Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a process in which combustible solid particles are mixed during processing with air and circulated through a plurality of stages, thereby tending to build up an oxygen enriched combustible mixture during shutdown, the invention involving adding additional fuel to the oxygen enriched combustible mixture during such shutdown in a closed burner system, burning the resulting mixture in the closed burner system, and recirculating the flue gas from such combustion back into the plurality of stages to thereby function as an inert gas to prevent accidental combustion or explosion.