The production of sodium nitrite typically involves two main steps: ammonia oxidation and sodium nitrite formation.

1. Ammonia Oxidation:
Ammonia gas and air react under specific conditions to produce nitrous acid. This process requires a reactor (such as a tank or tower reactor) and a copper- or iron-based catalyst. Strict control of temperature, pressure, and gas flow rate inside the reactor is essential to ensure smooth reaction progress. The resulting nitrous acid mixes with water in the reactor to form a nitrous acid solution.

2. Sodium Nitrite Formation:
The nitrous acid solution reacts with sodium bicarbonate or soda ash (sodium carbonate) to produce solid sodium nitrite. This step requires precise control of temperature, pH, and reaction time. After the reaction is complete, the solid sodium nitrite product undergoes purification and packaging through processes such as filtration and drying.