Inventors:
Noel Jarrett - Lower Burrell PA
Assignee:
Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
C25C 300
C25C 308
C25C 312
C25C 701
Abstract:
Disclosed are electrolytic cell and method in which first and second electrodes are adapted to pass a current through an inter-electrode zone of specified dimension for containing electrolyte, wherein the first electrode is held free from support by internal cell surfaces, and one electrode is provided with electrical connection to a liquid pad, e. g. , of molten metal product, having a higher electrical conductivity than cell electrolyte. A preferred embodiment includes channeling gas from the anode, facilitating run-off of product liquid from the cathode, and incorporating bipolar electrode assemblies. The cell and method of the present invention are suitable for the production of a metal, for example, aluminum, from a compound of the metal, e. g. , alumina, dissolved in an electrolyte, e. g. , cryolite.