirculated back to a gasification zone in a gasifier. Desirably, no portion of the syngas stream discharged from the gasifier or from a scrubbed or purified syngas stream is recycled or recirculated back to a gasification zone in a gasifier. In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, no portion of the syngas discharged from the gasifier is used to heat the gasifier. Desirably, no portion of the syngas made in the gasifier is burned to dry the solid fossil fuel.

[0332] The feedstock stream is gasified with the oxidizer such as oxygen desirably in an entrained flow reaction zone under conditions sufficient to generate a molten slag and ash. The molten slag and ash are separated from the syngas and quench cooled and solidified. In a partial oxidation reactor, the coal/size reduced textiles and/or plastics/water mixture is injected with oxygen and the coal/rubber will react with oxygen to generate a variety of gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen (syngas). The molten slag and unreacted carbon/size reduced textiles and/or plastics accumulate into a pool of water in the quench zone at the bottom part of the gasifier to cool and solidify these residues.

[0333] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the gasification process is under slagging conditions, and the slag is discharged from the gasifier as a solid. Slag is cooled and solidified within the gasifier in a quench zone within the shell of the gasifier, and is discharged from the gasifier shell as a solid. The same applies to ash and char. These solids discharged from the gasifier are accumulated into a lock hopper which can then be emptied.

The lock hopper is generally isolated from the gasifier and the quench zone within the gasifier.

[0334] The process can be practiced on an industrial scale and on a scale sufficient to provide syngas as a raw material to make chemicals on an industrial scale. At least 300 tons/day, or at least 500 t/d, or at least 750 t/d, or at least 850 t/d, or at least 1000 t/d, or at least 1250 t/d, and desirably at least 1500 t/d, or at least 1750 t/d, or even at least 2000 t/d of solids can be fed to the gasifier. The gasifier is desirably not designed to be mobile and is fixed to and above the ground, and desirably stationary during operations.

[0335] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the syngas compositional variability within the second syngas stream is quite low over time. The compositional variability of the second syngas stream can be determined by taking at least 6 measurements of the concentration of the relevant gaseous compound in moles in across a time period that does not exceed the second time period but in no event exceeds 12 days, and excludes the transition periods. The mean concentration of the gaseous compound is determined over the 6 measurements. The absolute value of the difference between the number farthest away from the mean and the mean number is determined and divided into the mean number x 100 to obtain a percent compositional variability.

[0336] The compositional variability of any one of:

a. CO amount, or

b. H2 amount, or

c. C02 amount, or

d. CH4 amount, or

e. H2S amount, or

f. COS amount, or

g. H2 + CO amount, or its molar ratio in sequence (e.g. H2:CO ratio), or h. H2 + CO + C02 amount, or its molar ratio in sequence, or

i. H2 + CO + CH4 amount, or its molar ratio in sequence, or

j. H2 + CO + C02 + CH4 amount, or its molar ratio in sequence, or k. H2S + COS amount, or its molar ratio in sequence, or

L. H2 + CO + C02 + CH4 + H2S + COS, or

m. Tar, or

n. char.

[0337] The molar compositional variability can be not more than 20%, or not more than 15%, or not more than 13%, or not more than 10%, or not more than 8%, or not more than 6%, or not more than 5%, or not more than 3%, or not more than 2%, during the shorter of a 12-day period or the time that textiles and/or plastics are gasified during the second time period. Desirably, the compositional elements are measured on (a), (b), (c), (d), (g), (h), (m), or (n), or any combination thereof.

[0338] In another embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned embodiments, variability within the first syngas stream and the variability within the second syngas stream are compared to each other to obtain a % switching

variability, or in other words, the syngas variability generated by switching between the two feedstock compositions. It is desired that the variability present in the first syngas stream is not appreciably increased during the process of generating the second syngas stream. The second syngas variation can be less than, or no different than, or if higher can be similar to the syngas variation of the first syngas stream. The time periods to determine variations is set by the shorter of a 12-day period or the time that second syngas stream is generated during the second time period, and that time period is the same time period used for taking measurements in the solid fossil fuels only case. The measurements for the first syngas stream are taken within 1 month before switching to a second feedstock to make the second syngas stream. The variations in syngas composition made by each of the streams is measured according to the procedures states above. The second syngas variability is less than the first syngas variability, or the same as the first syngas variability, or not more than 25%, or not more than 20%, or not more than 15%, or not more than 10%, or not more than 5%, or not more than 4%, or not more than 3%, or not more than 2%, or not more than 1 %, or not more than 0.5%, or not more than 0.25% greater than the first syngas variability. This can be calculated as:

Vs -Vf

%SV x 100

^V f where %SV is percent syngas switching variability on one or more measured ingredients in the syngas composition; and

Vs is the second syngas compositional variability; and

Vf is the first syngas compositional variability. In the event that the %SV is negative, then the second syngas variability is less than the first syngas variability. [0339] The components in each of the first and second syngas streams that are measured, and calculated into moles, over time to determine the variability within each stream include:

a. H2, or

b. CO, or

c. C02, or

d. H20, or

e. CH4, or

f. H2S, or

g. COS, or

a. Total sulfur, or

b. molar ratio of C02:CO, or

c. molar ratio of H2:CO, or

d. total H2S and COS

e. Char, or

f. Tar, or

g. Any combination of the above.

[0340] Desirably, the compositional elements measured (i), (m), or (i) and (j), (a)- (c) and (i)-(j) and (m).

[0341] In one embodiment or in combination with any of the mentioned

embodiments, the amount of C02 generated in a second time period is similar to or less than the amount of carbon dioxide generated from a first time period. The process can be conducted such that the amount of CO2 generated and contained in the second syngas is no more than 25%, or no more than 20%, or no more than 15%, or no more than 13%, or no more than 10%, or no more than 8%, or no more than 7%, or no more than 6%, or no more than 5%, or no more than 4%, or no more than 3%, or no more than 2%, or no more than 1 %, or no more than 0.75%, or no more than 0.5%, or nor more than 0.25%, or no more than 0.15%, or no more than 0.1 % of the amount of carbon dioxide generated and contained in the first syngas, or less. The percentage similarity can be calculated by subtracting the amount of CO2 in the first syngas stream from the amount of CO2 generated in a first second stream, and dividing that number by the C02 generated in a syngas stream first syngas stream x 100. Advantageously, if the number is negative, then the amount of C02 generated in the second syngas is less than the amount of C02 generated in the first sygnas stream.