GB816587A - Improvements relating to electrolytic cells for the production of aluminium - Google Patents

Abstract

816,587. Electric heating for the electrolytic production of aluminium. POUR L'INDUSTRIE L'ALUMINIUM S.A. Jan. 17, 1957, No. 1806/57. Class 39(3) [Also in Group XXXVI] An electrolytic cell for producing aluminium by fused salt electrolysis comprises an anode 2 connected by rods 3 to the 'current supply and supported above a pot 1 having a carbon lining 5 in which are embedded cathode bars which have beneath the anode 2 horizontal straight parts 13 which, while lying mainly within, do not protrude more than 0.5 metre beyond the horizontal projection of the anode 2 on the bottom of the pot. Parts 15 of the bars, which extend out of the cell from the parts 13, lie below the parts 13 and are connected to bus bars 9 the upper edges of which are at a level not higher than the bottom of the pot and not lower than 2 metres beneath the bottom of the pot, the bus bars 9 being outside the cell and parallel to its longitudinal axis. As shown, each part 13 is joined by a vertical bar 14 to the parts 15. In a modification, the part corresponding to 13 extends the whole width of the anode 2 and is joined by three vertical bars corresponding to 14 to a continuous horizontal bar which extends between the bus bars 9. In another modification, the parts corresponding to 13, 15, form part of a single bar extending between the bus bars 9, the bar being kinked in two places to raise the central portion above the end portions, and in a further modification, the central portion, corresponding to 13, rests at each end on a portion corresponding to 15, to which it is welded. The carbon 5 comprises prebaked carbon blocks; the side walls of the pot 1 being lined with a layer 6 of rammed carbonaceous material baked in situ.