A method for operating a furnace, such as, for example, a fluidized bed reactor, includes introducing an alkali-containing material and a hydrous clay into the furnace, the hydrous clay having a moisture content of at least about 5% by weight. The method further includes heating at least a portion of the alkali-containing material and hydrous clay, such that at least a portion of the hydrous clay is at least partially calcined and the at least partially calcined clay adsorbs at least a portion of alkali present in the furnace. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the at least partially calcined clay and adsorbed alkali from the furnace.
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