Abstract: A method of using solar energy in a chemical synthesis process comprising steam reforming hydrocarbons or gasifying carbonaceous fuel, converting the product of the steam reforming of hydrocarbons or the gasifying of carbonaceous fuels to an ammonia synthesis gas, converting the ammonia synthesis gas to ammonia, supplying the heat required for the steam reforming of hydrocarbons or the gasifying of carbonaceous fuels by a heat transfer fluid, heating the heat transfer fluid in a solar receiver when solar energy is available, heating the heat transfer fluid by combusting a portion of the ammonia when sufficient solar energy is not available to supply the necessary heat to the heat transfer fluid.

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.

Abstract: A catalyst composition consisting of elemental nickel, nickel oxide or mixtures thereof on a zirconia carrier and promoted with elemental cobalt, a cobalt oxide or mixtures thereof in which the total content of nickel and cobalt, expressed as oxide, is desirably at least 1 weight percent of the total weight of the composition and the weight ratio of nickel to cobalt in the catalyst is preferably between 1:10 and 6:1. This invention also concerns the method of reforming hydrocarbons in the presence of said catalyst to selectively produce hydrogen, hydrogen containing products, such as Town's gas, or an oxide of carbon or mixtures thereof, while avoiding substantial carbon accumulation on the catalyst at relatively low steam to carbon ratios.