Abstract: An improved apparatus and an associated method for the reduction of low melting point oxides in a falling film plasma reactor is disclosed. The improved torch provides a radiation barrier to avoid premature melting of the reactants that cause clogging of the reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing ferroboron comprises first heating a mixture of boron oxide or boric acid, iron or iron oxide, carbon, and a carbohydrate to produce a foraminous char. During a subsequent two-stage reduction process in an electric or arc plasma furnace, ferroboron is produced and gaseous boric oxides are evolved. The boron values are captured as they move to the cooler regions of the furnace, resulting in high boron yields. The process is particularly useful in preparing pure and inexpensive raw material for the production of amorphous ferroalloys.

Abstract: An improved process for nitrite production is based on controlled oxidation of nitric oxide in a mixture of nitrogen oxides and oxygen. Oxidized gas is absorbed into an aqueous solution containing a basically reacting ammonium or alkali metal compound to produce nitrite and unabsorbed exit gas. The mole ratio of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2) in the unabsorbed exit gas is maintained within a range between 0.8 and 1.2 by either recycling a selected fraction of oxidized gas through the oxidizer or by selectively splitting the inlet stream to the oxidizer. Increased product yield as well as reduced NO.sub.x emissions are achieved as a result.