Process for preparation of nitrogen oxides and nitric acid from nitrous oxide

A self-sustaining process for preparing nitrogen oxide (NOx) (x=1 or 2) from nitrous oxide (N2O), comprising:

• preheating a reactor to a temperature of greater than 1600° F.;
• passing a feedgas comprising N2O through the reactor operating at a temperature of 2400 to 3500° F. and wherein the reactor operates at a pressure of 15 psig of less;
• wherein heat generated by reaction of the N2O in the reactor is used to preheat the feedgas to a temperature between 900 and 1600° F. prior to entry of the feedgas into the reactor at a rate that does not require application of an external heat source to sustain the conversion, and
• wherein the N2O is converted to NOx in a yield of greater than 15%.

A process for converting nitrous oxide (N2O) to nitrogen oxide (NOx) x=1 or 2), comprising:

• obtaining a feedgas containing N2O;
• optionally subjecting the feedgas to conditions sufficient to increase the concentration of the N2O in the feedgas;
• optionally treating the feedgas to reduce the amount of one or more components present in the feedgas having a negative impact on conversion of the N2O to NOx;
• converting the N2O in the feedgas to NO by passing the feedgas through a reactor operating at a temperature of 2400 to 3500° F. and wherein the reactor operates at a pressure of 15 psig of less;
• and
• optionally converting the NOx to a different compound or material,
• wherein the N2O is converted to NOx in a yield of greater than 15%.