The invention relates to a continuous process for purifying a gas containing 60-99 percent SO.sub.2 (sulfur dioxide) by volume and 1 to 40 percent steam by volume, followed by synthesis of SO.sub.3 (sulfur trioxide) without first drying the gas, and to an apparatus for carrying out said method.

Integrated plants and associated processes for producing ammonia and sulfuric acid have been developed comprising air separation and water electrolysis subsystems and which make surprisingly efficient use of the products from these subsystems (i.e. oxygen and nitrogen from the former and hydrogen and oxygen from the latter). The invention is particularly suitable for use as part of an integrated fertilizer production plant.